The Effect of Oil on Foam Stability: Mechanisms and Implications for Oil Displacement by Foam in Porous Media

Abstract

ABSTRACT Foam stability in the presence of Salem crude oil and pure hydrocarbons is investigated as a function of chain length of α-olefin sulfonates and electrolyte concentration. Interactions between aqueous foam films and emulsified oil droplets are observed using transmitted light, incident light interferometric and differential interferometric microscopic techniques. Foam destabilization factors are identified including the pseudoemulsion film tension and the surface and interfacial tension gradients. Results from foam-enhanced oil recovery experiments in Berea Sandstone cores are presented using the combined gamma ray/microwave absorption technique to measure dynamic fluid saturation profiles.