Synthesis and Applications of Tri-Quaternary Ammonium Salt Gemini Surfactant

Abstract

A new type of tri-quaternary ammonium salt Gemini surfactant was synthesized, and the structure of the compound was confirmed by using the infrared spectrum. Its critical micelle concentration was 8.3 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than common single-chain surfactants, and the minimum surface tension was 15.46 mN/m. The interfacial tension between pure tri-quaternary ammonium salt solution and the simulated oil was down to 10⁻² mN/m, 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than conventional surfactants. There exists good synergistic effect between tri-quaternary ammonium salt and α-olefin sulfonate. The tri-quaternary ammonium salt and its compound systems can effectively reduce injection pressure and enhance oil recovery for low permeability cores.

Keywords:

• Critical micelle concentration
• enhancing oil recovery
• interfacial tension
• surface activity
• tri-quaternary ammonium salt

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of P. R. China (No. 50925414) and the National Science and Technology Major Project of P. R. China (No. 2011ZX05009-005-03A).

Notes

Current affiliation of X. Wu: Drilling Technology Research Institute, Shengli Petroleum Administration, Sinopec, Dongying, P. R. China.