Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel Carrier for Reducing Adsorption Loss of Petroleum Sulfonates

Abstract

As an effective anionic surfactant for chemical flooding, petroleum sulfonate (PS) is often used in conjunction with alkalis to reduce the adsorption loss of PS onto rock and clay surfaces. However, alkali injection can lead to scaling, aggravate the water-sensitive effect of clays, and accelerate polymer hydrolysis. Here, a temperature-responsive biohydrogel-based carrier (XLK) was designed to protect PS from adsorption onto geological features. XLK, an aqueous mixture containing 0.5% xanthan gum, 0.5% locust bean gum, and 2% KCl, was a gel at room temperature and transformed gradually into a sol above 50 °C (sol/gel transition temperature, T sol/gel ). Below the T sol/gel , most PS was retained in the gel, preventing the adsorption of PS onto quartz sand. Above the T sol/gel , PS was released into the surrounding medium. After it had been loaded with PS, the storage modulus (G′, Pa) of XLK increased from 10 2 to 10 3 and the loss modulus (G″, Pa) increased from 10 1 to 10 2 . Environmental scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that PS filled gaps within the cross-linked network structure of XLK. Compared with the aqueous XLK formulation, the addition of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) decreased the melt rate of XLK and the interfacial tension (IFT) of PS. Among the constituents of XLK loaded with PS, KCl had the most obvious effect of lowering the shear modulus of HPAM. Sufficient amounts of KCl were effective in reducing the IFT of PS to ultralow levels (10 −3 mN/m).

Fostering Κ-carrageenan Hydrogels with the Power of Natural Crosslinkers: A Comparison between Tender Coconut Water and Potassium Chloride for Antibacterial Therapy

“…The hydrogels' structure became compact on crosslinking, holding relatively less water than uncrosslinked ones. The hydrogels crosslinked with KCl showed the least swelling due to the electrostatic repulsion within them that reduces their swelling capacity and diameter [30]- [32]. Also, the broad cracks in their morphology decrease their ability to draw and hold water.…”

Study on Dynamic Liquid-Carrying Process of Foaming Agent and Establishment of Mathematical Model

“…There are many methods to study the properties of foaming agents, the traditional methods are mainly Ross–Miles method and the Bikerman method, In recent years, many new methods have been used to study foam properties, such as electrical conductivity, − near-infrared and optical properties, as well as high-energy particles, scanning electron microscopy and sound velocity methods, to achieve the expansion of foam properties at the microscopic level. For foaming agents, the existing detection methods mainly focus on static and short-term indicators under different conditions, including foaming capacity, foaming stability, liquid-carrying capacity of foaming agents, etc., ,, as well as the study of the foam instability mechanism extended from the study of foam stability. − However, in the process of gas well foam drainage and gas recovery, foaming agents are used as a liquid-carrying agent .…”

Molecular Dynamics-Assisted Design of High Temperature-Resistant Polyacrylamide/Poloxamer Interpenetrating Network Hydrogels

“…Blend with some special substances [16][17][18]. Through chemical interaction (Schiff base, grafting, and substitution reaction) or physical interaction (hydrophobic association, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction) [18,19], it is easier to form a cross-linked structure between the PAM molecules. This can make the polymer stronger and more difficult to transform conformation, thereby improving its stability at high temperature.…”