Effects of temperature and time on interfacial tension behavior between heavy oils and alkaline solutions

Abstract

Abstract Heavy oils contain significantly more acidic components than conventional crude oils. Upon contact with aqueous alkaline solutions, water‐soluble surfactants are formed in‐situ at the interface. These surfactants have the ability to reduce the oil/water interfacial tension to ultra‐low values. This work studies the significant effects of time and temperature on the interfacial tension between alkaline solutions and two Canadian heavy oils (Lloydminster and Cold Lake). The results obtained indicate that the time period during which interfacial tension remains ultra‐low is just as important as the magnitude of the minimum attainable interfacial tension in determining the potential success of an alkaline flooding process in the field.