Abstract
Divalent metals cations present in injection water can significantly influence the performance of alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) flooding. These cations such as calcium and magnesium react with the added chemicals to form their insoluble salts as precipitations. In this paper, an in situ precipitation inhibitor known as sodium acrylate is used to overcome the precipitation problems prevalent with ASP flooding. Fluid–fluid compatibility tests were performed to examine the performance of the in situ precipitation inhibitor using hard brine having large quantity of divalent metal cations. The effect of the precipitation inhibitor on interfacial tension was also investigated using various inhibitor concentrations. The in situ precipitation inhibitor showed an excellent performance in preventing calcium and magnesium precipitations and the solutions remained clear for 45 days at 80 °C. Further, as the inhibitor concentration increased to an optimal value, an ultra-low interfacial tension of 0.04 mN/m could be achieved. The advantage of the in situ inhibitor is the use of hard brines without the need for softening the injection water.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
