Foam stabilization mechanism of core-shell particles: Insights from the gas-liquid interface theory
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Abstract
To improve oil displacement efficiency under deep reservoir conditions, foam flooding technology represents a critical strategy through the establishment of a stable, long-lasting foam system. A central challenge in this application is to characterize the evolution dynamics of foam under extreme reservoir conditions such as high temperature and salinity. In this study, a performance evaluation experiment of foams generated by different types of surfactants was carried out by using the Waring-blender method. The foam stability characteristics were analyzed on the basis of foam volume, half-life of the liquid solution, and the foam comprehensive index and other related parameters. Based on the microscopic action mechanism of gas-liquid interface, the change pattern of foam performance with concentration, salinity and the coordinated action of core-shell particles were investigated. Both candidate surfactants exhibited good resistance to temperature and salinity. Among them, one surfactant demonstrated superior overall performance, with the foam comprehensive index reaching its peak at an optimal mass concentration of 0.5%. In high-salinity environments, the synergistic interaction between core-shell particles and surfactant molecules significantly enhances foam stability. In particular, the combination of this surfactant with core-shell particles at a mass fraction of 0.5% resulted in a notably higher foam comprehensive index, suggesting its strong application potential. This study quantitatively analyzes the synergistic stability effects of salinity, core-shell particles and surfactant, and reveals the synergistic stability mechanism of salt ion compression electric double layer and particle interface adsorption, providing important theoretical guidance for the development and application of deep reservoir foam flooding.
Document Type: Original article
Cited as: Xu, Z., Ding, G., Tao, L. Shi, W., Bai, J., Dang, F. Foam stabilization mechanism of core-shell particles: Insights from the gas-liquid interface theory. Capillarity, 2025, 16(1): 5-17. https://doi.org/10.46690/capi.2025.07.02
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