Experiment on Measurement of Interfacial Tension for Subsurface Conditions of Light Oil from Thailand

Abstract

One of enhanced oil recovery techniques to increase oil production is surfactant flooding. Surfactants are considered as effective chemical agents used in oilfield in Thailand. It is used to reduce the interfacial tension (IFT) of two fluids and to make them flow easier in the reservoir. In this study, Monoethanolamide (MEA) commonly used for carbon dioxide capture, is applied as a surfactant to reduce IFT between oil and brine. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate and measure the IFT based on the conditions of subsurface at the oilfield in Thailand. These parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity as well as the concentration of surfactant are adjusted to investigate the effects on IFT reduction. From the results, it is reported that pressure from 1000 to 2000 psi and temperature varied from 70°C to 90°C can reduce IFT insignificantly. However, salinity and surfactant concentration are the main parameters that impact on the IFT reduction. It can greatly decrease IFT up to 87.13% for surfactant concentration and up to 74.06% for salinity. Finally, the results can be applied to use in the real field for enhanced oil production in Thailand