Importance of lignosulfonates in petroleum recovery operations

Abstract

This paper reviews the potential importance of aqueous lignosulfonate solutions in the recovery of petroleum from existing partially depleted oil fields. The surfactant qualities of lignosulfonates are described and their ability to interact synergistically with petroleum sulfonate surfactants (which are currently popular in the industry) to produce ultra-low interfacial tensions with crude oil is discussed. The phase behaviour characteristics and oil recovery efficacies of these mixed surfactant systems are also examined.