Figure 6 | Scientific Reports

Figure 6

From: Water versus Asphaltenes; Liquid–Liquid and Solid–Liquid Molecular Interactions Unravel the Mechanisms behind an Improved Oil Recovery Methodology

Figure 6

Model representation of the molecular scale phenomena that elucidate the effect of ionic strength on asphaltene aggregation, deposition, formation and stability of W/O micro-emulsions, asphaltene interactions at water-oil interface and microscopic wettability transition for (a) high ionic strength, and (b) low ionic strength brines with respective Debye length (κ−1). Ions can alter the electrostatic potential (ψ). Micro-brine droplets and thin water film sandwiched between oil-asphaltene deposits and the QCM solid surface, owing to cations (mainly multivalent ones) induced rupture of protective water films the asphaltene aggregates are allowed to adhere and trapped patches of brine are left on the surface. The ions water shielding and anions (in (a) & (b)) are not depicted for the sake of lucidity.

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