Model Emulsions (SAGD Reservoir)

Development of Model Emulsions to Replicate SAGD Reservoir Emulsion Features 

We developed synthetic emulsions that, at ambient conditions, replicate in-situ SAGD emulsion features in terms of mean droplet size, viscosity, emulsion type, kinetic stability, and water content [1-4]. We presented a framework to accurately adjust the emulsion properties to reach the target features. We developed a recipe with water, the external oil phase, and non-ionic surfactants and carried out screening and comparative tests to determine the proper homogenization settings, assess the surfactant and additives performance, and evaluate the effects of electrolyte, phase ratio, and additives concentrations on the emulsions. We established correlations for the target features with the concentration of the additives/components. Using a model emulsion allows running many core flood tests for thermal projects at ambient conditions.

1. Li, Y, Ning, F., Xu, M., Qi, M., Sun, J., Nouri, A., Gao, D., Wu, N. (2022). Experimental Study on Solid Particle Migration and Production Behaviors during Natural Gas Hydrate Dissociation by Depressurization. Petroleum Science.

2. Velayati*, A., Nouri, A. (2021). Role of Asphaltene in Stability of Water-in-oil Model Emulsions: The Effects of Oil Composition and Size of the Aggregates and Droplets. Energy & Fuels. 35(7): 5941-5954.

3. Velayati*, A., Nouri, A. (2020). Physical Features’ Characterization of the Water-in-mineral Oil Macro Emulsion Stabilized by a Nonionic Surfactant. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology.

4. Velayati*, A., Nouri, A. (2020). Emulsification and Emulsion Flow in Thermal Recovery Operations with a Focus on SAGD Operations: A Critical Review. Fuel. 267: 117-141.