Potential of polymeric surfactant in stabilizing carbon dioxide foam for enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

This study investigates the stability of carbon dioxide (CO2) foam generated from water, gas and formulation of Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS), Betaines and different types of polymeric surfactant. The effects of different types of crude oil on foam stability were also analyzed. It was found that a higher concentration of surfactant provided more stable foam while a finer texture of foam bubbles were observed with addition of Betaines. The addition of Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether showed the best result as the foam did not degenerate as rapidly as the other polymeric surfactants. The presence of crude oil also affected the foam stability as it went into a steep decline.