Stability of Nanoporous Silica Aerogel Dispersion as Wettability Alteration Agent

This work studies the stability of silica aerogel aqueous dispersion for wettability alteration in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Modified silica aerogel is synthesized with cheap water glass as the precursor, and ambient pressure drying method. Brine composition, brine concentration and temperature of oil reservoirs are the most important parameters for success of wettability alteration processes in EOR. Stability of Silica aerogel aqueous dispersions in NaCl, MgCl2 and combinations of them are surveyed. Brines at different concentrations, 10000, 20000, 40000 ppm, are used to determine stability conditions. Stability at 30°C and 75°C are surveyed, and the results are reported. DLVO and non-DLVO theories are used for modeling the stability of nanodispersion.