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

Recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7301247

An aqueous solution of a low molecular weight amine and sodium hydroxide (0.1N) was developed to recover heavy crude oils. The amine (trimethylamine) desorbs the crude oil from the reservoir rock. The base improves the wettability characteristics of the slug and the stability of the resulting oil-in-water emulsion. A glass bead pack containing heavy crude (11/sup 0/ API) and treated with the slug recovered 25.3 percent oil.

Assignee:
Texaco Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 3581823
OSTI ID:
7301247
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English