Insights into Nanoscale Wettability Effects of Low Salinity and Nanofluid Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques

摘要: In this study, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques—namely low salinity and nanofluid EOR—are probed at the nanometer-scale using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Mica substrates were used as model clay-rich rocks while AFM tips coated to present alkyl (-CH3), aromatic (-C6H5) carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups, simulate media. We prepared brine formulations test dilution cation bridging effects selected concentrations (0 1 wt%) of hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in wt% NaCl nanofluids. Samples immersed fluid cells chemical mapping was measure adhesion between polar/non-polar moieties substrates. Adhesion work evaluated based on force-displacement curves compared with theories. Results from studies indicate that waters nanoparticle dispersions promote nanoscale wettability alteration by significantly reducing three-phase reversible thermodynamic adhesion, also known energy. The maximum reduction energy obtained experiments excellent agreement existing Electrostatic repulsion reduced non-electrostatic are prominent surface forces common both EOR. Structural complex nature may not always decrease total high concentration. Wettability depend groups presence divalent Mg2+ Ca2+ cations. This study provides fresh insights fundamental information about EOR demonstrating application force-distance spectroscopy investigating techniques.