Emulsification and improved oil recovery with viscosity reducer during steam injection process for heavy oil

摘要

An anionic-nonionic surfactant was proposed as viscosity reducer (VR) for study. Firstly, bulk emulsion behavior was investigated to optimize the emulsification process. Secondly, core flooding tests were carried out to evaluate the synergistic effect of VR and steam for improved heavy oil recovery, as well as emulsion properties along the distance. Thirdly, a 2D microvisual study was performed to illustrate emulsion migration and plug property in porous media. Finally, VR assisted steam stimulation was conducted for field application, and gained satisfactory result both in oil-steam ratio and oil recovery, providing an alternative for enhancing oil recovery in similar steamflooded reservoirs. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.