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

Oil recovery by microemulsion injection

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7225604

A process for the recovery of oil from a subterranean oil reservoir is described involving the injection of a microemulsion comprising neutralized organic acids extracted from a petroleum oil, oil, and a co-surfactant having mutual solubility for oil and water. The microemulsion may be injected in two portions with the terminal portion having lower concentrations of oil and co-surfactant than the initial portion. The neutralized organic acids employed in the microemulsion may be produced by the alkaline extraction of a petroleum oil. The microemulsion may also contain an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an alkaline agent, and a monovalent salt. 15 claims, 1 figure.

Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4008769
OSTI ID:
7225604
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English