Formulation of an Encapsulated Surfactant System, ESS, via β-CD Host–Guest Interactions to Inhibit Surfactant Adsorption onto Solid Surfaces

Abstract

In this work, the issue of surfactant adsorption (SA) onto solid surfaces was attempted through surfactant encapsulation via host−guest interactions using β-CD. Formulations of a nonencapsulated surfactant system (Non-ESS) and an encapsulated surfactant system (ESS) were obtained through phase behavior analysis. Rheology shows that the ESS and Non-ESS display low viscosities, shear-thinning flow behavior, and structural stability. The ESS and Non-ESS were applied as surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery via coreflooding displacement tests to evaluate their performances in displacing and recovering residual oil. Static and dynamic SA tests of the ESS and Non-ESS were conducted. The experimental results demonstrate the effective propagation of both systems through the sand-packs. At the same flooding conditions, the ESS produced 63% higher incremental oil recovery than the Non-ESS, which confirms a reduced SA and effective surfactant release from the β-CD in the presence of oil. The static SA tests indicate that the ESS reduced SA by 82.42%, 60.59%, and 6.73% onto sand, kaolin, and shale respectively, relative to the Non-ESS. Likewise, the dynamic SA tests demonstrate that the ESS reduced SA onto sand−kaolin surfaces by 43.3% relative to the Non-ESS. Consequently, the ESS shows potential for applications where SA onto solid surfaces is a critical issue.

Advancements in Surfactant Carriers for Enhanced Oil Recovery: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…The authors observed that surfactant encapsulation effectively prevents surfactant loss due to adsorption onto solid surfaces and maintains the integrity of the surfactant mass flowing through sand-based porous media systems. 316 The CD cavity exhibits the capability to release surfactant molecules and encapsulate oil molecules owing to its pronounced hydrophobic nature. Consequently, the encapsulated surfactant is liberated from the cavity, allowing it to penetrate the pores of the formation and perform its designated functions.…”

“…This study highlighted the importance of the encapsulator (carrier) in the EOR system. The authors observed that surfactant encapsulation effectively prevents surfactant loss due to adsorption onto solid surfaces and maintains the integrity of the surfactant mass flowing through sand-based porous media systems . The CD cavity exhibits the capability to release surfactant molecules and encapsulate oil molecules owing to its pronounced hydrophobic nature.…”

Unveiling the revolutionary role of nanoparticles in the oil and gas field: Unleashing new avenues for enhanced efficiency and productivity

“…It is evident that the formation of micelles initiates at higher concentrations of surfactants, leading to the creation of hemimicelles consisting of one or two layers of surfactant molecules [ 255 , 256 ]. After the solid surface has been coated with this layer, the adsorption process continues until a complete bilayer is formed [ [257] , [258] , [259] ]. To enhance the adsorption of the surfactant onto solid surfaces, it is essential to anchor the molecules at the interfaces between liquid-liquid or liquid-air [ 260 , 261 ].…”

Static and dynamic adsorption of supramolecular surfactant for oil recovery in high temperature and salinity conditions

“…Massarweh and Abushaikha (2020) reviewed the use of surfactants in EOR in 2020, they found that the surfactants have successfully increased the oil recovery through interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration, foam generation, and emulsification. Also, several papers use formulations or synergistic combinations of surfactants to enhance the performance of EOR (Belhaj et al, 2021; Cui et al, 2012; Jian et al, 2018; Liu et al, 2018; Romero‐Zerón et al, 2020; Sarkar et al, 2021; Sarmah et al, 2019). However, since 2010, supramolecular surfactants have been developed and employed.…”