Review: A new prospect of streaming potential measurement in alkaline-surfactant-polymer flooding

Abstract

The synergy of alkaline, surfactant and polymer has revealed the potential of alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding as the most promising chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method. The synergistic interactions between the chemicals with reservoir rock and fluids could change the environment in porous media, which have potential effects on streaming potential measurement. Limited studies have been focused on the application of streaming potential in monitoring EOR processes, particularly ASP. This paper aims to propose the potential of streaming potential as a new prospect in monitoring ASP flooding by reviewing the streaming potential principles and associated ASP mechanisms. ASP mechanisms involve interfacial tension (IFT) reduction, mobility ratio improvement, and wettability alteration, which could enhance sweep efficiency and displacement process. The potential problem is the chemical losses due to polymer and surfactant adsorptions on the rock surfaces, but alkaline has significant advantage in reducing adsorption. The alteration of rock surface and fluid properties during ASP flooding could significantly affect streaming potential, which arises when the double layers exist with respect to the flow of excess charges in porous media. Streaming potential measurement should be further investigated to monitor the polymer and surfactant adsorption and ASP progression in porous media. Development of numerical model for the correlation would be a great advantage. The findings could provide new prospect in the correlation between streaming potential and ASP flooding, which could be a potential approach in monitoring the efficiency of the process during production.