Performance of alkali‐free natural petroleum sulfonates: Ultra‐low interfacial tension on oil/water interface

Abstract

Ultra‐low interfacial tension (IFT) is one of the most important conditions relating to surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery. In this paper, the dynamic interfacial tension (DIT) of an alkali‐free petroleum sulfonate surfactant was studied with the spinning drop method aimed at the Daqing oil/water system. The effects of various experimental conditions, such as surfactant concentration, inorganic salt concentration, polar organic compounds, oil‐soluble sulfonates, and time stability were investigated. It was shown that the aqueous phase has little effect on DIT. The high molecular weight petroleum sulfonates play an important role in the lowering of oil/water IFT. The non‐uniform changes of the oil droplets in DIT measurements were also discussed from the aspects of petroleum sulfonate composition and diffusion rate. The increase of aqueous phase viscosity could only ease the rebound phenomenon, while the increase of heavy components of petroleum sulfonates could both eliminate the non‐uniform changes of the oil droplets and reduce the values of the IFT. These results may be helpful in explaining the reasons behind producing ultra‐low interfacial tension and the preparation of formulations for practical applications.

Ionic hydration-induced evolution of decane–water interfacial tension

“…[7][8][9][10][11] The adsorption of these components at the interface results in distinctive mechanical properties of the oil-water interface like ultra-low IFT 12 and viscoelasticity. 13 Among them, ions are commonly seen but have considerable effects on the interfacial properties.…”

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“…Results are promising; a person shows promise; The results of the tests, study, or method are promising. We consider show in this case to be a feeble verb.[p. 109]Furthermore, the oils used for DIT measurements were simulated oil A spinning drop tensiometer measured the DIT of the simulated oils.[p. 1410]…”

Selection of Optimum Surfactant Formulations with Ultralow Interfacial Tension for Improving the Oil Washing Efficiency

“…16 The alkali-free petroleum sulfonate surfactant studied by Weng et al showed that the petroleum sulfonates with high molecular weight are able to reduce the IFT more effectively. 17 Surfactants with highly branched large hydrophobes are required to obtain the ultralow IFT for future applications. 18 In most cases, it is hard for an individual surfactant to achieve ultralow IFT but relatively easy for a surfactant mixture.…”