Thermodynamic Analysis of Chalk–Brine–Oil Interactions

A thermodynamic model initially developed for calcite-brine interactions fails to accurately predict reactive transport in natural carbonates, such as Stevns Klint chalk. Researchers found that ζ potential data alone is insufficient for optimizing surface complexation models (SCMs) for predicting ion breakthrough during core flooding experiments. By refining the SCM with coupled transport modeling and incorporating chromatographic data, they successfully correlated remaining oil saturation in spontaneous imbibition experiments to the bonding between amine/carboxylate groups on oil surfaces and carbonate/protonated calcium sites on chalk. This study advances understanding of chalk-oil-brine interactions, offering insights for enhanced oil recovery strategies.

Eftekhari, A. A., Thomsen, K., Stenby, E. H., & Nick, H. M. (2017). Thermodynamic Analysis of Chalk–Brine–Oil Interactions. Energy & Fuels, 31(11), 11773–11782. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b02019