Investigating the mechanism of interfacial tension reduction through the combination of low-salinity water and bacteria

Arastoo Abdi, Behnam Ranjbar, Yousef Kazemzadeh, Farzaneh Aram, Masoud Riazi

Scientific Reports, 2024

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DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-62255-0
Data confidence 85 high
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Abstract

Abstract In the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process, interfacial tension (IFT) has become a crucial factor because of its impact on the recovery of residual oil. The use of surfactants and biosurfactants can reduce IFT and enhance oil recovery by decreasing it. Asphaltene in crude oil has the structural ability to act as a surface-active material. In microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), biosurfactant production, even in small amounts, is a significant mechanism that reduces IFT. This study aimed to investigate fluid/fluid interaction by combining low biosurfactant values and low-salinity water using NaCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2salts at concentrations of 0, 1000, and 5000 ppm, along withGeobacillus stearothermophilus. By evaluating the IFT, this study investigated different percentages of 0, 1, and 5 wt.% of varying asphaltene with aqueous bulk containing low-salinity water and its combination with bacteria. The results indicated G.Stearothermophilusled to the formation of biosurfactants, resulting in a reduction in IFT for both acidic and basic asphaltene. Moreover, the interaction between asphaltene andG. Stearothermophiluswith higher asphaltene percentages showed a decrease in IFT under both acidic and basic conditions. Additionally, the study found that the interaction between acidic asphaltene andG. stearothermophilus, in the presence of CaCl2, NaCl, and MgCl2salts, resulted in a higher formation of biosurfactants and intrinsic surfactants at the interface of the two phases, in contrast to the interaction involving basic asphaltene. These findings emphasize the dependence of the interactions between asphaltene andG. Stearothermophilus, salt, and bacteria on the specific type and concentration of asphaltene.