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

Surfactant oil recovery process for use in formations containing high concentrations of polyvalent ions such as calcium or magnesium. [applicable to carbonate reservoirs]

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7215987
A secondary or tertiary process which is applicable in formations containing more than 500 ppm calcium and magnesium ions involves the injection of a sulfated aliphatic anionic surfactant, a polyethoxylated aliphatic alcohol nonionic surfactant, and a water soluble guanidine salt such as guanidine hydrochloride. This process is especially applicable in carbonate reservoirs. A mobility buffer consisting of any hydrophilic polymer normally used for mobility control, such as polyacrylamide or polysaccharide, may be used following injection of the surfactants. Field tests in a limestone reservoir recovered 84 percent of the original oil in place.
Assignee:
Texaco Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 3799264
OSTI ID:
7215987
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English