Microfluidic platforms for characterization of crude oil emulsion stability

Abstract

Microfluidic technology has gained significant scientific interest in the characterization of crude oil emulsions that are often formed in the process of oil production. Microfluidic platforms can be used to mimic the pores of natural rock and study multiphase displacement, as well as emulsion formation at a microscale level. This paper focuses on the applications of microfluidics to probe the stability of emulsified droplets against coalescence (e.g., in the presence of additives, electric field) for both water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. Additionally, this study summarizes the recent efforts made to identify the effects of various experimental factors, including crude oil composition, aging, salinity, and pH on the interfacial properties of water–oil interface and their ultimate roles in the formation and stability of emulsions. Finally, main findings and some recommendations for future work related to the potential of microfluidics in different aspects of crude oil emulsion studies are discussed.