Dynamic interfacial tensions in acidic crude oil/caustic systems. Part I: A chemical diffusion‐kinetic model

Abstract

Abstract A chemical diffusion‐kinetic model is developed for the acidic oil/caustic system of alkaline flooding by proposing a set of interfacial reactions leading to in situ generation of surfactants. The rate constants of interfacial reactions are independent of aqueous phase compositions. In Part I, the model is applied for determining these rate constants from its correlation with dynamic interfacial tension data obtained using the spinning drop tensiometer. The relative magnitudes of the rate constants characterizing the adsorption/desorption barriers are shown to govern the extent of dynamic interfacial tension minimum.