Multifunctional Properties of Zwitterionic Liquids. Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery and Asphaltene Aggregation Phenomena

In this experimental study is investigated the performance of a new class of zwitterionic liquids (ZL) as multifunctional agents with asphaltene inhibition-dispersion activity as well as rock wettability and relative permeability modification properties to increase oil recovery factor. Asphaltenes isolated from two crude oil samples (light and heavy) and a crude oil sediment were used to evaluate the inhibition-dispersion performance of ZL, whereas two different rock samples were used to carry out the core flooding tests in order to evaluate the influence of the porous media properties on the performance of the ZL product in recovery factor enhancement. Results demonstrated that ZL can be used to control aggregation and deposition of asphaltenes as well as to modify rock wettability in order to increase the oil recovery factor. Finally, in order to explain how the chemical product enhances oil recovery, a mechanism involving oil production and rock wettability alteration is discussed.