Year: 1990
Type: report
Abstract: The selection of the optimum foaming agent (surfactant) for enhancing oil production by carbon dioxide flooding is based on foamability and adsorption. Measurements of adsorption on carbonate cores from New Mexico reservoirs showed large adsorption differences between three commercial, high-foaming surfactants. An ethoxylated alcohol structure was at least adsorbed, 0.64 mg/cc pore volume; an ethoxylated alcohol sulfate was next, 0.74 mg/cc pore volume; the highest adsorbed was a glyceryl sulfonate, 2.30 mg/cc pore volume. Commercial application of the foaming additive involves injecting alternate slugs of surfactant solution and carbon dioxide. Surfactant concentration should be determined to allow for the adsorption above. 9 refs., 27 figs., 6 tabs.
DOI: 10.2172/7014605
Authors: J. Patton, S. Holbrook
Language: English
Subfield: Ocean Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W201110657