Controlled evaluation of a surfactant in secondary recovery
A surfactant waterflood, using a block copolymer of ethylene and propylene oxide (Pluronic L64), was started in 1956 in Kansas to determine the commercial feasibility of such a process. The production formation was the Bartlesville sand at a depth of 1,400 ft. Leases in the test area had attained both primary and secondary production peaks and were on a normal decline when the tests were initiated. The injection wells were taking water at a reasonable pressure and none of the operating conditions was particularly unusual. The leases were selected primarily because of normal operating conditions, and not because of any serious problems demanding remedies. Oil production and water injection data were recorded during the 10-yr test period, and a compilation of them indicates that the surfactant resulted in an increase of about 9% in secondary oil production. Other benefits derived from the surfactant injection were lower calcium scale buildup and lower injection pressure that resulted in reduced power consumption and reduced erosion of the pumps. These fringe benefits more than offset the cost of the surfactant used.
- Research Organization:
- Wyandotte Chemical Corp.
- OSTI ID:
- 6046481
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-680577-
- Journal Information:
- Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE-2110; ISSN SEAPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALKENES
COPOLYMERS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
ETHERS
ETHYLENE
EVALUATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HETEROCYCLIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROCARBONS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROLEUM
POLYMERS
PRODUCTION
RECOVERY
STIMULATION
SURFACTANTS
WATERFLOODING
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS