| 摘要 |
A method of recovering crude oil from a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation, comprises the steps: i) injecting into said formation an enhanced oil recovery composition comprising a) a surfactant having the general formula: R1-X-R2, wherein R1 is an open chain sugar alcohol, wherein X is one selected from NH, NCH3 and NCH2CH3, and wherein R2 is an aliphatic or aromatic group comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, b) water, and ii) recovering the crude oil, typically from one or more production wells. One advantage is that the composition is natural product-based. It has superior emulsification, wetting and dispersion capabilities. The composition functions well under heat, pressure, high salinity and high water hardness. The starting materials of the surfactant are renewable and inexpensive. The surfactant is non-toxic and degradable. |
