Adsorption of sodium oleate at the interface of oil sand/aqueous solution

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of several factors such as the ratio of liquid/solid, temperature and additives on the adsorption of sodium oleate at the interface of oil sand/aqueous solution. The results indicate that adsorbed amount is almost unchanged with the ratio of liquid/solid under the experimental conditions, and the rise of temperature favors the adsorption process. In addition, the adsorption behaviors are different in the presence of different additives. The adsorbed amount of sodium oleate increases considerably when polymers are added to the solution, the same trend with the addition of NaCl. The maximum is found in the adsorption isotherm with the addition of alcohol. From the IR spectra, zeta potential and atomic energy spectrum we discuss the mechanism of adsorption of sodium oleate onto the oil sand in order to control the surfactant's adsorption and the loss in chemical flooding.