Aqueous surfactant solutions which exhibit ultra-low tensions at the oil-water interface

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9797(77)90311-3· OSTI ID:6560969

Wilson, P M.D.; Brandner, C F

Ultra-low values of the tension at an oil-aqueous electrolyte solution interface can be developed by the addition of water-soluble surfactants of the petroleum sulfonate type. Interfacial tensions in the range of 10/sup -3/ dyne/cm or lower are readily achieved with surfactant concentrations of the order of 0.1% by wt. For a given oil and aqueous solution, the minimum interfacial tension resulting frm the addition of a petroleum sulfonate depends markedly on the average equivalent weight of the sulfonate. Sulfonates having average equivalent weights higher and lower than a previously determined optimum weight, when mixed so as to yield this particular average weight, also will produce ultra-low interfacial tensions. For a given oil, additional control of this unusual type of interfacial activity is accomplished by adjustment of the electrolyte concentration of the aqueous phase. (21 refs.)

• Research Organization: Mobil Res and Develop Corp
• OSTI ID: 6560969
• Journal Information: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 60:3; ISSN JCISA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EMULSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INTERFACES
MICROEMULSIONS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE TENSION
SURFACTANTS
WATERFLOODING
WELLS