A new type of viscoelastic amphoteric surfactants (amidoamine oxide) has been examined as a diverting agent during acidizing treatment. Rheological properties of viscoelastic surfactants are a function of surfactant concentration, acid additives, pH, temperature and shear rate. A HPHT rheometer was used to test the effect of common acid additives and organic acids/chelating agents on the apparent viscosity of amidoamine oxide-based acids. The compatibility and thermal stability of surfactants with corrosion inhibitor were also investigated. Rotating disk apparatus was used to examine the kinetic studies of surfactant-based acids with limestone.

The results show that the apparent viscosity of surfactant solutions prepared in deionized water, live acid, and spent acid was found to be a function of temperature. Apparent viscosity of live surfactant-based acids was also found to be a function of HCl concentration. Most of acid additives could adversely affect the rheological properties of spent acids. Compatibility tests should be done prior the field application. Cryo-TEM studies show the changes of rod-like micelle structures with the addition of additives. The reaction between surfactant-based acid and limestone was found to be mass transfer limited at 170°F.