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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
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Pore-scale Imaging and Characterization of Hydrocarbon Reservoir Rock Wettability at Subsurface Conditions Using X-ray Microtomography
Published on: October 21, 2018
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Wetting Behavior of Kerogen Surfaces: Insights from Molecular Dynamics
Neda Sanchouli1, Saeed Babaei2, Matej Kanduč3
1Department of Petroleum Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman 7616914111, Iran.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 7, 2024
Summary
Investigating kerogen wettability in shale reservoirs, this study found that surface flexibility and roughness increase hydrophilicity. Kerogen
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Petroleum Geoscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Kerogen, the organic matter in shale, dictates reservoir wettability.
- Understanding kerogen wettability is crucial for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery and carbon storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the wettability of kerogen surfaces using molecular dynamics simulations.
- To analyze the influence of droplet size, morphology, and surface roughness on water contact angles.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to model kerogen-surface interactions.
- Water contact angles were calculated for varying droplet sizes and surface characteristics.
Main Results:
- Contact angle dependency on droplet size increased with surface rigidity.
- Increased surface flexibility and roughness led to higher hydrophilicity due to enhanced hydrogen bonding.
- Kerogen wettability transitioned between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states (contact angles 65-75°).
Conclusions:
- Kerogen nanostructure significantly impacts wetting preference, influencing water-oil interactions.
- These findings are vital for improving fluid management strategies in shale reservoirs for applications like carbon sequestration and oil extraction.
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