Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate Foam Stabilization at Low Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactants used in enhanced oil recovery face stability issues at low temperatures, leading to solubility problems and phase separation, which affect their effectiveness in petroleum recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A low temperature stabilized foam-forming composition comprising alpha-olefin sulfonate, an alkyl ether solvent with a specific chemical formula (C8H18O3 or C8H16O3), and water, which improves solubility and stability, preventing phase separation and maintaining clarity even at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactants are used for enhanced oil recovery, then foamability is improved, but stability at low temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A co-surfactant comprising an alkyl ether of formula C8H18O3 or C8H16O3 is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between the alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactant and the aqueous environment. This co-surfactant improves solubility and prevents phase separation at low temperatures while preserving the foamability of the original surfactant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition parameters of the surfactant system are modified by adding specific alkyl ether co-surfactants with defined molecular formulas (C8H18O3 or C8H16O3). This parameter change transforms the system from one that precipitates at low temperatures to one that maintains solubility and stability, preventing crystallization and phase separation.
2Quantity of substance
If alpha-olefin sulfonate concentration is increased to improve foam quality, then solubility at low temperatures worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The alkyl ether co-surfactant acts as a mediator that enables higher concentrations of alpha-olefin sulfonate to remain soluble at low temperatures. By introducing this intermediary substance, the system can accommodate increased surfactant quantities without experiencing precipitation or phase separation that would normally occur at low temperatures.
3Reliability
If traditional hydrotropes are added to improve stability, then freezing point depression occurs, but sufficient stability improvement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional hydrotropes that depress the freezing point, the invention changes the chemical parameter by selecting specific alkyl ethers with formulas C8H18O3 or C8H16O3. These co-surfactants provide stability improvement without the harmful freezing point depression effect, maintaining both stability and appropriate freezing characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition maintains stability and foamability at temperatures as low as -20°C, enhancing the effectiveness of surfactants in enhanced oil recovery processes by preventing phase separation and viscosity issues, thereby improving oil recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adding a hydrotrope (a compound possessing the ability to increase the water-solubility of an organic compound) to a detergent may improve its stability
Implementation Method 2
Surfactants are well known for their use as foaming agents in enhanced oil recovery techniques. One purpose of foam is to divert the flow of the drive-gas into that portion of the formation containing high oil saturation
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a foam-forming composition having good low temperature stability and method of use thereof for enhanced oil recovery. Said foam-forming composition comprises an anionic sulfonate surfactant, preferably an alpha-olefin sulfonate, a alkyl ether solvent, and water and is preferably stable to at least −5 C. A preferred alkyl ether solvent has the formula C8H18O3, C8H16O3, or mixtures thereof. Preferred alpha-olefin sulfonate have 10 to 18 carbons, preferably 12 carbons. A preferred method for recovering oil from a reservoir comprises the periodic injection of gas and said foam-forming composition into the reservoir and contacting the oil in the reservoir with the foam so as to assist in the recovery of oil from the reservoir.