Tailored Nanofluid Formulations: Enhancing Crude Oil Thermophysical Properties for Improved EOR Processes through MWCNTs and SDS Integration

Abstract

This research delved into the effects of introducing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) into crude oil with an anionic base, aiming to enhance its thermophysical attributes in the EOR process. The investigation encompassed a range of properties, including interfacial tension, viscosity, density, and electrical conductivity, measured using an LV rheometer with spindle 18. Various ratios of MWCNTs and SDS were mixed with the crude oil to evaluate their impacts. The study uncovered that the 1:1 ratio of MWCNTs to SDS achieved a noteworthy 10% reduction in interfacial tension while minimally affecting viscosity, showing promise for practical applications. Temperature had diverse effects on viscosity and interfacial tension, displaying fluctuating trends. The highest observed result was a substantial 190% viscosity increase at 40°C with a 2:1 ratio, whereas the lowest was a slight − 0.81% density change at 60°C for the 1:1 ratio. Additionally, interfacial tension consistently decreased over time for all ratios at various temperatures, with the most significant reductions observed at 40°C and 60°C, particularly for the 1:2 and 1:1 ratios. Furthermore, adding MWCNTs and SDS led to a remarkable drop in electrical conductivity, indicating a substantial decrease in salt content within the crude oil. However, it was noted that higher MWCNT concentrations might not be cost-effective, emphasizing the importance of optimizing additive ratios for a balance between performance and economic viability. This study highlights the potential of tailored nanofluid formulations to improve the thermophysical properties of crude oil, potentially enhancing extraction and refining processes.

Enhancing Heat Transfer in Industrial Heat Exchangers with Water-Based GO Nanofluids: Comprehensive Analysis and Performance Optimization

“…Nanofluid is described as a stable dispersion of nanoparticles in a liquid medium, where the nanoparticles exhibit sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm and are suspended within base fluids, e.g., water or ethylene glycol [11][12][13]. The utilization of nanofluids has garnered extensive use owing to their attribution to the enhancement of heat transfer and various thermophysical characteristics such as viscosity [14], flash point [15], thermal conductivity [16,17], heat and mass transfer coefficients, and cooling rate [18]. Improvements in thermophysical properties depend on the stability of nanofluid, which is governed by several parameters, including the base fluid type, nanoparticle characteristics (type, size, and morphology), surfactant selection, and the nanofluid synthesis method [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].…”