Impact of Temperature on Wettability Alteration by Smart Water in Chalk

A significant temperature-dependent effect on wettability alteration by Smart Water (SW0Na) was observed, with the most pronounced change toward water-wet conditions occurring at 110 °C. This finding suggests that higher temperatures enhance the reactivity of potential determining ions in Smart Water, thereby improving oil recovery in chalk reservoirs. The study used outcrop Stevns Klint chalk cores and a model crude oil to evaluate spontaneous imbibition and calculate a modified Amott water index (Iw*). While no significant wettability alteration was detected at 70 °C or with standard formation water (FW) at 90 °C, SW0Na at 90 °C and above demonstrated substantial improvements. This insight could optimize Smart Water-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies in carbonate reservoirs.

Piñerez Torrijos, I. D., Sæby, K. G., Strand, S., & Puntervold, T. (2019). Impact of Temperature on Wettability Alteration by Smart Water in Chalk. IOR 2019 – 20th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201900178