Mechanism for ultralow interfacial tension in systems containing microemulsions: theoretical considerations and experiments
The need to achieve ultralow interfacial tensions (less than 10/sup -2/ dyne/>cm) is the key feature of oil recovery by surfactant flooding, which is one of the promising enhanced oil recovery techniques. A theory of ultralow interfacial tensions and their relation to phase separation in micellar solution is developed. The theory predicts that interfaces having very low tensions can be produced when a micellar solution separates into a micelle-rich and a micelle-lean phase. The theory discloses that the micelle size is a key factor determining phase behavior and the magnitude of interfacial tension. The surfactant phase was found to be oil-continuous in some portions of its region of existence and water-continuous in others. This result confirms the theory's prediction that this phase forms as a result of phase separation in a microemulsion or micellar solution.
- OSTI ID:
- 6369467
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EMULSIONS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FLUID MECHANICS
INTERFACES
MECHANICS
MICELLAR SYSTEMS
MICROEMULSION FLOODING
MICROEMULSIONS
MISCIBLE-PHASE DISPLACEMENT
OIL WELLS
PHASE STABILITY
PHASE STUDIES
RECOVERY
STABILITY
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE TENSION
SURFACTANTS
WELLS