Game Changer: Optimizing Surfactant Formulations Across Concentration and Salinity Gradients for Wettability Alteration in the Permian Basin

Presentation Type

Poster

Conference Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Abstract

Surfactant-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) represents a critical opportunity to improve oil production from unconventional shale reservoirs, where recovery efficiencies remain inherently low. A central challenge in advancing chemical EOR in these systems is understanding how wettability alteration and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction contribute to oil mobilization, and how surfactant molecular structure, concentration, and formation salinity collectively govern these mechanisms. This research seeks to systematically evaluate these interactions in shale reservoirs of the Permian Basin to guide the design of effective surfactant formulations. The study employs a quantitative experimental framework to screen nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants across a range of concentrations and brine salinities representative of reservoir conditions. Surfactant candidates are first evaluated through stability and phase behavior screening to assess compatibility under reservoir conditions. Wettability changes are quantified using contact angle measurements via the captive bubble method, while oil–brine interfacial tension is evaluated using the pendant drop technique. Selected formulations are further examined through spontaneous imbibition experiments conducted at elevated temperatures to simulate subsurface conditions. The scope of this research focuses on improving oil recovery from existing shale wells by developing formation-specific surfactant strategies that enhance recovery efficiency while limiting the need for additional drilling. Even incremental improvements in recovery performance could unlock hundreds of millions of barrels of additional production, strengthening domestic energy security and generating substantial economic value across the industry.

Presenter

Nicolas Manica

Faculty Mentor

David Schechter

Award

Top 5 Individual Presenter, LSU College of Engineering

Academic Major

Petroleum Engineering

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