Probing the interactions of dolomite surfaces with oil at the molecular scale

Authors
Wang, N 
Collins, IR 
Webb, KJ 
Wan, Q 

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Type
Article
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Abstract

The oil wettability of reservoir rock surfaces is a key issue affecting oil production and enhanced oil recovery. Understanding of the factors that determine this wettability and how to change the rock wetting state is necessary in order to improve oil recovery efficiency. In this study, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been used to study the change of wettability of dolomites after exposure to crude oil. Oil aggregates are seen to adhere to particular areas of the surface in a manner dependent on the surface electrical potential, with a higher affinity towards regions of the surface with negative charge indicating that asphaltenes possess a native positive charge. The effect of exposure to brine has also been studied, the key finding being that via a modification of the surface potential, it leads to significantly less adsorption of the polar components of oil.

Publication Date
2019
Online Publication Date
2019-06-18
Acceptance Date
2019-06-18
Keywords
40 Engineering, 4019 Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy
Journal Title
Energy and Fuels
Journal ISSN
0887-0624
1520-5029
Volume Title
33
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Rights
All rights reserved