Viscosity reduction of offshore heavy oil by application of a synthesized emulsifier and its microscopic mechanism during thermal recovery

This paper reports the synthesis of AEC-9Na and its effects as an emulsifier on viscosity reduction of heavy oils. Williamson reaction was employed to obtain the emulsifier and its thermal stability was evaluated. The results showed that AEC-9Na can withstand a temperature of 300 °C, the viscosity reduction rate can reach greater than 99%, and it has high stability to calcium and magnesium salts. The interfacial tension of AEC-9Na on heavy oil reached 10−1 level. Compared with the steam flooding, the flooding efficiency with the addition of 1.0% AEC-9Na was increased by 4.8%. The samples were examined microscopically and self-emulsification occurred.