Synthesis of a non-polymeric surfactant from naturally occurring vegetable acid and its use as a viscosity modifier and asphaltene dispersant for heavy oil

Abstract

The extraction and transportation of heavy oil, which accounts for a significant portion of the world's energy sources, often requires the use of various methods, including the use of chemicals. Surfactants have proven effective in this regard. Therefore, the present study focuses on the synthesis of a non-polymeric surfactant derived from naturally occurring vegetable acid. The synthesized surfactant is subsequently characterized using several analytical techniques, namely FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and elemental analysis. The surfactant demonstrated promising properties as a viscosity modifier and asphaltene dispersant for heavy crude oil samples. The results obtained at a concentration of 600 ppm were particularly favourable, with minimal improvements observed beyond this concentration. The analysis of asphaltene samples further supported the surfactant's effectiveness through hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction. UV–visible spectroscopy and relative viscosity measurements provided additional evidence of the surfactant's ability to disperse asphaltenes effectively.