Methods for clay swelling inhibition using gemini surfactants containing a saturated linker
AssigneeKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
InventorsMuhammad Shahzad Kamal, S.M. Shakil Hussain, Mobeen Murtaza, Mohamed Mahmoud
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Abstract
Methods of controlling clay swelling and stabilizing subterranean geological formations containing swellable clays (e.g., montmorillonite, bentonite) are described. The methods involve treating the swellable clays with a composition containing an amidoamine-based gemini surfactant. The gemini surfactant has dual chains connected via an alkylene linker, whereby each chain contains a quaternary ammonium head group and an ethoxylated alkyl tail. As examined by linear swelling and free swelling tests, use of the gemini surfactant is effective in reducing swelling of the clays.
Claims16
A method of stabilizing a subterranean geological formation containing a swellable clay, the method comprising:
- treating the swellable clay with a composition comprising a surfactant of formula (I)
- or a solvate thereof, a tautomer thereof, a stereoisomer thereof, or a mixture thereof;
- wherein:
- each of R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl, and an optionally substituted arylalkyl;
- each of R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of an optionally substituted alkyl, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl, and an optionally substituted arylalkyl;
- L is —(CH2)12—;
- each of n is independently an integer in a range of 1-15;
- each of x is independently an integer in a range of 5-21;
- each of y is independently an integer in a range of 2-5;
- and
- X is an anion selected from the group consisting of a halide ion, a hexafluorophosphate ion, a trifluoromethanesulfonate ion, and a tetrafluoroborate ion.
A method of stabilizing a subterranean geological formation containing a swellable clay, the method comprising:
- treating the swellable clay with a composition comprising a surfactant of formula (IV)
- wherein:
- each of n3 is independently an integer in a range of 2-11;
- and
- each of x3 is independently an integer in a range of 11-13.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.