Abstract: The present invention describes the method of making anionic ether sulfate surfactants by alkoxylation of a GA using PO and/or EO followed by a sulfation reaction. The GA of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method that involves high temperature base catalyzed dimerization of a linear alcohol. The ether sulfate surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil and for environmental cleanup.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of EDTA and/or alkali treated hard brine at high pH for making ASP formulations for EOR applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are inter alia novel compositions and methods having application in a variety of fields including the field of enhanced oil recovery, the cleaning industry as well as groundwater remediation. In particular, the alkoxy carboxylate compounds and mixtures thereof presented herein can be used, inter alia, for the recovery of a large range of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for oil recovery using a surfactant-less alkaline-polymer system in hard water or hard brine is described in the instant invention. The formulation further includes a chelating agent, an alkaline agent (which can be the same as the chelating agent), and a co-solvent. The formulations as disclosed herein are capable of forming a surfactant in-situ resulting in Winsor Type III micro-emulsions of low interfacial tension.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of synthesis of anionic surfactants by alkoxylation of a Guerbet alcohol (GA) having 12 to 36 carbon atoms using butylene oxide, and optionally propylene oxide and/or ethylene oxide followed by the incorporation of a terminal anionic group are described herein. The GA of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method that involves high temperature base catalyzed dimerization of alcohols with 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The large hydrophobe ether surfactants of the present invention find uses in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil and for environmental cleanup. Further, the hydrophobe alkoxylated GA without anionic terminal group can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A method of making a styryl phenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant by alkoxylation of a styryl phenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a sulfation reaction. The styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method. The large hydrophobe surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, and for environmental cleanup. Further, the unsulfated version of the large hydrophobe styrylphenol alkoxylate surfactant of the present invention can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention describes the method of making anionic ether sulfate surfactants by alkoxylation of a GA using PO and/or EO followed by a sulfation reaction. The GA of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method that involves high temperature base catalyzed dimerization of a linear alcohol. The ether sulfate surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil and for environmental cleanup.

Abstract: The present invention describes the method of making an ether sulfate surfactant solution hydrolytically stable by adding one or more alkalinity generating agents at levels greater than 0.05%. The surfactant solutions of the present invention have half-lives >8 months at 100° C. and find uses in EOR applications, environmental cleanups, detergent industry, and any other surfactant based high temperature applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of EDTA and/or alkali treated hard brine at high pH for making ASP formulations for EOR applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis and use of cleavable di-functional anionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery applications and/or the use of sacrificial surfactants.