Work

Study on Experiment and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Variation Laws of Crude Oil Distribution States in Nanopores

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study is based on an experiment and a molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the distribution states and property variation laws of crude oil in nanopores, aiming to provide theoretical support for efficient unconventional oil and gas development. Focus is placed on the distribution mechanisms of multicomponent crude oil in oil-wet siltstone (SiO2) and dolomitic rock (dolomite, CaMg3(CO3)4) nanopores, with comprehensive consideration of key factors including pore size, rock type, and CO2 flooding on crude oil distribution at 353 K and 40 MPa. It is revealed that aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene) in multicomponent crude oil are preferentially adsorbed on pore walls due to π-π interactions, while n-hexane diffuses toward the pore center driven by hydrophobic effects. Pore size significantly affects the distribution states of crude oil: ordered adsorption structures form for n-hexane in 2 nm pores, whereas distributions become dispersed in 9 nm pores, with adsorption energy changing as pore size increases. Dolomite exhibits a significantly higher adsorption energy than SiO2 due to surface roughness and calcium–magnesium ion crystal fields. CO2 weakens the interaction between crude oil and pore walls through competitive adsorption and reduces viscosity via dissolution, promoting crude oil mobility. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments further verified the effect of CO2 on crude oil stripping in pores. This study not only clarifies the collaborative adsorption mechanisms and displacement regulation laws of multi-component crude oil in nanopores but also provides a solid theoretical basis for CO2 injection strategies in unconventional reservoir development.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152111308

Authors: Yukun Chen, Hui Zhao, Yongbin Wu, Rui Guo, Yaoli Shi, Yuhui Zhou