The role of polymeric surfactants in enhanced oil recovery: a review
Abstract
Objective of the article: The continuously increasing demand for oil and petroleum products necessitates the further development of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, including physicochemical techniques such as polymer flooding. Currently, billions of tons of oil remain dispersed and scattered within water-flooded reservoirs. This article provides a review of the literature on the synthesis and application of surfactant solutions and their mixtures with various components (polymers, salts, acids, etc.) in EOR processes.
Experimental section: The use of surfactants contributes to reducing interfacial tension and increasing wettability. Polymeric surfactants represent a promising alternative to modern systems employed in chemical EOR. They can combine the necessary rheological and interfacial properties in a single component, whereas typically, this requires mixtures of several chemical substances. Improved flooding properties using polymeric surfactants are essential for recovering residual oil. In addition to their unique characteristics, it is important to ensure synergy between the surfactant or polymer and other components that meet strict technical requirements. Furthermore, EOR based on polymeric surfactant systems is technologically compatible with conventional water flooding and does not require significant capital investment.
Conclusions: It should be noted that numerous studies have been devoted to the processes of EOR. The presented article emphasizes the efficiency and feasibility of using surfactants based on the results of tests studying the physicochem.
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