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Field test of an aqueous surfactant system for oil recovery, Benton Field, Illinois

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/3799-PA· OSTI ID:7093223
A pilot study of surfactant systems in tertiary recovery operations was conducted on the Tar Springs sandstone in the Benton field, Illinois. The test site covered an area of one acre and included five process wells, three observation wells, and four evaluation core holes. There were four injection phases: (1) a preflood of low-salinity water to displace the high-salinity formation water; (2) a slug of chemical solution that contained a sodium sulfonate surfactant, a sodium tripolyphosphate builder, and a polymer mobility-control agent, Dow Pusher 520; (3) a controlled-mobility drive solution of Dow Pusher 520; and (4) an ordinary waterflood with fresh water. In general, there was a reduction in oil saturation averaging 25 percent, with some residual oil saturations as low as 4 percent. However, the chemical slug was not viscously stable with respect to its oil bank and the chemical system would have to be modified for commercial application of this process.
OSTI ID:
7093223
Journal Information:
J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 25; ISSN JPTJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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