Synthesis, Characterization, Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of an Anionic Surfactant Derived from Linum Usitatissimum

Chemically synthesized surfactants are very effective in breaking the boundary tensions between the trapped oil and injected fluid but of recent, the use of synthetic surfactant is limited owing to its high cost of production and the associated toxic effects which have proven to be harmful to the environment. Therefore, the new focus of the oil and gas industry is the development of cost-effective bio-degradable surfactants that are environmentally friendly. The study discusses the production of bio-based surfactant via saponification from Linseed oil and its application in enhanced oil recovery. The surfactant was characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX analysis, foam ability, emulsion stability and static adsorption test. From the produced surfactant, 6 concentrations in parts per million (ppm) (500ppm, 1000ppm, 2000ppm, 4000ppm, 8000ppm, 1200ppm) were prepared and subjected to characterization and performance tests. Effect of electrolyte concentrations (0wt. %, 2wt. % and 5 wt. %) on the emulsion and foam characteristics of the surfactant solutions were equally analyzed.