On determining the continuous phase in microemulsions
In light of recent advances in the use of micellar solutions (microemulsions) in oil recovery and well stimulation, it has become important to define accurately the physical properties of these systems. One aspect of such work is to distinguish between the disperse phase and the continuous phase, particularly at extreme concentrations of either water or hydrocarbon. Conventional techniques for making this distinction include the dye solubility method, the phase dilution method, the conductivity method, and the fluorescence method. However, a single test may give ambiguous results. Viscosity, conductivity and miscibility data are presented for a series of micellar solutions (4 examples) that are comparable in composition with those applied in the field. Miscibility data in combination with conductivity data give a clear indication as to whether the external phase is oil or water, even at extreme concentrations of the internal phase. Conductivity data alone are insufficient. Further, these data show that as much as 70% by wt of the total system can exist as the internal or disperse phase in an optically clear system.
- Research Organization:
- Marathon Oil Co
- OSTI ID:
- 6178354
- Journal Information:
- J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 23
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
MICELLAR SYSTEMS
PHASE STUDIES
OIL WELLS
MISCIBLE-PHASE DISPLACEMENT
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
PETROLEUM
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLUBILITY
TESTING
VISCOSITY
WATER
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production