Styrylphenol Alkoxylate Sulfate Surfactant for Asphaltene Solubilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surfactant compositions for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) lack effectiveness in solubilizing asphaltene-based crude oils and require co-solvents for aqueous solubility, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Development of styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactants with specific alkoxylate structures, such as TSP-7PO-10EO-Sulfate, that combine propoxy and ethoxy groups with anionic sulfate groups, enhancing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and solubility in water without the need for co-solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surfactant compositions are used for enhanced oil recovery, then oil recovery can be achieved, but effectiveness in solubilizing asphaltene-based crude oils is insufficient and co-solvents are required which increases costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surfactant molecular structure by incorporating styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate with specific alkoxylate groups (ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) in varying ratios. This structural parameter change enables the surfactant to effectively solubilize asphaltene-based crude oils without requiring co-solvents, thus improving reliability while reducing formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surfactant molecule combining hydrophobic styrylphenol core with hydrophilic alkoxylate sulfate chains. This composite structure integrates both oil-affinity and water-solubility properties within a single molecule, eliminating the need for separate co-solvent components and reducing overall formulation complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If co-solvents are added to improve aqueous solubility, then solubility increases, but costs and formulation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solubility-enhancing function from separate co-solvent components and integrates it directly into the surfactant molecular structure through alkoxylate chains. This eliminates the need for additional co-solvent additives while maintaining excellent aqueous solubility, thereby reducing formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides surface activity for oil recovery, ensures aqueous solubility through its hydrophilic chains, and stabilizes the formulation. This multi-functionality within a single component reduces the number of additives needed
3Productivity
If conventional surfactants are used, then basic oil recovery is possible, but effectiveness with asphaltene-based crude oils is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific regions within the surfactant molecule: a highly hydrophobic styrylphenol core for strong asphaltene interaction and hydrophilic alkoxylate sulfate chains for water solubility. This localized functional differentiation enhances solubilizing capability for challenging asphaltene-based crude oils while maintaining overall productivity
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 surfactants demonstrate excellent solubilizing capabilities for asphaltene-based crude oils, improving oil recovery efficiency and reducing the need for co-solvents, thus lowering operational costs and simplifying formulations.
Implementation Method 1
styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate and derivatives for enhanced oil recovery applications
Implementation Method 2
combine propoxy and ethoxy groups with anionic sulfate groups, enhancing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and solubility in water
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a styryl phenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant by alkoxylation of a styryl phenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a sulfation reaction. The styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method. The large hydrophobe surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, and for environmental cleanup. Further, the unsulfated version of the large hydrophobe styrylphenol alkoxylate surfactant of the present invention can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.