While synthetic,
conventional surfactants have a known negative
environmental impact, their high cost poses a significant challenge.
In contrast, naturally extracted surfactants are cheaper and are readily
available. The applicability of natural surfactants depends on the
saponin concentration, extraction, and synthesis methods. Certain
parameters, such as their efficiency in obtaining the required interfacial
tension (IFT) values, salinity tolerance, and stability under reservoir
conditions, must be examined. Kazakhstan produces a substantial quantity
of flaxseed, and flaxseed oil is a good source of fatty acids that
can be converted to natural surfactants. Therefore, the work aims
to identify the potential of the natural-flaxseed oil surfactant.
The experimental study evaluated the synthesized surfactant, effective
concentration, salinity’s effect, interfacial tension, rheology,
and oil recovery concerns in vugs limestone. A microscopic study was
conducted to provide insight into the flow in the vugus matrix. At
the same time, the numerical method was also employed to establish
a potential recovery understanding. The Fourier spectrometer results
proved the distinct presence of the triterpenoid. The critical micelle
concentrations are 6 and 2.5 wt % for solution in 0 and seawater salinity,
respectively. The IFT was reduced by 40–48% and is more effective
in seawater solutions. The oil additional recovery was 39–50%
after surfactants. The presence of a fractured vugus did not affect
the success of the application. Despite the difficulty in modeling
the system, the numerical results agree with the experiments and show
only 7% differences in total recovery. The research offers novel natural
surfactants that can be applied in offshore Kazakhstan.