Stability mechanism of heavy oil emulsion during cyclic multi-thermal fluids injection process
Heavy oil holds a pivotal position in the global energy landscape and plays a significant role in meeting the increasing energy demand worldwide.The utilization of multi-thermal fluids(compri-sing supercritical steam,CO2,and N2)in cyclic solvent injection(CSI)techniques overcomes the challenges associated with conventional steam flooding techniques such as high energy consumption,low heat utilization and poor performance,and becomes a promising technique for enhancing heavy oil recovery.However,the presence of surface-active substances in heavy oil and the complex composi-tion of multi-thermal fluids leads to the formation of complex and stable emulsions during the cyclic multi-thermal fluids injection process,which poses challenges to subsequent demulsification.This study first elucidates the properties of heavy oil based on heavy oil component analysis,microscopic examination of asphaltene morphology and functional groups.Subsequently,the stability of emulsion generated during the cyclic multi-thermal fluids injection process is investigated based on water seg-mented ratio and particle size distribution of emulsion droplets.Furthermore,the stability mecha-nisms of emulsion are studied using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy tech-niques.Finally,the effect of the polyether-type demulsifier on facilitating the dehydration of heavy oil emulsion is evaluated.The findings of this research provide theoretical insights to guide the develop-ment of efficient demulsifiers for cyclic multi-thermal fluid injection process.
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维普
