Alkaline-surfactant-polymer flooding emulsions

Micellar-polymer flooding and alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding are discussed in terms of emulsion behavior and interfacial properties. Oil entrapment mechanisms are reviewed, followed by the role of capillary number in oil mobilization. Principles of micellar-polymer flooding such as phase behavior, solubilization parameter, salinity requirement diagrams, and process design are used to introduce the ASP process. The improvements in ""classicaV alkaline flooding that have resulted in the ASP process are discussed. The ASP process is then further examined by discussion of surfactant mixing rules, phase behavior, and dynamic interfacial tension. 

This paper presents observations on the difference in behavior of emulsification processes which can occur during surfactant and caustic flooding in enhanced recovery of petroleum. Cinephotomicrographic observations on emulsion characteristics generated at the California crude oil-alkaline solution interface as well as in the Illinois crude oil-petroleum sulfonate system are reported. The interdroplet coalescence behavior of oil-water emulsion systems appear to be quite different in enhanced oil recovery processes employing various alkaline agents as opposed to surfactant/polymer systems. 

Chemical flooding polymer, deep-formation profile control using gels, surfactant, alkaline, emulsion, foam, and their combinations... 

---