Abstract: A composition comprising from 60-80 wt % alcohol alkoxy sulfates, 2-20 wt % of polyalkoxy sulfates and water wherein the alcohol alkoxy sulfates are of the formula R—O—(C3H6O)x—(C2H4O)y—SO3 where R is an alkyl group having from 9 to 18 carbon atoms, x is from 1 to 40, y is from 0 to 20 and x+y is from 1 to 60.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for preparing an internal olefin sulfonate, comprising: a) sulfonating an internal olefin to produce a first sulfonated internal olefin mixture; and b) contacting the first sulfonated internal olefin mixture with water, caustic and a non-ionic surfactant to form a neutralized sulfonated internal olefin mixture wherein greater than 10 wt. % of the non-ionic surfactant is added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition which comprises i) an internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) surfactant; ii) an acid which has a pKa between 4 and 12; and iii) the conjugate base of the acid mentioned under ii), to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, by combining the aqueous composition with a hydrocarbon removal fluid to produce an injectable fluid, wherein the hydrocarbon removal fluid comprises 1) water and 2) divalent cations in a concentration of 50 or more parts per million by weight (ppmw), and injecting the injectable fluid into the hydrocarbon containing formation; and b) allowing the surfactant from the injectable fluid to interact with the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation.