(28l) Evaluation of Locally Developed Zwitterionic Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery Application in Harsh Reservoirs

In response to the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions, the oil and gas industry endures to face the challenge of maximizing productivity from reservoirs under harsh environmental conditions, such as high-temperature and high-salinity. Chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) methods play a crucial role in this endeavor, offering promising routes for improving oil production. Nevertheless, conventional EOR chemicals frequently encounter stability issues and significant adsorption challenges.

This work presents pioneering research on the development and utilization of locally developed betaine based polyoxyethylene zwitterionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in high-temperature and high-salinity reservoirs, concentrating on their technical efficiency and practical applications. Our study, addresses the molecular design and characterization of zwitterionic surfactants tailored to endure high temperatures, and salinities, found in challenging reservoirs. Spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to confirm the chemical structure and thermal stability of the surfactants, respectively.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) data provide compelling evidence that the zwitterionic surfactants exhibit excellent thermal stability, demonstrating exceptional resistance even under elevated temperatures of up to 350°C. Systematic laboratory analysis, involving interfacial tension studies, and wettability alteration have determined that these locally produced surfactants are quite efficient in increasing oil recovery efficiency in harsh reservoirs. Moreover, compatibility studies with high and low salinity water (Formation water, Sea water, Deionized water) demonstrated the surfactants' robust performance and practicable applicability in Middle East reservoirs.

This work provides an important advancement in EOR technology, proposing a promising option to enhance oil recovery while conquering the challenges faced by harsh environmental conditions.