Abstract

A method for enhancing the uniformity of steam quality, i.e., steam quality equalization, in a multiple steam injection system having a steam generator, a primary steam header, at least one secondary steam header, a primary steam line connecting the generator to the primary header, at least one secondary steam line connecting the primary header to a secondary steam header, and a plurality of tertiary steam lines connecting the secondary steam header to a tertiary steam header or one of a plurality of steam injections wells involves the introduction of a surfactant at a point subsequent to the steam generator. The surfactant preferably includes those alkyl aromatic sulfonates which include at least one alkyl group comprising 12-30 carbon atoms, more preferably, 20-24 carbon atoms with the preferred concentration of surfactant being about 100 to about 250 ppm, based on the total cold water equivalent of the steam flow.