Experimental and data-driven analysis for predicting nanofluid performance in improving foam stability and reducing...

Area of Science:

• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• Colloid and Surface Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surfactant-based foam flooding is crucial for reducing mobility and preventing early fluid breakthrough in reservoirs.
• Harsh reservoir conditions (high temperature, pressure, salinity) limit the efficiency of traditional surfactant foams.
• Nanoparticles offer potential to enhance foam stability and performance, but their optimal use at critical micelle concentration (CMC) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate the impact of nanosilica on surfactant foam stability (half-life) and mobility reduction factor (MRF) at CMC.
• To analyze literature data for nanofluid-based foam performance at CMC.
• To determine the optimum nanoparticle concentration for effective foam flooding.

Main Methods:

• Experimental study using nanosilica with surfactants at CMC.
• Measurement of foam stability (half-life) and mobility reduction factor (MRF).
• Literature data compilation and analysis for nanofluid-based foams at CMC.

Main Results:

• Nanofluid-based foams demonstrate improved stability and reduced mobility compared to traditional foams.
• Nanoparticle concentration is a key factor influencing foam flow in porous media across various salinities and temperatures.
• Experimental and literature data confirm the efficacy of nanofluids in enhancing foam performance.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle application is a successful strategy to overcome limitations of surfactant foams in challenging reservoirs.
• The optimal nanoparticle concentration range for robust foam performance is 0.2-0.4 wt%.
• Further research into nanoparticle-surfactant interactions at CMC can optimize enhanced oil recovery techniques.