2025, Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part A

Author(s): Muhammad Hamza, Musa Momoh, Faruk Sani and Lawal Sa’adu

Abstract: Interfacial tension (IFT) measurement is a critical diagnostic and optimization tool in high-salinity reservoirs for developing efficient EOR methods and increasing oil production. This study aims to determine the best nanoparticle types and concentrations for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by examining the impact of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on interfacial tension (IFT) between crude oil and brine under high-salinity conditions. With just brine and crude oil, the baseline IFT was 16.47 dyne/cm. When SiO₂ nanoparticles were added, the IFT dropped dramatically to 7.80 dyne/cm at 0.01 wt%. However, as the concentration was increased further, the results fluctuated, peaking at 10.73 dyne/cm (0.05 wt%) and then falling again to 7.61 dyne/cm (2 wt%). Aggregation effects and fluctuating adsorption efficiencies are suggested by this non-linear behavior. Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, on the other hand, showed a more consistent and effective IFT reduction, reaching 5.77 dyne/cm at 0.01 wt% and sustaining low values (5.89-6.09 dyne/cm) up to 1 wt%. The ideal concentration was found at 3wt% Al₂O₃, which had the lowest IFT (4.22 dyne/cm).
Surface charge, morphology, and hydrophilicity are some of the physicochemical characteristics of Al₂O₃ that improve its interfacial activity and are responsible for its superior performance. According to these results, AlO₃ nanoparticles reduce IFT more effectively than SiO₂ in high-salinity environments, which makes them better candidates for EOR applications.

DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2025.v7.i9a.1665

Pages: 19-23 | Views: 90 | Downloads: 14

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