Utilization of synthesized silane-based silica Janus nanoparticles to improve foam stability applicable in oil production: static study

This study investigated the effect of silane-based silica (SiO(2)) Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) on stabilizing the foam generated by different types of gases. Two types of SiO(2) JNPs were synthesized through surface modification using HMDS and APTS silane compounds. Static analyses were conducted to examine the impact of different concentrations of the synthesized nanoparticles in various atmospheres (air, CO(2), and CH(4)) on surface tension, foamability, and foam stability. The results indicated that the synthesized SiO(2) JNPs and bare SiO(2) nanoparticles exhibited nearly the same ability to reduce surface tension at ambient temperature and pressure. Both of these nanoparticles reduced the surface tension from 71 to 58–59 mN m(−1) at 15,000 ppm and 25 °C. While bare SiO(2) nanoparticles exhibited no foamability, the synthesis of SiO(2) JNPs significantly enhanced their ability to generate and stabilize gas foam. The foamability of HMDS-SiO(2) JNPs started at a higher concentration than APTS-SiO(2) JNPs (6000 ppm compared to 4000 ppm, respectively). The type of gas atmosphere played a crucial role in the efficiency of the synthesized JNPs. In a CH(4) medium, the foamability of synthesized JNPs was superior to that in air and CO(2). At a concentration of 1500 ppm in a CH(4) medium, HMDS-SiO(2) and APTS-SiO(2) JNPs could stabilize the generated foam for 36 and 12 min, respectively. Due to the very low dissolution of CO(2) gas in water at ambient pressure, the potential of synthesized JNPs decreased in this medium. Finally, it was found that HMDS-SiO(2) JNPs exhibited better foamability and foam stability in all gas mediums compared to APTS-SiO(2) JNPs for use in oil reservoirs. Also, the optimal performance of these JNPs was observed at a concentration of 15,000 ppm in a methane gas medium.