Loudon surfactant flood pilot test

A successful surfactant (microemulsion) flood pilot est has been completed by Exxon in a watered-out portion of the Weiler sand, Loudon Field, Fayette County, Illinois. The microemulsion system tested was designed to be effective in the presence of high-salinity formation water containing 104,000 ppM (mg/l) total dissolved solids (TDS) without use of a preflush. The test was conducted in a single, 0.68-acre 5-spot operated to approximate a confined pattern. Approximately 60 percent of the waterflood residual oil present in the pilot pattern was recovered. Extensive data for determining sweep and displacement efficiencies were obtained from observation well logs and fluid tracers. Although problems were encountered with bacterial degradation of biopolymer and with produced oil-water emulsions, the test is considered to be a technical success and confirms the effectiveness of the high-salinity microemulsion formulation. Additional pilot tests are needed to determine the effects on oil recovery of microemulsion bank size and well spacing.