Development of Novel Foaming Agents for High Temperature Steam Applications

Abstract

Abstract The development of a new class of surfactants for high temperature steam foam applications has been investigated using both a new bulk foam screening test and core testing in the presence and absence of bitumen. A new screening methodology utilizing a high pressure cell fitted with viewing windows is described. Data is presented for the initiation and degradation rate of bulk foams for a number of surfactants at 190°C and 250°C. Two surfactants Agent X and Agent Z were examined in core flood in the presence and absence of bitumen. At both 190°C and 250°C, the foaming agents were capable of creating stable foam. Core flood results in ~15 D sand pack at 250°C show that in the absence of bitumen, Agent X and Agent Z were capable of creating apparent foam viscosities of 3.9 and 17.7 cP, respectively. In the presence of bitumen the foaming ability was decreased, but foams created by both surfactants still maintained apparent viscosities of >1 cP. Both surfactants produced foams that have shown shear thinning behavior under the conditions tested. Potential applications for high temperature foams are discussed in light of the results.