In spite of their high surface charge (zeta potential ζ = +34 mV), aqueous suspensions of portlandite (calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH) 2 ) exhibit a strong tendency to aggregate, and thereby present unstable suspensions. While a variety of commercial dispersants seek to modify the suspension stability and rheology ( e.g. , yield stress, viscosity), it remains unclear how the performance of electrostatically and/or electrosterically based additives is affected in aqueous environments having either a high ionic strength and/or a pH close to the particle's isoelectric point (IEP). We show that the high native ionic strength (pH ≈ 12.6, IEP: pH ≈ 13) of saturated portlandite suspensions strongly screens electrostatic forces (Debye length: κ −1 = 1.2 nm). As a result, coulombic repulsion alone is insufficient to mitigate particle aggregation and affect rheology. However, a longer-range geometrical particle–particle exclusion that arises from electrosteric hindrance caused by the introduction of comb polyelectrolyte dispersants is very effective at altering the rheological properties and fractal structuring of suspensions. As a result, comb-like dispersants that stretch into the solvent reduce the suspension's yield stress by 5× at similar levels of adsorption as compared to linear dispersants, thus enhancing the critical solid loading ( i.e. , atmore »
Polyelectrolyte Complex Stabilized CO2 Foam Systems for Hydraulic Fracturing Application
Hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells is a water intensive process. Limited availability, cost and increasing government regulations restraining the use and disposal of fresh water have led to the need for alternative fracturing fluids. Using CO2 foam as a fracturing fluid can drastically reduce the need for water in hydraulic fracturing. We address the addition of polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PECNP) to surfactant solutions to improve foam stability, durability and rheological properties at high foam qualities. Polyelectrolyte pH and polyanion/polycation ratios were varied to minimize particle size and maximize absolute zeta potential of the resulting nanoparticles. Rheological tests were conducted on foam systems of varying surfactant/PECNP ratios and different foam quality to understand the effect of shear on viscosity under simulated reservoir conditions of 40°C and 1300 psi. The same foam systems were tested for stability and durability in a view cell at reservoir conditions. Supercritical CO2 foam generated by surfactant alone resulted in short lived, low viscosity foam because of surfactant drainage from foam lamellae. However, addition of PECNP strengthens the foam film by swelling the film due to increased osmotic pressure and electrostatic forces. Electrostatic interactions reduce dynamic movement of surfactant micelles, thereby stabilizing the foam more »
- Award ID(s):
- 1632892
- Publication Date:
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10311317
- Journal Name:
- SPE Liquids-Rich Basins Conference- North America
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- https://doi.org/10.2118/187489-MS
