Inventors:
Douglas G. Naae - Houston TX
Michael G. DaGue - Houston TX
Nancy G. Dunn - Houston TX
Assignee:
Texaco Inc. - White Plains NY
International Classification:
E21B 4322
Abstract:
A method of producing oil soluble surfactants from lignin is disclosed, along with a method for recovering oil from underground formations by means of a surfactant flooding system containing these lignin surfactants. Lignin is reduced in the presence of a carbon monoxide or hydrogen reducing agent at high temperature and pressure, alkoxylated with an. alpha. -olefin epoxide and then changed into oil soluble lignin surfactants by a reaction selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, sulfation and alkoxysulfation.