Microemulsion rheology: Newtonian and non-Newtonian regimes
Viscosity measurements are reported for microemulsions formed with pure and commercial surfactants, currently used for enhancing oil recovery. Approximate viscosities were measured with the multi-phase rolling ball viscometer. Viscosities as functions of shear rate were measured on a cone-and-plate rheometer with an environmental chamber designed to control both temperature and evaporation It is shown that at a fixed shear rate or shear stress, microemulsion viscosity often goes through two maxima as the salinity of the mixing brine increases and the microemulsion passes from a water-continuous to an oil-continuous phase. Microemulsions near these maxima exhibit non-Newtonian behavior: under shear their viscosity decreases by as much as a factor of six. Away from the maxima, microemulsion appeared to be substantially Newtonian. 29 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ of MN, USA
- OSTI ID:
- 6404827
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-811023-
- Journal Information:
- Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States); ISSN SEAPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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