Title : An experimental investigation into the interplay of temperature and surfactant type on the rheological behavior, stability, and structure of foams
Abstract:
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, such as foam flooding, are crucial for maximizing hydrocarbon production from mature reservoirs. Foam stability and rheological behavior are critical factors influencing foam mobility and oil displacement efficiency in porous media. This study experimentally investigates the interplay of temperature and surfactant type on the rheological behavior, foamability, stability, and microstructural characteristics of foams relevant to EOR applications. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature variations (from 25°C to 80°C) and different surfactant chemistries (anionic, nonionic, and cationic) on foam generation, stability, and rheological properties (viscosity, elasticity). High-speed imaging techniques were employed to analyze foam microstructure and bubble size distribution. Results demonstrate that temperature significantly influences foam stability and rheological properties, with varying degrees of sensitivity depending on the surfactant type. Anionic surfactants generally exhibited higher foam stability at elevated temperatures, while nonionic surfactants showed greater temperature sensitivity, often experiencing foam collapse at higher temperatures. The rheological behavior of the foams was found to be strongly influenced by both temperature and surfactant type, with some surfactants exhibiting shear-thinning behavior at elevated temperatures. Microstructural analysis revealed that temperature variations significantly impacted bubble size distribution and foam texture, with smaller and more uniform bubbles observed at lower temperatures for some surfactant systems. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the mechanisms governing foam behavior under reservoir conditions, including the effects of temperature on surfactant adsorption, bubble coalescence, and film drainage. These insights can guide the selection and optimization of surfactant systems for improved foam EOR performance, particularly in high-temperature reservoirs.
