Abstract: To minimize headspace in a storage container and thereby reduce or eliminate alcohol evaporation, concentrated surfactant solutions stabilized by a diluent of higher volatility than the surfactant, such as alcohol, are stored in a flexible bladder fabricated from fabric including an impermeable or semipermeable membrane, such as polyurethane coated fabric. Because the bladder automatically deflates as the fluid level decreases, minimal head space is maintained and evaporation of the alcohol is thus constrained. A rigid support structure may be employed to hold the flexible bladder. With such a storage system, concentrated surfactant solutions may be manufactured at a convenient location for transport to and storage near an injection well, with considerable time between manufacture and application allowed before the surfactant solution degrades by an unacceptable amount.

Abstract: To minimize headspace in a storage container and thereby reduce or eliminate alcohol evaporation, concentrated surfactant solutions stabilized by a diluent of higher volatility than the surfactant, such as alcohol, are stored in a flexible bladder fabricated from fabric including an impermeable or semipermeable membrane, such as polyurethane coated fabric. Because the bladder automatically deflates as the fluid level decreases, minimal head space is maintained and evaporation of the alcohol is thus constrained. A rigid support structure may be employed to hold the flexible bladder. With such a storage system, concentrated surfactant solutions may be manufactured at a convenient location for transport to and storage near an injection well, with considerable time between manufacture and application allowed before the surfactant solution degrades by an unacceptable amount.