Synthesis and properties of a novel alkyl-hydroxyl-sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactant for enhanced oil recovery

A series of novel alkyl-hydroxyl-sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactants (C n HSB, n = 12, 14, 16 or 18) were synthesized and their applicability for chemical enhanced oil recovery was studied. The interfacial tension measurements between C n HSB and Shengli crude oils from four different blocks indicated that C16HSB and C18HSB are adapted to high-temperature and high-salinity reservoirs conditions. The interfacial activity was also maintained high after interacting with sand. Furthermore, C16HSB and C18HSB are compatible with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). Physical simulation experiment showed that the oil recovery of surfactant/polymer flooding (0.3 wt% C18HSB + 0.15 wt% HPAM) can be improved by 18.6 % over water flooding.