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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Polymer-microemulsion complexes for the enhanced recovery of oil

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5956160
A polymer-microemulsion complex useful for the enhanced recovery of crude oil is described. The polymer is polyethylene oxide or polyvinyl pyrrolidone and interacts with the surfactant of the microemulsion to form a physical association. The resulting complex is characterized by a complexation energy of at least 2 Kcal/mole. The polymer microemulsion complexes are stable at high salinity, reduce adsorption and retention by the formation, lower interfacial tension, achieve retentions as low as 0.1 mg surfactant/gm sand at high salinity and provide for early banking.
Assignee:
Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 4353806
OSTI ID:
5956160
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English