Development of a New Multifunctional Cationic Surfactant System with Corrosion Inhibiting Ability

Erdong Yao,Yuan Li,Jiaxin Sun,Fujian Zhou,Tianbo Liang

doi:10.1155/2017/2849356

Abstract

Four alkyl propargyl bis(hydroxyethyl) ammonium surfactants with different lengths in hydrophobic tail (C8–C16) are prepared by direct alkylation of diethanolamine with alkyl bromides. The surfactants exhibit excellent surface properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of the surfactants 2c and 2d are found to be 7.63×10-4 and 1.23×10-4 mol/L, and the corresponding surface tension (γCMC) values are 31.83 and 31.69 mN/m, respectively. Furthermore, all of the synthesized propargyl quaternary ammonium salts are found to be very effective in inhibiting the corrosion of N80 steel (IE% = 92–98%). They can be used at a relatively high temperature (≥90°C) and a low concentration (0.039 wt.%). In addition, the apparent viscosity of surfactant 2d is studied at various temperatures, and it can be used as a viscoelastic surfactant up to 100°C. The synthesized surfactants possess multiple functions and have a very good compatibility with VES systems. They can be potentially used in various oil field applications such as enhanced oil recovery, fracturing, acid diversion, and well stimulation.

Highlights

Acidizing is a widely established technique to increase hydrocarbon production from low-permeability reservoirs [1]
We developed a series of alkyl propargyl bis(hydroxyethyl) quaternary ammonium bromides with different hydrophobic lengths
Four alkyl propargyl bis(hydroxyethyl) ammonium surfactants with different lengths in hydrophobic tail were high yield synthesized by following an efficient method from commercially available chemicals

Summary

Introduction

Acidizing is a widely established technique to increase hydrocarbon production from low-permeability reservoirs [1]. Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) based diverting systems have many advantages that make them preferred for well acid stimulation mainly due to their exceptional rheological characteristics [2]. These systems leave no residues once broken and eliminate potential damage to the formation [3, 4]. Corrosion inhibitors would break these VES gels, and this is because inhibitors usually have oil-soluble constituents (e.g., acetylenic alcohol) or contain mutual solvents (e.g., ethylene gylcol monobutyl ether) [6]. Such a conflict encourages us to look for new corrosion chemicals which will have a very good compatibility with VES systems

Methods

Results

Conclusion