Jungin (Donna) Lee

MSc 2018

Research topic: "Stability of Microemulsion during Heavy-Oil Recovery under Steam and Water/Chemical Injection Conditions"

Thesis

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Different types of surfactant (IOS, AAS, cationic) and new generation chemicals (nanoparticles, ionic liquids, alkalis, and eutectic solvents) are studied to classify them according to their cost and ability to form stable microemulsions. Static and dynamic experiments will be performed. The nanoparticles used in mixing with surfactants include aluminium, zirconium, and silica. The micro emulsion stability of these mixtures will be tested at different temperatures, concentrations, salinities, and using various mixture methods. Two heavy oil samples of API 11° and 9° having 2,000 and 50,000 cP viscosities, respectively, and two samples of formation brine acquired from eastern Alberta will be mixed with selected chemicals for the microemulsion tests. With the effect of the chemical and nanoparticle combinations on emulsification, emulsion stability will be observed visually (macroscopically and microscopically) and then classified according to their cost and efficiency in forming stable micro emulsion. The capabilities of nanoparticles to stabilize the microemulsion will be of particular interest.

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Publications:

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1. Lee, J. and Babadagli, T. 2017. Screening of Chemicals for Low Cost Heavy Oil Recovery through Microemulsion Stability Tests. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia, 17-19 Oct. SPE-186344-MS.

2. Lee, J. and Babadagli, T. 2018. Improvement of Microemulsion Generation and Stability Using New Generation Chemicals and Nano Materials During Waterflooding as a Cost-Efficient Heavy-Oil Recovery Method. SPE Trinidad and Tobago Section Energy Resources Conference, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 25-26 June. SPE-191171-MS.

3. Lee, J., Babadagli, T., and Ozum, B. 2018. Microemulsion Flooding of Heavy Oil Using Biodiesel Under Cold Conditions. SPE International Heavy Oil Conference and Exhibition, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 10-12 December. SPE-193642-MS. 

4. Lee, J. and Babadagli, T. 2018. Comprehensive methodology for chemicals and nano materials screening for heavy oil recovery using microemulsion characterization. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 171: 1099-1112. 

5. Lee, J., Babadagli, T., and Giesbrecht, R. 2019. Impact of divalent ions on heavy oil recovery by in-emulsification. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents. 

6. Lee, J. and Babadagli, T. 2019. Optimal design of pickering emulsions for heavy oil recovery improvement. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology. 1-15. 

7. Lee, J., Huang, J., and Babadagli, T. 2019. Visual Support for Heavy-Oil Emulsification and its Stability for Cold-Production using Chemical and Nano-Particles. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 30 Sep-2 October, Calgary, Alberta. SPE-196023-MS.

8. Lee, J., Huang, J., and Babadagli, T. 2020. Dynamics of emulsion generation and stability during heavy oil displacement with chemicals and nanoparticles: Qualitative analysis using visual 2D data. Fuel.

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