Phase behaviour of surface active ionic liquids for enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

Micellar/polymer flooding is one of the techniques used for enhanced oil recovery. This method is based on the injection of a micellar system that moves through the reservoir, releasing most of the oil trapped in the rock. With the development of this project, aimed at improving drainage micellar techniques for oil extraction, using the ability of aggregation and micelle formation of some Ionic Liquids. The objectives focus on the synthesis of surfactant ionic liquids, analysis of its aggregation, oil + water + ionic liquid equilibrium studies and determination of interfacial tension between phases and its viscosity. We expect to analyse the influence of salt and temperature on the extraction in order to find the optimum formulation capable of forming a three-phase system with a low interfacial tension. Surfactant adsorption tests on rocks and experiments with real samples will allow the definition of the optimal micellar system.Micellar/polymer flooding is one of the techniques used for enhanced oil recovery. This method is based on the injection of a micellar system that moves through the reservoir, releasing most of the oil trapped in the rock. With the development of this project, aimed at improving drainage micellar techniques for oil extraction, using the ability of aggregation and micelle formation of some Ionic Liquids. The objectives focus on the synthesis of surfactant ionic liquids, analysis of its aggregation, oil + water + ionic liquid equilibrium studies and determination of interfacial tension between phases and its viscosity. We expect to analyse the influence of salt and temperature on the extraction in order to find the optimum formulation capable of forming a three-phase system with a low interfacial tension.