ALKALINE INJECTION FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - A STATUS REPORT.

In the past several years, renewed interest in enhanced oil recovery of alkaline injection has occurred. Alkaline solutions are also being used as preflushes in micellar-polymer projects. Several major field tests of alkaline flooding are planned, are in progress or have recently been completed. Considerable basic research on alkaline injection has recently occurred and is in progress. A summary is presented of known field tests and where available, summarizes the amount of alkali injected and the performance results. Recent laboratory work, much sponsored by DOE, and the findings are detailed. Alkaline flood field test plans for new projects are summarized.