Flow characteristics of surfactant solutions in porous media and their role in permeability modification
This work presents a study on flow properties of surfactant solutions in porous media, using the Penn State porous media viscometer. The effects of permeability, shear rate, and surface characteristics of porous media on the flow of oil- and water-external microemulsions, as well as surfactant solutions with lamellar structures, are examined. Untreated Bradford and Berea sand-stones, oil- and water-wet treated sandstones, and filter papers are used as porous media. The study shows that the effective viscosity of the surfactant solution (as measured in porous media), on the basis of initial permeabilities, is greater than the bulk viscosity (as measured by conventional viscometers). This increase is small for Newtonian surfactant solutions but is quite substantial for non-Newtonian surfactant solutions. 31 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Standard Oil Co, Ohio
- OSTI ID:
- 5377583
- Journal Information:
- SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States), Journal Name: SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States) Vol. 21:6; ISSN SSPJD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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