Experimental
The NORMS Laboratory for Reservoir Physics hosts state-of-the-art, bespoke facilities for measuring self-potential during single- and multi-phase flow in intact rock samples at elevated temperature and pressure.
The measurements are used to determine the zeta potential and understand key mineral-surface to pore-scale mechanisms that control improved and enhanced oil recovery. They also underpin novel methods for imaging the flow of water in oil and gas reservoirs (Waterfront Imaging using Self Potential - WISP) and intrusion of saline water movement into coastal freshwater aquifers (Saline Intrusion monitoring using Self Potential - SISP).
Measurements of self-potential are supported by a range of additional experimental techniques to characterize the rock samples and electrolytes, including SEM, XRF, porosity, permeability, electrical conductivity, ion chromatography and (through facilities in the QCCSRC laboratories) micro-CT.
Far left: Researchers measuring the zeta potential in intact chalk samples
Left: Discussing the design of our bespoke coreholders for measuring streaming potential and zeta potential in intact rock samples
Selected publications from the NORMS Laboratory
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, Chamerois M, 2018, Zeta potential in sandpacks: Effect of temperature, electrolyte pH, ionic strength and divalent cations, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 553, Pages: 259-271, ISSN: 0927-7757
Al Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2017, Zeta potential of artificial and natural calcite in aqueous solution, ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE, Vol: 240, Pages: 60-76, ISSN: 0001-8686
Al Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2016, Temperature dependence of the zeta potential in intact natural carbonates, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 43, Pages: 11578-11587, ISSN: 0094-8276
Alroudhan A, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2016, Zeta potential of intact natural limestone: Impact of potential-determining ions Ca, Mg and SO4, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 493, Pages: 83-98, ISSN: 0927-7757
Jackson MD, Al-Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, 2016, Zeta potential in oil-water-carbonate systems and its impact on oil recovery during controlled salinity water-flooding, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2045-2322
Jackson MD, Vinogradov J, Hamon G, et al., 2016, Evidence, mechanisms and improved understanding of controlled salinity waterflooding part 1: Sandstones, FUEL, Vol: 185, Pages: 772-793, ISSN: 0016-2361
MacAllister DJ, Jackson MD, Butler AP, et al., 2016, Tidal influence on self-potential measurements, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 121, Pages: 8432-8452, ISSN: 2169-9313
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2015, Zeta potential in intact natural sandstones at elevated temperatures, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 42, Pages: 6287-6294, ISSN: 0094-8276
Leinov E, Jackson MD, 2014, Experimental measurements of the SP response to concentration and temperature gradients in sandstones with application to subsurface geophysical monitoring, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 119, Pages: 6855-6876, ISSN: 2169-9313
Jackson MD, Vinogradov J, 2012, Impact of wettability on laboratory measurements of streaming potential in carbonates, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 393, Pages: 86-95, ISSN: 0927-7757
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2011, Multiphase streaming potential in sandstones saturated with gas/brine and oil/brine during drainage and imbibition, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 38, ISSN: 0094-8276
Vinogradov J, Jaafar MZ, Jackson MD, 2010, Measurement of streaming potential coupling coefficient in sandstones saturated with natural and artificial brines at high salinity, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 115, ISSN: 0148-0227