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Phase behavior and oil recovery investigations using mixed and alkaline-enhanced surfactant systems

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5799224· OSTI ID:5799224

The results of an evaluation of different mixed surfactant and alkaline-enhanced surfactant systems for enhanced oil recovery are described. Several mixed surfactant systems have been studies to evaluate their oil recovery potential as well as improved adaptability to different ranges of salinity, divalent ion concentrations, and temperature. Several combinations of screening methods were used to help identify potential chemical formulations and determine conditions where particular chemical systems can be applied. The effects of different parameters on the behavior of the overall surfactant system were also studied. Several commercially available surfactants were tested as primary components in the mixtures used in the study. These surfactants were formulated with different secondary as well as tertiary components, including ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated sulfonates and sulfates. Improved salinity and hardness tolerance was achieved for some of these chemical systems. The salinity tolerance of these systems were found to be dependent on the molecular weight, surfactant type, and concentration of the surfactant components.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Petroleum and Energy Research, Bartlesville, OK (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FC22-83FE60149
OSTI ID:
5799224
Report Number(s):
NIPER-567; ON: DE92001033
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English