Automatic Continuous-Measuring System of Interfacial Tension by Spinning Drop Technique

Abstract

Abstract Surfactant/polymer and alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) floodings have been mostly used in worldwide oil fields as an effective enhanced-oil-recovery method. The principles of these chemical floodings are to reduce the interfacial tension between oil and flooding solution of alkaline/surfactant. The spinning drop technique has been used to evaluate the interfacial tension between oil and the solution by measuring the shape of the oil drop in the flooding solution contained in a capillary tube. Until now, the shape of the drop has been measured by micrometer of a microscope. This method, however, often brings on human errors and a great time-loss. In order to eliminate these defects, an automatic measuring system has been newly developed by combining a video-image analysis, an automatic recording system, and a computer for calculation of the interfacial tension under the spinning drop technique. The features of this system are as follows: It enables to measure and record the interfacial tension automatically for a long time. It enables to change the measuring time and the recording interval very easily by programming. It reduces human errors and contributes to laborsaving.