Dynamic interfacial tensions in acidic crude oil/caustic systems. Part II: Role of dynamic effects in alkaline flooding for enhanced oil recovery

A model for caustic propagation in a core during continuous injection is combined with the considerations of interfacial reactions proposed in Part I in order to examine the role of dynamic effects in continuous alkaline flooding. Axial dispersion of caustic and its reversible uptake by the reservoir rock are taken into account. From this model, the interfacial tension between an isolated oil globule and the surrounding flood water can be predicted as a function of time using the knowledge of the kinetics of interfacial reactions, the rock adsorption equilibria, and the longitudinal dispersion coefficient.