Experimental investigation on the effect of nanoparticles on surfactant flooding performance in resin-based 3D printed porous media

Abstract

Adding nanoparticles (NPs) into surfactant solutions represents a promising strategy for enhancing oil displacement in porous media, with significant implications for various engineering and environmental applications, including soil remediation and enhanced oil recovery from underground reservoirs. Recent investigations have focused on the integration of silica and alumina NPs into anionic surfactant solutions to mitigate interfacial tension (IFT) and reduce the contact angle between the surfactant and oil phases. However, the utilization of these injection scenarios in fractured porous media has received limited attention. In this experimental study, we employed a 3D printer to design and fabricate three distinct porous media types: single permeability (S), fractured (F), and dual permeability (D). Subsequently, we prepared the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution by adding SDS powder into a brine solution containing 2% NaCl. Nanofluids were then produced through the dispersion of SiO2 and Al2O3 NPs in the SDS solution using a sonicator. The prepared solutions were subsequently injected into each porous medium, while the recovery process was recorded using a camera. Recovery rates for each scenario were calculated utilizing a developed Python image processing code. Furthermore, analysis of the images enabled us to demonstrate the behavior and growth of the displacing phase’s fingers within the oil phase. Findings from this study showed that SDS injection into the S medium resulted in an approximate 60% oil recovery. Adding silica and alumina NPs into the SDS solution led to enhanced total recovery rates of up to 70% and 78%, respectively. The recovery results obtained from tests conducted within the F medium exhibited a pronounced decrease, with the SDS solution sweeping a mere 25% of the medium, while the silica and alumina nanofluids recovered 43% and 47%, of the oil respectively. Notably, the silica nanofluid displayed superior performance to the alumina nanofluid during the breakthrough stage in the F medium. In the D medium, the injection of SDS, silica, and alumina nanofluids achieved total recovery rates of 49%, 53%, and 56%, respectively. These outcomes highlight the diminished effectiveness of nanofluids within the dual permeable medium.