Experimental study of the interaction between surfactants and super absorbent polymer gel

This work investigates the interaction between negatively charged super absorbent gel, also called preformed particle gel (PPG), and six surfactants: two cationic, two anionic, and two neutral. Results showed that the swelling of PPG in surfactant solution could increase the concentration of anionic and neutral surfactants in their free aqueous phase but decrease cationic surfactant concentration. Rheology measurement showed that surfactant could significantly reduce the strength of PPG, which was consistent with the injection pressure measurement results from the experiment of PPG extrusion through fractured model that was designed. This work and other ongoing lab experiments is a first step to establish hybrid technique of PPG and surfactant which could provide a practical way to enhance hydrocarbon recovery while reducing water production for extremely heterogeneous mature reservoirs.