Insights into CO 2 Foaming Behavior of Ethoxylated Amines

Linh Le, Raja Ramanathan, Tariq Almubarak and Hisham A. Nasr-El-Din
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Linh Le: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Raja Ramanathan: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Tariq Almubarak: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Hisham A. Nasr-El-Din: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: Switchable ethoxylated amine surfactants are readily soluble in CO 2 and high-saline brines. The objective of the current work is to maximize the foamability and stability of CO 2 foam at 150 °F (65 °C) through adjustments in the surfactant concentration, pH, and brine salinity. From the results, the authors recommend potential applications of Ethomeen C12 (EC12) for CO 2 foam in the oil/gas industry. Foam stability tests helped determine the optimum parameters for CO 2 foam stability at 77 °F (25 °C) and 150 °F (65 °C). The surface tension of EC12 as a function of concentration was evaluated using a drop-shape analyzer. Maximum foam stability was observed for a solution comprising of 1.5 wt% EC12, 25 wt% NaCl, and pH 6.5 at 150 °F (65 °C). The interactions with the salts allowed closer packing of the surfactant molecules at the lamellae and strengthening the foam. At a pH of 2.5, the absence of salt led to poor foam stability. However, at the same pH and in the presence of sodium chloride, the foam was stable for longer periods of time due to the salt influence. The surface tension gradients had a direct relationship to foam stability. There was a strong resistance to foam degradation when multivalent ions were present with the surfactant.

Keywords: foam; interfacial properties; saline brine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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