Adsorption kinetics investigation of surfactant molecules at the short-chain alkane-water interface

Abstract

Foam drainage technology based on surfactants is considered the most promising measure to solve liquid accumulation in natural gas wells and gathering pipelines. However, the presence of multiple alkane components in condensate and natural gas will affect the properties of aqueous foam containing surfactants, which greatly limits the application of this technology. To clarify the mechanisms of different condensate oil and natural gas components on foam properties, the interface characteristics of different alkane-surfactant-water systems were systematically analyzed from thermodynamics and kinetics by molecular dynamics simulation and experimental methods. The results show that the interfacial adsorption of alkanes and the interaction between alkanes and surfactants are the main factors affecting the surface tension and stability of interfacial films of different systems. This study has guiding significance and reference value for foam drainage in oil and gas fields.