Chapter 4
Using the similar method, adsorption equilibrium constants and surface sites
density can be calculated from experiment data. Figs. 4.25 and 4.26 show
kaolinite zeta potential as the function of CaCI21 MgCI2 concentration in 0.05 M
NaCI brine at pH 6.5. Dashed line shows zero zeta potential value as reference.
The equilibrium constant of Ca2+ ion Kca is 0.82 m3∕mol. The equilibrium
constant of Mg2+ ion K∣y∣g is 1.71 mɜ/mol. From zeta potential result, cations Ca2+
and Mg2+ can adsorb on negatively charged surface sites and make zeta potential
of kaolinite less negative.
4.3.5.4. Effect Ofsynthetic brine pH
Based on the site density and dissociation constant of kaolinite, zeta potential
can be calculated at different pH. Figure 4.27 shows zeta potential of kaolinite in
synthetic brine with or without Ca/ Mg ions adding NaOH at different pH.
In the brine with Ca/ Mg, based on the solubility product calculation, Ca2+ and
CO32^ ions may form CaCO3 precipitation, which will reduce the concentration of
Ca2+. The blue dashed curve shows the calculated zeta potential of kaolinite
without Ca/ Mg. The red solid curve shows the calculated zeta potential of
kaolinite with Ca/ Mg, with equilibrium Ca2+ concentration calculated from CaCO3
solubility product. Increase of pH can make kaolinite zeta potential more negative.
Adding NaOH, zeta potential change of kaolinite is around 15-20 mV∕mM.
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