Expanded Salinity Window of Middle-Phase Microemulsions and Reduced Surfactant Adsorption by Hydrotrope

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02211
• Publication Date: 2023-11-25T14:05:53Z
• Authors: Na Yuan; Shuoshi Wang; Ying Yu; Changlong Chen; Bor-Jier Shiau; Jeffrey H. Harwell
• Keywords: Microemulsion; Residual oil

Using surfactant blends to mobilize residual oil offers a promising technique for enhanced recovery (EOR) and surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation (SEAR). A major financial setback broader application of this method is the loss surfactants, as they get absorbed onto reservoir mineral surfaces. This becomes even more costly in fields with high-salinity formation water. Our research delved into use hydrotropes minimize absorption. The impacts adsorption hydrotrope additives were quantified compared three representative porous media. Initial tests studied ideal salinity range influenced by observations Winsor Type III microemulsions selected four specific hydrocarbons confirmed through interfacial tension measurements. When tested on types media, presence reduced rates: up 65% Indiana limestone, 21% Ottawa sand, 53% activated carbon. Notably, our study revealed urea's role reducing retention discovery can help modify middle-phase microemulsions, which crucial EOR easing constraints target reservoirs. large microemulsion window also very advantageous other potential applications. Moreover, urea proves be effective than typical sacrificial agents reservoirs, it binds liquid rather acting mere component. underscores improving flooding results integrating hydrotropes, offering substantial cost savings consumption enhancing overall efficiency SEAR projects.