Abstract:
An improved anionic waterflood additive is prepared by sulfonating a crude oil having an API gravity of at least 25 and an aromatic hydrocarbon content of at least 15 percent by weight; neutralizing the sulfonated crude oil with a base component such as an alkali metal hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or an alkali metal carbonate; and overbasing the sulfonate by admixing with an excess of base component such that the ratio: ''''weight of excess base component/weight of sulfonate'''' is about 0.03 to about 3.0. The anionic waterflood additive is injected into a petroliferous formation, the formation is waterflooded and oil is recovered.