The Effect of HPAM on Crude Oil/Water Interfacial Properties and the Stability of Crude Oil Emulsions

The influence of HPAM on interfacial properties and stability of the emulsions formed by formation water and asphaltene, resin, and crude model oils from Gudong crude oil was investigated by measurement of interfacial shear viscosity, interfacial tension, Zeta potential, and emulsion stability. HPAM may be adsorbed at the interface between the model oils and water, but the interfacial tension is not decreased. With increasing HPAM concentration, the interfacial shear viscosity, Zeta potential, and emulsion stability of the model oils system is increased. The o/w emulsion stability was enhanced with the polymer by steric and electrostatic stabilization.