Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Nano-bentonite Particles on the Stability of SDS/N۲ Foams

Considering the high global demand for energy and the inevitable decline of easily accessible oil reserves, optimizing oil recovery processes has become essential. One such approach is the use of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods. Foam injection is a widely used EOR technique due to its ability to improve oil sweep efficiency compared to the gas injection. However, maintaining foam stability is a fundamental challenge in the oil industry. This study investigates the effect of nano-bentonite on the stability of generated foams to be used in EOR processes. Nano-bentonite was tested at various water salinity concentrations to evaluate foam initial height and half-life. Experiments were conducted using deionized water, ۱۰ times diluted seawater, seawater, and ۲ times concentrated seawater. Tests were performed in the presence and absence of nano-bentonite, and the findings indicate that nano-bentonite significantly enhances foam stability. The use of nano-bentonite could lead to more sustainable and effective oil production methods, aligning with the increasing global energy demand and the need for innovative solutions in the oil industry.

Keywords:

Nanoparticle , Nano-bentonite , Foam Stability , Surfactant , Water Salinity