Adsorption of Crude Oil Polar Components onto Silica-Rich Chalk and its Impact on Wetting

A comparative study of silica-rich Aalborg chalk and pure Stevns Klint chalk reveals that silica content significantly influences the adsorption of polar crude oil components, particularly basic compounds. While acidic component adsorption was less pronounced than in pure chalk, basic component adsorption was notably higher due to negatively charged silicate surfaces. This process instantaneously alters the water-wetness of Aalborg chalk, reducing its initial wettability after crude oil exposure. The findings provide critical insights for modeling initial reservoir wetting and understanding oil production dynamics in chalk reservoirs under normal water injection or Smart Water wettability alteration techniques.

Klewiah, I., Piñerez Torrijos, I. D., Strand, S., Puntervold, T., & Konstantinopoulos, M. (2019). Adsorption of Crude Oil Polar Components onto Silica-Rich Chalk and its Impact on Wetting. SPE Norway One Day Seminar. https://doi.org/10.2118/195603-ms