Polymeric Surfactant Flooding for Improved Oil Recovery: Optimized Wettability and Fluid Mobility

The pressing need for innovative solutions in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) practices, arising from the depletion of mature oilfields, has driven the investigation of nanofluids, surfactants, and polymers. However, the formidable challenges presented by harsh reservoir conditions such as elevated temperatures, high salinity levels, and financial constraints demand thorough attention. This study introduces a novel multifunctional polymeric surfactant, PS-AEVF, designed to modify rock surface characteristics while maintaining stability under the harsh conditions of reservoir environments. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that treatment with PS-AEVF led to a significant reduction in the contact angle of oil-wet surfaces, from an initial value of 150° to 53.4°, accompanied by a remarkable decrease in facial and interfacial tension. This transformation signifies a transition from an oil-wet state to a partially water-wet condition. Notably, the surfactant fluid maintained its phase stability up to 36000 ppm salinity level and 70 °C. The polymer maintained its structural integrity up to temperatures of 200 °C. These promising results emphasize the potential of the PS-AEVF polymer to advance EOR endeavors, holding the prospect of addressing challenges posed by harsh reservoir conditions and offering new avenues for effective oil extraction.