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Selection criteria and formation of a surfactant slug for high-temperature, moderate salinity reservoir conditions

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5907508

The main objective of this investigation was to formulate a surfactant system for a waterflooded reservoir at 80 C and having a salinity in the range of 20 to 30 g/L. The equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) of the crude oil at 80 C was found to be 9.3 as determined by a comparison of its optimal salinity with those of pure hydrocarbon oils. Isopropyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, secondary butyl alcohol, and tertiary amyl alcohol (TAA) were employed as cosolvents. The optimal salinity at 80 C of a petroleum sulfonate (TRS10-80), crude oil and any of the above alcohol containing system was found to be less than 1.3%. A phosphated ester (KF AA-270) was used as a cosurfactant with TRS10-80 in the weight ratio of 2/5 which increased the optimal salinity in the range of 25 to 35 g/L. However, the addition of this cosurfactant decreased the solubilization parameters drastically. In order to improve the solubilization of brine and oil in the middle phase microemulsion, inorganic salts such as Na2CO3 and sodium tripolyphosphate were added to the formulation. 37 references.

OSTI ID:
5907508
Report Number(s):
CONF-8306242-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE-11772; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English