Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing recovery, or flowback, of hydrocarbon compounds from hydrocarbon-containing subterranean reservoirs. The flowback compositions include an anionic sulfonated surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, water, and a coupling agent. The flowback compositions convert oil-wet rocks to water-wet, yet exhibit a low tendency of composition components to sorb to the rock. The flowback compositions do not cause formation of emulsions with hydrocarbon compounds within the subterranean environment. The flowback compositions are particularly useful for increasing the yield of hydrocarbons recovered from tight shale reservoirs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing recovery, or flowback, of hydrocarbon compounds from hydrocarbon-containing subterranean reservoirs. The flowback compositions include an anionic sulfonated surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, water, and a coupling agent. The flowback compositions convert oil-wet rocks to water-wet, yet exhibit a low tendency of composition components to sorb to the rock. The flowback compositions do not cause formation of emulsions with hydrocarbon compounds within the subterranean environment. The flowback compositions are particularly useful for increasing the yield of hydrocarbons recovered from tight shale reservoirs.