Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, devices, and methods to model fluid flow in a porous medium. In an embodiment, a microfluidic device to model subterranean fluid flow is disclosed. The device includes a mold of solid material, the mold including a field of pores and throats formed in the mold for mimicking a porous rock formation, a peripheral channel formed in the mold for mimicking a fluid reservoir, and an interior channel formed in the mold for mimicking a well. The peripheral channel can trace a perimeter or circumference of the field of pores and throats and be in fluid communication with the pores and throats.

Abstract: Methods and materials for foam production in enhanced oil recovery operations are described herein. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to foaming agents, gas mobility control agents for use in porous media, compositions comprising such agents, methods for using such agents, methods for generating foams, and systems for enhanced oil recovery. In an embodiment, a method for recovery of oil from a porous rock formation is provided. The method includes contacting a foaming fluid and a surfactant solution described herein with the porous rock formation, and generating a foam comprising the foaming fluid and the surfactant solution. The method further includes mobilizing oil from the porous rock formation by contacting the porous rock formation with the foam; and collecting at least a portion of the mobilized oil.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating an optimal surfactant structure for oil recovery by systematically evaluating surfactants' phase behavior, cloud point, dynamic interfacial tension, dynamic contact angle, and spontaneous and forced imbibition. In one embodiment, a method for determining an optimal surfactant structure for oil recovery includes the steps of evaluating a surfactant's phase behavior, evaluating the surfactant's solubility, evaluating the surfactant's dynamic interfacial tension in a porous rock sample, evaluating the surfactant's static and dynamic contact angles in the porous rock sample, evaluating the surfactant's spontaneous imbibition in the porous rock sample, and evaluating the surfactant's forced imbibition in the porous rock sample. In one example, the surfactant comprises a polyoxyethylenated (POE) straight-chain alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocondensation apparatus comprising a mass comparator, a core holder, an environmental chamber, and a pump and to methods for studying a fluid-solid system with the nanocondensation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for evaluating an optimal surfactant structure for oil recovery by systematically evaluating surfactants' phase behavior, cloud point, dynamic interfacial tension, dynamic contact angle, and spontaneous and forced imbibition.

Abstract: Methods for determining an optimal surfactant structure for oil recovery are described. These methods systematically evaluate surfactants' phase behavior at ambient and at reservoir conditions; cloud point from ambient to reservoir conditions; dynamic interfacial tension at ambient and at reservoir conditions, including crude oil bubble images and fitting drop profiles; static contact angles at ambient conditions and dynamic contact angles at reservoir conditions; spontaneous imbibition at ambient conditions; and forced imbibition at reservoir conditions.

Abstract: Methods for determining an optimal surfactant structure for oil recovery are described. These methods systematically evaluate surfactants' phase behavior at ambient and at reservoir conditions; cloud point from ambient to reservoir conditions; dynamic interfacial tension at ambient and at reservoir conditions, including crude oil bubble images and fitting drop profiles; static contact angles at ambient conditions and dynamic contact angles at reservoir conditions; spontaneous imbibition at ambient conditions; and forced imbibition at reservoir conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocondensation apparatus comprising a mass comparator, a core holder, an environmental chamber, and a pump and to methods for studying a fluid-solid system with the nanocondensation apparatus.