Chromatographic movement of surfactant mixtures in porous media

Abstract

A model for adsorption of surfactant mixtures in flow through porous media is used to demonstrate some of the unique features of such mixtures. It is shown that adsorption of surfactant mixtures and their chromatographic movement through porous media depends not only on their affinity for the surface, but also on their tendency to form micelles. These characteristics may allow the formulation of surfactant mixtures with low adsorption or minimal chromatographic separation. Both of these are desirable properties in surfactant formulations used, for example, in enhanced oil recovery.