Synthesis and properties of a novel alkyl-hydroxyl-sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactant for enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

A series of novel alkyl-hydroxyl-sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactants (C n HSB, n = 12, 14, 16 or 18) were synthesized and their applicability for chemical enhanced oil recovery was studied. The interfacial tension measurements between C n HSB and Shengli crude oils from four different blocks indicated that C 16 HSB and C 18 HSB are adapted to high-temperature and high-salinity reservoirs conditions. The interfacial activity was also maintained high after interacting with sand. Furthermore, C 16 HSB and C 18 HSB are compatible with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). Physical simulation experiment showed that the oil recovery of surfactant/polymer flooding (0.3 wt% C 18 HSB + 0.15 wt% HPAM) can be improved by 18.6 % over water flooding.