Comparative Evaluation of Foam Stability to Oil

Abstract

Summary Foam performance was evaluated by several experimental methods (corefloods, bulk foam stability, micromodel observations, interfacial parameters) using three commercial surfactants, either by themselves or mixed with a fluorinated surfactant. The presence of oil reduced foam mobility reduction factors (Fmr) to different degrees; excellent Fmr were still attained with some surfactants in the presence of residual oil. Using the fluorinated surfactant as additive enhanced the oil tolerance of some, but not all, foams. The tested foams exhibited oil transporting properties. Each foam adjusted to its own residual oil saturation and corresponding level of mobility reduction. Foam performance in corefloods did not correlate in general with predictions based on the other experimental methods.