ADSORPTION OF ALKYLBENZENE SULFONATES ONTO MINERAL SURFACES

Monoisomeric linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAB) are prepared and ev aluated on a laboratory scale for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applicat ions. The effect of surfactant chain length has been studied using fou r compounds, 4 phi C-9, 4 phi C-10, 4 phi C-11 and 4 phi C-12 ABS, and it has been found that the plateau level increases linearly with incr easing sulphonate chain length. Effect of the point of attachment of t he benzene ring on the linear chain on adsorption has also been studie d in two sets of experiments. In the first set, three phenylundecane i somers have been used and in the second set four phenyldodecane compou nds isomers have been employed. Plateau adsorption levels for each of these compounds are determined through adsorption isotherms at the sam e experimental conditions. Linear increase in plateau adsorption level has been observed when the position of phenyl group is changed to the more central carbon atoms.