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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
06:31
Studying Surfactant Effects on Hydrate Crystallization at Oil-Water Interfaces Using a Low-Cost Integrated Modular Peltier Device
Published on: March 18, 2020
6.3K
Molecular dynamics simulation of surfactant reducing MMP between CH4 and n-decane
Zhenzhen Dong1, Shihao Qian1, Weirong Li1
1Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China.
Heliyon
|March 8, 2024
Summary
Surfactants can lower the high minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) in methane-oil systems for enhanced oil recovery. ME-6 surfactant reduced MMP by 14.10%, improving methane solubility and diffusion for better oil recovery and environmental benefits.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
- Computational Science
Background:
- Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) utilizes methane injection, but high minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) limits its effectiveness.
- Surfactants are explored to reduce MMP, improving methane's miscibility with oil.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of pressure and temperature on methane-n-decane interfacial tension.
- Assess surfactant effectiveness in reducing MMP for enhanced oil recovery.
Main Methods:
- Employed molecular dynamics simulations.
- Utilized the vanishing interfacial tension technique.
Main Results:
- Evaluated four surfactants, with ME-6 showing the most promise.
- ME-6 reduced MMP by 14.10% at 373 K.
- ME-6 enhanced methane solubility and diffusion in n-decane by altering interfacial interactions.
Conclusions:
- ME-6 surfactant significantly lowers MMP in methane-oil systems.
- This finding supports the use of surfactants for efficient methane EOR.
- Potential for reduced gas flaring and environmental benefits in oil reservoirs.
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