Internal Olefin Sulfonate Composition Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal olefin sulfonate compositions used in enhanced oil recovery tend to phase separate, leading to non-uniform compositions during transport and injection, which can affect the efficacy of the recovery process.
Innovation Solution
Formulating internal olefin sulfonate compositions with a weight ratio of hydroxy sulfonates to alkene sulfonates of at least 3.25, which enhances physical stability and reduces phase separation, ensuring uniformity and stability during storage, transport, and injection into hydrocarbon formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal olefin sulfonate compositions are used in enhanced oil recovery, then the mobilization of residual oil saturation is achieved through surfactants which generate low crude oil/water interfacial tension, but the compositions tend to phase separate during transport and injection, leading to non-uniform compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by specifying a weight ratio of hydroxy sulfonates to alkene sulfonates of at least 3.25, and an average carbon number of at least 20. These parameter changes resolve the contradiction by creating a composition that maintains physical stability while preventing phase separation during transport and injection.
2Productivity
If concentrated internal olefin sulfonate compositions are prepared to reduce transportation costs, then the active matter concentration is increased, but the compositions become more prone to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific compositional parameters (weight ratio of hydroxy sulfonates to alkene sulfonates ≥ 3.25, average carbon number ≥ 20) that enable concentrated compositions to maintain physical stability. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high concentration formulations that are both cost-effective for transportation and resistant to phase separation.
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 increased physical stability of the internal olefin sulfonate compositions results in a more reproducible and uniform injectable fluid, improving the efficiency and economic viability of hydrocarbon recovery by maintaining composition uniformity and reducing logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
internal olefin sulfonate compositions used in enhanced oil recovery tend to phase separate, leading to non-uniform compositions during transport and injection
Implementation Method 2
the internal olefin sulfonate compositions tend to phase separate, leading to non-uniform compositions during transport and injection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an internal olefin sulfonate composition, comprising water and an internal olefin sulfonate mixture having an average carbon number of at least 20, wherein the internal olefin sulfonate mixture comprises hydroxy sulfonates and alkene sulfonates in a weight ratio of hydroxy sulfonates to alkene sulfonates of at least 3.25. The invention further provides a method of treating a crude oil containing formation.