Mechanisms of foam generation in glass-bead packs

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/15441-PA· OSTI ID:6680458

Ransohoff, T C; Radke, C J

The fundamental, pore-level mechanisms of foam generation are investigated in monodisperse bead packs. First, direct visual observations identify the following generation mechanisms: lamella leave-behind, gas-bubble snap-off, and lamella division. Then, to ascertain the relative importance of these mechanisms, quantitative experiments are pursued on the role of bead-pack permeability (bead sizes from 0.25 to 1 mm (0.01 to 0.04 in)), gas-phase velocity (0.001 to 0.8 cm/s (0.0004 to 0.3 in./sec)), gas-phase fractional flow (0.60 to 1.0), permeability variations, and surfactant type (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SBDS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Chevron Chaser SD1000, and Suntech IV 1035). The authors discover a critical velocity, above which a ''strong'' foam is generated and below which only ''weak'' foam is formed. The snapp-off mechanism is the primary mechanism responsible for the formation of the strong foam. A simple model, based on the concept of a ''germination site,'' is developed to predict the onset of snap-off at higher gas velocities. New experimental data obtained in the homogeneous glass-bead packs for the critical capillary number necessary to form a strong foam are in excellent agreement with the proposed germination-site model.

• Research Organization: Xoma, Berkeley, CA (US)
• OSTI ID: 6680458
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN SREEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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