Optimum Formulation of Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Systems for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

Abstract The primary objective of this paper is to obtain an optimized condition where different concentrations of alkali, surfactant and polymer can produce desirable rheological properties and interfacial tension for its use in enhanced oil recovery. In the present study, the aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide were used to improve the mobility ratio by increasing the viscosity of the solution. A series of experiments were conducted to examine the effects of various salts, alkali and surfactants on the viscosity polymer solutions. The experiments were also performed to measure the reduction of surface tension of aqueous solutions of surfactants and alkali at different concentration, in presence and absence of polymer. The experimental data on viscosity and surface tension were analyzed and an optimum formulation of the alkali, surfactant and polymer were designed, which provide optimum properties with respect to both mobility and interfacial tension between oil and water.