Modeling Nanoparticle-Stabilized Foam Flow in Porous Media Accounting for Particle Retention and Permeability Reduction

This work presents a model for nanoparticle-stabilized foam flow in porous media, accounting for particle retention and the resulting permeability reduction. We present a semi-analytical solution under steady-state conditions, which allows for obtaining water saturation, foam apparent viscosity, and pressure drop profiles. We study different nanoparticle concentrations (in the presence and absence of salt) using retention parameters based on experimental data. When particle retention is neglected, the sweep efficiency of the porous medium improves compared to the case without nanoparticles, even at a low nanoparticle concentration (0.1 wt%). In contrast, when retention is accounted for, this enhancement is observed only at higher concentrations (0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%). Neglecting nanoparticle retention generally underestimates pressure drop, especially in scenarios with significant retention. However, while retained nanoparticles increase pressure by reducing permeability, the loss of suspended nanoparticles decreases pressure by reducing the foam’s apparent viscosity. Consequently, when considering both nanoparticle loss and reduced permeability, the pressure drop is higher than in models that ignore retention. In contrast, omitting retention effects on permeability, the pressure drop is lower.