Experimental Investigation of the Synergistic Effect of Two Nonionic Surfactants on Interfacial Properties and Their Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery.

In chemically enhanced oil recovery (EOR), surfactants are conventionally used to lower the interfacial tension (IFT) at the water-oil interface, alter the rock wettability, and help in the emulsification of trapped oil after primary and secondary modes of recovery. A mixture of surfactants is usually more effective than a single surfactant with enhanced surface or interfacial properties. The primary objective of this study is to examine the synergistic effects of two nonionic surfactants (Tergitol 15-S-12 and PEG 600) on surface properties, such as surface tension, IFT, and wettability alteration, in the context of EOR.

A mechanistic investigation of low salinity water flooding coupled with ion tuning for enhanced oil recovery.

Oil recovery by low salinity water flooding (LSWF) from carbonate reservoirs has gained tremendous attention in recent years due to its cost-effectiveness and environment-friendly nature. The mechanisms of low salinity water flooding for enhanced oil recovery are very complex and depend on the mineralogy of the formation rock, properties of injection brine and reservoir fluids. The present work aimed at the optimization of salinity and concentration of potential determining ions (PDIs) in injection water for enhanced oil recovery from carbonate reservoirs.