The effect of forces affecting the spread of oil droplets on a rock surface

Abstract

AbstractA better understanding of the main forces that affect oil droplets is expected to play an important role in enhancing oil recovery from reservoirs. The effects of the various forces on an oil droplet on the top of a rock surface or hanging from the bottom of a rock surface are analysed. The results proved that increasing the mass of an oil droplet creates a favourable condition for interaction between the displaced and displacing fluids, which prevents the displacing fluid from bypassing the oil droplets. The results show that the mass of an oil droplet plays an important role in initiating its movement if the gravity force is greater than the capillary force. This study provides a sound understanding of the main forces affecting oil droplet movements and opportunities for future enhanced oil recovery projects.