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Synergy of Fly Ash and Surfactant on Stabilizing CO 2 /N 2 Foam for CCUS in Energy Applications

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  • Jabir Dubaish Raib

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    Unconventional Petroleum Research Institute, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Fujian Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    Unconventional Petroleum Research Institute, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Tianbo Liang

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    Unconventional Petroleum Research Institute, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Anas A. Ahmed

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Sudan)

  • Shuai Yuan

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
    Unconventional Petroleum Research Institute, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

Abstract

The stability of nitrogen gas foam hinders its applicability in petroleum applications. Fly ash nanoparticles and clay improve the N 2 foam stability, and flue gas foams provide a cost-effective solution for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This study examines the stability, volume, and bubble structure of foams formed using two anionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), along with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), selected for their comparable interfacial tension properties. Analysis of foam stability and volume and bubble structure was conducted under different CO 2 /N 2 mixtures, with half-life and initial foam volume serving as the evaluation criteria. The impact of fly ash and clay on SDS-N 2 foam was also evaluated. The results showed that foams created with CTAB, SDBS, and SDS exhibit the greatest stability in pure nitrogen, attributed to low solubility in water and limited gas diffusion. SDS showed the highest foam strength attributable to its comparatively low surface tension. The addition of fly ash and clay significantly improved foam stability by migrating to the gas–liquid interface, creating a protective barrier that reduced drainage. Both nano fly ash and clay improved the half-life of nitrogen foam by 11.25 times and increased the foam volume, with optimal concentrations identified as 5.0 wt% for fly ash and 3.0 wt% for clay. This research emphasizes the importance of fly ash nanoparticles in stabilizing foams, therefore optimizing a foam system for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Suggested Citation

  • Jabir Dubaish Raib & Fujian Zhou & Tianbo Liang & Anas A. Ahmed & Shuai Yuan, 2025. "Synergy of Fly Ash and Surfactant on Stabilizing CO 2 /N 2 Foam for CCUS in Energy Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:15:p:4181-:d:1719162
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amanda Qinisile Vilakazi & Sehliselo Ndlovu & Liberty Chipise & Alan Shemi, 2022. "The Recycling of Coal Fly Ash: A Review on Sustainable Developments and Economic Considerations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-32, February.
    2. Alirza Orujov & Kipp Coddington & Saman A. Aryana, 2023. "A Review of CCUS in the Context of Foams, Regulatory Frameworks and Monitoring," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-41, April.
    3. Xiaofei Sun & Yanyu Zhang & Guangpeng Chen & Zhiyong Gai, 2017. "Application of Nanoparticles in Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Critical Review of Recent Progress," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-33, March.
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