Abstract—This paper investigated a comb-like emulsifier based on amines, fatty acid and maleic anhydride. The emulsion properties and character of the emulsifier were studied by FT-IR. Meanwhile the emulsification properties of the prepared emulsion were evaluated, in terms of separation stability, electrical stability, emulsion stability and thermal stability. Then the resistance properties of synthesized emulsifier to salinity, calcium and water were studied. The results indicated that the structure of comb-like emulsifier was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Optimization of synthesis condition investigations demonstrated that reaction temperature was fixed at 165℃ and reaction time was fixed at 16h. For the high-temperature resistance of comb-like emulsifier behaviors, the emulsion-breakage voltage of comb-like emulsifier achieved 821V subsequent to rolled at 220℃ for 16h, while the EZ-MUL surfactant was 353V in the same condition. Overall, the oil-based drilling fluid prepared by the synthesized emulsifier, with excellent resistance of calcium chloride and water properties, was superior to EZ-MUL surfactant as the primary emulsifier. Besides the oil-based drilling fluid, which prepared by the comb-like emulsifier, has excellent rheological and filtration properties under complex conditions. The successful combination of high temperature resistance and emulsion stability makes the comb-like emulsifier potentially applicable in deep well, ultra-deep well and unconventional hydrocarbon resources exploration.
Index Terms—Comb-like emulsifier, high temperature tolerance, drilling fluid, electrical stability.
D. Zhengqiang, H. Yinbo, H. Xianbing, and J. Guancheng are with the Petroleum Engineering Department, CUP University, Beijing, China (e-mail: 492838404@qq.com, 634640236@qq.com, 344925897@qq.com, 15010025286@126.com).
W. Li is with Geological Engineering, Zhonghaiwobang Energy Corporation, Jiuxianqiao, Beijing China (e-mail: 545083127@qq.com).
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Cite: Deng Zhengqiang, Jiang Guancheng, He Yinbo, Huang Xianbing, and Wu Li, "Synthesis and Evaluation of a Comb-Like Emulsifier with High Temperature Tolerance for Oil-Based Drilling Fluid," International Journal of Chemical Engineering and Applications vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 106-111, 2017.
