Improvements of Mixed-surfactants in Alkaline/Surfactant/Polymer Solutions

The authors present a comprehensive evaluation of phase behaviors of alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) systems. The experimental results proved that the phase behavior of mixed-surfactant solutions (single- and double-tail anionic surfactants) would be better than the one of single surfactant. These mixtures were also more compatible with polymer, and adjusted optimum salinity to the reservoir brine. They next examined the role of alkalis in ASP process. Three types of alkalis were tested to select the optimum one for high-temperature reservoir. This study showed that sodium metaborate is the best choice.