Enhanced Oil Recovery by Injecting Oleic Acid as a Surfactant into the Porous Medium

Abstract

Physico-chemical methods of improved oil recovery make it possible to increase oil production in deposits by injecting surfactants acting on various physical parameters. Oleic acid has an effect on the viscosity of the displacement fluid and the flow rate. Therefore, increasing the viscosity of the displacement fluid plays an essential role in improving the improved oil recovery. The physicochemical properties at the interface between petroleum and water are modified by oleic acid, lowering the viscosity of petroleum and increasing the viscosity of water, which facilitated the mobility of petroleum in the porous medium.