Foam-assisted oil recovery: A physics-based perspective

Abstract

In this paper, I delve into the physics of foams within the context of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). Foams present a promising prospect for use in EOR, applicable to both conventional and non-conventional oil wells. A primary challenge faced by oil industry technologists is ensuring foam stability in porous media under harsh conditions of temperature, pressure, and salinity. To surmount these challenges, a profound understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms governing foam formation and stability at a microscopic level is required. In this article, I explore some fundamental aspects of foam physics that should be considered when developing foam systems for EOR. I conclude the paper by briefly discussing the use of machine learning in the design of foam-assisted EOR, and by highlighting the potential of smart foams in the oil industry.