The use of surfactants in enhanced oil recovery: A review of recent advances

Currently, there is a widespread interest in the different methods of chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) as a result of the continuous decline in the conventional oil reserves and the accelerated increase in the global energy demand. Surfactant flooding is a well-established method of chemical EOR. This method has proven successful as it increases oil recovery through a combination of mechanisms. These include interfacial tension (IFT) reduction, wettability alteration, foam generation and emulsification. Despite its popularity, surfactant flooding is still challenged by issues including instability under harsh (or normal) reservoir conditions and excessive adsorption. These issues affect the expected oil…

• FN
  Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg
• QN
  Qatar National Research Fund

  Award: NPRP11S-1210-170079
• QN
  Qatar National Library