Investigation of a biosurfactant for the environmentally friendly increase of the extraction yield
Increasing energy demands require improved methods for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Chemical EOR methods are most
promising for maximum oil recovery, but, so far, limited due to high costs of chemicals and environmental concerns.
Therefore, there is a huge interest in optimizing procedures for chemical EOR that minimize the amount of chemicals
needed and rely on natural compounds, thus decreasing costs and environmental stress.
In this application report we review how spinning drop tensiometry can be used to optimize liquid compositions for
improved oil recovery yields. Interfacial tension (IFT) between crude oil and aqueous solution of varying composition
down to 5·10-5 mN/m were reliably measured with a Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SITE100. At such low IFT values,
microemulsions are formed that dramatically increase residual oil recovery.
