Interphase structure and composition in low tension oil-water-surfactant systems

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6497649

Fort, T Jr; Hwan, R N; Benton, W J; Miller, C A

Ultra-low interfacial tensions (less than 0.01 dymes/cm) must be achieved if enhanced oil recovery processes involving surfactants are to succeed. In a step toward developing a basic understanding of low tensions, the relationship between phase structure and interfacial tension has been studied for systems containing 2 synthetic petroleum sulfonates. Surfactant solutions of the compositions proposed for oil recovery have been examined with the polorizing microscope and found to contain liquid crystalline material. Different macroscopic structures of the liquid crystal are observed in different composition regions. The behavior of these solutions when they are brought into contact with oil also has been observed. Finally, the microemulsions formed when surfactant solutions are equilibrated with oil have been studied with the ultracentrifuge.

• Research Organization: Carnegie Mellon Univ
• OSTI ID: 6497649
• Journal Information: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Pet. Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Vol. 2:2; ISSN ACPCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400301* -- Organic Chemistry-- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties-- (-1987)
CENTRIFUGATION
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EMULSIONS
ESTERS
EVALUATION
MICROEMULSIONS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM SULFONATES
PHASE STUDIES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SULFONATES
SULFONIC ACID ESTERS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE TENSION
SURFACTANTS
ULTRACENTRIFUGATION