Experimental investigation of chemical solutions effects on wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction using nano-alkaline–surfactant fluid: an EOR application in carbonate reservoirs

Abstract

The wettability preference of carbonate reservoirs is neutral-wet or oil-wet as the prevailing of hydrocarbon reserves that affects approximately half of the total production of hydrocarbons of the world. Therefore, due to surface wettability of carbonate rocks the notable fraction of oil is held inside their pores in comparison with sandstones. Since shifting the wettability preference toward water-wet system is of great interest, numerous components were used for this purpose. In this experimental research, the wettability alteration of dolomite surface by interacting with a novel nano-surfactant–alkaline fluid has been investigated in order to diminish its adhesion to crude oil droplets. The solutions were prepared by homogenous mixing of nanosilica particles with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and sodium carbonate, respectively, as a cationic surfactant and alkaline agent. The maximum wettability alteration from oil-wet to water system was obtained by employing a mixture of nanoparticles in association with surfactant–alkaline. Then, the fluids were employed in core-surface from detached and attached forms to compare their interfacial effects on saturated thin sections by crude oil and to measure the wettability. In addition, the interfacial tension (IFT) between solutions and crude oil was investigated and the maximum IFT reduction was obtained from nano-surfactant. Finally, all chemical solutions were flooded to the dolomite plugs separately after water flooding in order to evaluate the maximum oil recovery factor acquired by nano-surfactant.

Stability, Rheological Behavior, and pH Responsiveness of CTAB/HCl Acidic Emulsion: Experimental Investigation

“…Furthermore, CTAB has been effectively used in the creation of tight and dependable viscoelastic surfactants (VES) that are applied for the hydraulic fracturing of shale gas and in constricted reservoirs . Additionally, the recent papers by Li et al, Ashtari Larki et al, and Rajabi et al demonstrate the practicality of nanosilica and CTAB in enhancing the efficiency of oil recovery. Moreover, CTAB combined with silica nanoparticles has been utilized for increasing the ultimate oil recovery as well .…”

Chemically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol for water shut‐off and conformance control treatments during oil production: The effect of silica nanoparticles

“…Variety of researches have been conducted and truly demonstrated the affordable and effective application of NPs in gelation time elongation or shortening, 31,32 mechanical properties enhancement, 33 structure framework reinforcement and thermal stability, 34 and wettability modifier. [35][36][37] Considering the above-mentioned concepts, the present experimental study was conducted given the strong need of dealing with challenges related to high water cut oil producing wells. The research is focused on the reduction of the amount of water that gets into the wellbore and allows to enhance the water handling efficiency due to the constraints on surface processing capacity, and since Oil companies' commitment to do more to manage the environmental impact of their activities, especially with respect to water management in oilfields nowadays.…”

“…NPs as multifunction materials for unifying the structure on molecular and nanoscale levels could be an assistant in water treatment application. Variety of researches have been conducted and truly demonstrated the affordable and effective application of NPs in gelation time elongation or shortening, 31,32 mechanical properties enhancement, 33 structure framework reinforcement and thermal stability, 34 and wettability modifier 35–37 …”