Alkyl polyglycoside-sorbitan ester formulations for improved oil recovery

  • Y. Wu
  • , S. Iglauer
  • , P. Shuler
  • , Y. Tang
  • , W. A. Goddard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We measured interfacial tensions (IFT) of aqueous alkyl polyglucoside (APG) systems formulated with sorbitan ester-type cosurfactants against n-octane. The study focused on low to ultra-low IFT systems which are relevant for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In addition, we measured equilibrium adsorption concentrations of these surfactants and cosurfactants onto kaolinite clay, commonly found in oil reservoirs. We present one surfactant EOR laboratory flood experiment with one selected APG-sorbitan ester formulation with which we recovered 94% of initial oil in place (IOIP).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)280-287
Number of pages8
JournalTenside, Surfactants, Detergents
Volume47
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alkyl polyglycoside
  • Chemcial flood
  • Cosurfactants
  • Enhanced oil recovery
  • Sorbitan ester
  • Span
  • Surfactant flood
  • Tween
  • Ultra-low interfacial tension

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Alkyl polyglycoside-sorbitan ester formulations for improved oil recovery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this