Interfacial properties of gas, brine and hydrocarbon systems
File(s)
Author(s)
Pan, Ziqing
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Interfacial phenomena play a crucial role in geological carbon storage and enhanced oil recovery in the context of tackling global warming and simultaneously seeking efficient hydrocarbon recovery. This thesis focuses on the experimental determination and modelling of interfacial tension (IFT) and interfacial rheological properties of analogue reservoir fluids under conditions representative of subsurface formations.
This work starts by investigating the effect of contrast agents used in X-ray CT imaging on IFTs. IFTs between N2, CO2, KI (aq) and decane-iododecane mixtures were measured at temperatures from 298.15 K to 353.15 K and pressures up to 30 MPa or the minimal miscibility pressures (MMP). Empirical models were developed. A workflow was proposed for estimating IFTs of other systems in the presence of contrast agents with minimal experimental work required.
The dynamic and equilibrium IFTs between CO2, decane and water under three-phase equilibrium conditions were measured at temperatures from 298.15 K to 353.15 K and pressures up to the MMP. Oil drop swelled and dynamic IFT decreased over time due to CO2 mass transfer. The effect of temperature and pressure was investigated, and an empirical model was developed.
The measured IFTs under two- and three-phase equilibrium conditions can be accurately predicted by density gradient theory (DGT) coupled with volume-translated Peng Robinson EOS (VTPR) or volume-translated Cubic-Plus-Association (VTCPA) EOS. DGT can also provide information on interfacial density profile and relative Gibbs adsorption.
A scoping study was carried out for the experimental determination of interfacial rheological properties. The interfacial dilational modulus of N2 and SDS (aq) at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) were measured by the oscillating drop method. The effect of temperature, pressure, surfactant bulk concentration and oscillating frequency were investigated.
Overall, this work provides quantitative knowledge of static and dynamic interfacial properties and demonstrates the superior capability of DGT for correlating and predicting IFT.
This work starts by investigating the effect of contrast agents used in X-ray CT imaging on IFTs. IFTs between N2, CO2, KI (aq) and decane-iododecane mixtures were measured at temperatures from 298.15 K to 353.15 K and pressures up to 30 MPa or the minimal miscibility pressures (MMP). Empirical models were developed. A workflow was proposed for estimating IFTs of other systems in the presence of contrast agents with minimal experimental work required.
The dynamic and equilibrium IFTs between CO2, decane and water under three-phase equilibrium conditions were measured at temperatures from 298.15 K to 353.15 K and pressures up to the MMP. Oil drop swelled and dynamic IFT decreased over time due to CO2 mass transfer. The effect of temperature and pressure was investigated, and an empirical model was developed.
The measured IFTs under two- and three-phase equilibrium conditions can be accurately predicted by density gradient theory (DGT) coupled with volume-translated Peng Robinson EOS (VTPR) or volume-translated Cubic-Plus-Association (VTCPA) EOS. DGT can also provide information on interfacial density profile and relative Gibbs adsorption.
A scoping study was carried out for the experimental determination of interfacial rheological properties. The interfacial dilational modulus of N2 and SDS (aq) at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) were measured by the oscillating drop method. The effect of temperature, pressure, surfactant bulk concentration and oscillating frequency were investigated.
Overall, this work provides quantitative knowledge of static and dynamic interfacial properties and demonstrates the superior capability of DGT for correlating and predicting IFT.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2022-08-07
Date Awarded
01/12/2022
License URL
Advisor
Trusler, John Paul Martin
Sponsor
Imperial College London
China Scholarship Council
Publisher Department
Chemical Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)