Abstract
We examine here the suitability of alkyl polyglycosides (APG) for improved oil recovery (IOR) applications. In recent years, these nonionic carbohydrate-based surfactants have become a significant commercial product (80,000 tons/year) with widespread use in household and agricultural products. Our laboratory study determined several characteristics of common APG surfactant formulations, in particular their capability to create low interfacial tensions (IFT) with n-alkane hydrocarbons. Our formulations included a wide range of alcohol cosurfactants with APG surfactants. We found APG-cosurfactant combinations that exhibit low IFT values of 0.01 mN/m or less versus n-octane. Our laboratory tests confirmed these APG formulations can provide useful IFT properties that are largely independent of both salinity and temperature. We report a coreflood test conducted on a Berea sandstone core using a selected formulation that exhibits oil recovery as high as 85% IOIP.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 48-59 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects |
| Volume | 339 |
| Issue number | 1-3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alcohol cosolvents
- Alkyl polyglycoside
- Enhanced oil recovery
- Ultra-low interfacial tension
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