The Impact of Nanoparticle Adsorption on Transport and Wettability Alteration in Water-Wet Berea Sandstone: An Experimental Study

Li, Shidong; Torsæter, Ole; Lau, Hoong Chuin; Hadia, Nanji J.; Stubbs, Ludger P.

doi:10.3389/fphy.2019.00074

Cited by 46 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Nanoparticle adsorption is controlled by multiple factors. Li et al [23] observed, by the mean of advanced surface wetting visualisation, an increase in NP adsorption onto Berea sandstone when the NP concentration rose. The pH of the nanofluids also had an impact on the adsorption process, with a low pH (pH = 2.01) favouring uniform NP adsorption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sorption of Nanomaterials to Sandstone Rock

et al. 2022

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We investigated the interaction of silica nanostructured particles and sandstone rock using various experimental approaches, such as fluid compatibility, batch sorption and single-phase core-floods. Diol and polyethylenglycol (PEG) surface-modified nanostructured silica materials were tested using two brines differing in ionic strength and with the addition of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Berea and Keuper outcrop materials (core plug and crushed samples) were used. Core-flood effluents were analysed to define changes in concentration and a rock’s retention compared to a tracer. Field Flow Fractionation (FFF) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were performed to investigate changes in the effluent’s size distribution. Adsorption was evaluated using UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest adsorption was observed in brine with high ionic strength, whereas the use of alkali reduced the adsorption. The crushed material from Berea rock showed slightly higher adsorption compared to Keuper rock, whereas temperature had a minor effect on adsorption behaviour. In core-flood experiments, no effects on permeability have been observed. The used particles showed a delayed breakthrough compared to the tracer, and bigger particles passed the rock core faster. Nanoparticle recovery was significantly lower for PEG-modified nanomaterials in Berea compared to diol-modified nanomaterials, suggesting high adsorption. SEM images indicate that adsorption spots are defined via surface roughness rather than mineral type. Despite an excess of nanomaterials in the porous medium, monolayer adsorption was the prevailing type observed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sorption of Nanomaterials to Sandstone Rock

et al. 2022

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“…NPs can alter the properties of rock mineral surface towards superhydrophilic (affinity for water) or superhydrophobic (repel water) based on how their surface was coated. Hydrophilicity promotes a water-wet surface [ 28 ], while hydrophobic NPs have almost no impact on the wettability [ 29 ]. Alvarez-Berrios et al [ 30 ] investigated the effect of surface charge of silica NPs on the wettability alteration using Berea sandstone outcrops.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wettability Changes Due to Nanomaterials and Alkali—A Proposed Formulation for EOR

et al. 2021

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We investigated the usage of two silica nanomaterials (surface-modified) and alkali in enhanced oil recovery through Amott spontaneous imbibition tests, interfacial tension (IFT) measurements, and phase behavior. We evaluated the wettability alteration induced by the synergy between nanomaterials and alkali. Moreover, numerical analysis of the results was carried out using inverse Bond number and capillary diffusion coefficient. Evaluations included the use of Berea and Keuper outcrop material, crude oil with different total acid numbers (TAN), and Na2CO3 as alkaline agent. Data showed that nanomaterials can reduce the IFT, with surface charge playing an important role in this process. In synergy with alkali, the use of nanomaterials led to low-stable IFT values. This effect was also seen in the phase behavior tests, where brine/oil systems with lower IFT exhibited better emulsification. Nanomaterials’ contribution to the phase behavior was mainly the stabilization of the emulsion middle phase. The influence of TAN number on the IFT and phase behavior was prominent especially when combined with alkali. Amott spontaneous imbibition resulted in additional oil recovery ranging from 4% to 50% above the baseline, which was confirmed by inverse Bond number analysis. High recoveries were achieved using alkali and nanomaterials; these values were attributed to wettability alteration that accelerated the imbibition kinetics as seen in capillary diffusion coefficient analysis.

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“…Some EOR experiments with silica nanoparticles have been performed and showed positive results in increasing oil recovery [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The proposed EOR mechanisms for silica nanoparticles include interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration, plugging of pore channels, disjoining pressure and emulsification [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Investigation of Stability of Silica Nanoparticles at Reservoir Conditions for Enhanced Oil-Recovery Applications

Lau

et al. 2020

Nanomaterials

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To be effective enhanced oil-recovery (EOR) agents, nanoparticles must be stable and be transported through a reservoir. However, the stability of a nanoparticle suspension at reservoir salinity and temperature is still a challenge and how it is affected by reservoir rocks and crude oils is not well understood. In this work, for the first time, the effect of several nanoparticle treatment approaches on the stability of silica nanoparticles at reservoir conditions (in the presence of reservoir rock and crude oil) was investigated for EOR applications. The stability of nanoparticle suspensions was screened in test tubes at 70 °C and 3.8 wt. % NaCl in the presence of reservoir rock and crude oil. Fumed silica nanoparticles in suspension with hydrochloric acid (HCl), polymer-modified fumed nanoparticles and amide-functionalized silica colloidal nanoparticles were studied. The size and pH of nanoparticle suspension in contact with rock samples were measured to determine the mechanism for stabilization or destabilization of nanoparticles. A turbidity scanner was used to quantify the stability of the nanoparticle suspension. Results showed that both HCl and polymer surface modification can improve nanoparticle stability under synthetic seawater salinity and 70 °C. Suspensions of polymer-modified nanoparticles were stable for months. It was found that pH is a key parameter influencing nanoparticle stability. Rock samples containing carbonate minerals destabilized unmodified nanoparticles. Crude oil had limited effect on nanoparticle stability. Some components of crude oil migrated into the aqueous phase consisting of amide-functionalized silica colloidal nanoparticles suspension. Nanoparticles modification or/and stabilizer are necessary for nanoparticle EOR application.

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The Impact of Nanoparticle Adsorption on Transport and Wettability Alteration in Water-Wet Berea Sandstone: An Experimental Study

Cited by 46 publications

References 27 publications

Sorption of Nanomaterials to Sandstone Rock

Sorption of Nanomaterials to Sandstone Rock

Wettability Changes Due to Nanomaterials and Alkali—A Proposed Formulation for EOR

Experimental Investigation of Stability of Silica Nanoparticles at Reservoir Conditions for Enhanced Oil-Recovery Applications

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