Isolated Influence of Microwave Energy and Acidic Solution on Wettability Alteration and Hydrocarbon Desorption in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Petroleum Eng. Dept., Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study investigates the independent effects of microwave irradiation and acidic solutions on wettability alteration and hydrocarbon desorption in carbonate reservoir rocks. Contact angle measurements and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were employed to analyze both surface wettability changes and molecular-scale modifications. Microwave treatment at 780 W and 1300 W reduced the contact angle from an initially oil-wet state of ~132° to 72° and 69°, respectively, indicating a pronounced shift toward water-wet conditions. FTIR analysis confirmed these observations, showing decreases in the Polar/Aliphatic and Aromatic/Aliphatic indices, which reflect the desorption of polar and aromatic compounds from the rock surface. Acidic solutions produced similar effects, although their efficiency depended on brine composition. Hydrochloric acid in deionized water reduced the contact angle to ~57°, whereas seawater and formation water showed weaker changes due to ionic buffering by Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺.  The novelty of this work lies in separating microwave and acid effects, thereby demonstrating distinct mechanisms. Microwave irradiation enhances desorption via dielectric heating and bond disruption, whereas acidic solutions primarily act through chemical reactivity and ionic competition. These findings show that both methods independently promote wettability alteration, with efficiency governed by microwave power and brine chemistry. The results provide practical insights for the design of advanced Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) strategies, including microwave-assisted stimulation and optimized acidizing treatments in carbonate reservoirs.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Volume 60, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 141-161

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 April 2026

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