Surfix: the unseen hero of the oil front
It doesn’t smell like gasoline, it doesn’t make a noise like a drilling rig, and it doesn’t make it onto the covers of magazines. But it helps squeeze a few more percent of precious oil out of the ground. Meet Surfix.
What is a surfix and why is it needed?
Surfix is a specially developed composition of surfactants (surfactants) that:
- Reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water.
- Increases the mobility of oil in the reservoir.
- Promotes better washing out of residual oil.
Simply put: surfactant is the clever chemist who coaxes oil out of its hiding place.
Surfix characteristics from research by the Ukrnafta Research Institute
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear or slightly opalescent liquid |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| pH | 6.5 – 8.5 (neutral or slightly alkaline) |
| Water compatibility | Complete (does not form a precipitate) |
| Temperature stability | 5–35 °C |
| Foaming | Medium/low |
Laboratory test results
In laboratory conditions, the Surfix demonstrates a significant increase in oil recovery. After injection of the composition into the reservoir model, the following was observed:
- +18–22% additional oil recovery
- Decreased capillary pressure
- Improved filtration performance
Graph: Change in oil recovery after Surfix application
Why is this important?
Many wells have already extracted up to 70% of the reserves. The rest is precious oil that cannot be extracted using conventional methods. Surfix gives a second wind to old fields. And this:
- Reducing the cost of drilling new wells.
- Increasing oil recovery coefficient without additional man-made load.
- Economic benefit for the state and ecological benefit for the environment.
Conclusion for producers and consumers
Surfix is not just “another chemical.” It is a technological tool that works towards a sustainable mining strategy.
By investing in Surfix, you don’t just mine more—you mine smarter.
