Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Gemini Sulphobetaine Surfactant Bis{[(N-methyl-N-(3-alkoxy-2-hydroxy) propyl-N-(3-sulfonic) propyl] methylene}

Abstract

Abstract Surfactants are very often used in tertiary oil production. However, the conventional surfactants cannot be used in high salinity reservoirs of tertiary oil production because the high salinity leads to the deactivation of the surfactants. Gemini sulpho-betaine surfactants have been developed to meet the requirements of tertiary oil production in such reservoirs. In this study, the Gemini sulphobetaine surfactant (bis{[(N-methyl-N-(3-alkoxy-2-hydroxy)propyl-N-(3-sulfonate)propyl]methylene}) was prepared by etherification, ring opening reaction and sulfonation reaction with decyl alcohol, epichlorohydrin, N,N’-dimethyl ethylene diamine and 1,3-propanesultone. The experimental conditions obtained are: the ratio of 1,3-propanesulfonic acid lactone to tertiary amine intermediate = 2.3 : 1, reaction temperature = 70°C and reaction time = 11 h. The analysis of the infrared spectrum showed that the structure of the synthesised substance corresponds to that of a Gemini sulphobetaine surfactant. The chemical shifts of the groups were determined by 1HNMR structural characterisation of the products. The surface tension, emulsifying properties, foaming properties and wetting properties were investigated. The results showed that the surfactant has good foaming properties and good compatibility in a high salt environment.