Increase Hydrocarbon Production Research Articles

Catalytic fast pyrolysis of jujube sawdust over two core–shell micro/mesoporous zeolites: Impact of mesoporous structure and aluminum sources

Core–shell zeolites have been used to improve bio-oil quality in biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP), yet research on shell materials remains limited. This study explores ZSM-5@MCM-41 and ZSM-5@SBA-15 core–shell micro/mesoporous zeolites, including their Al-containing variants synthesized with sodium aluminate (SA), aluminum sulfate (AS), and aluminum isopropoxide (AI) as Al sources, for improving bio-oil quality during biomass CFP. The samples were thoroughly characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, and NH3-TPD techniques. CFP experiments using jujube sawdust examined the impact of mesoporous structure and Al sources on bio-oil yield and quality. Results indicated that ZSM-5@MCM-41, with a smaller mesoporous structure and higher acid strength, showed 1.7 times greater hydrocarbon selectivity compared to ZSM-5@SBA-15 (20.6 % vs. 12.4 % by area). The incorporation of Al into the MCM-41 shell led to a decrease in bio-oil yield, with the order being ZSM-5@MCM-41 > ZSM-5@MCM-41-AI > ZSM-5@MCM-41-AS > ZSM-5@MCM-41-SA, owing to the combined effects of strong acid sites and mesoporosity. However, the hydrocarbon selectivity of ZSM-5@Al-MCM-41 catalysts decreased by 15.6–19.5 % owing to reduced mesoporous volume. Conversely, while the incorporation of Al in the SBA-15 shell also reduced bio-oil yield, it increased hydrocarbon production by 27.0–47.6 %. Also, the hydrocarbons selectivity was related to the acid strength of the ZSM-5@Al-SBA-15 catalysts, demonstrating that strong acid sites are more effective in regulating bio-oil quality than porosity.

President’s Column: SPE@Energy Transition

_ Editor’s Note: This is a summary of the October episode of the President’s vodcast. We encourage you to watch the episode to see the full conversation. In this vodcast, Houzé discusses his views on SPE and the energy transition. _ Last month, I presented a to-do list with five main topics: energy transition, finances, governance, membership, and quality. This month, I will discuss the first topic, energy transition. 1. SPE’s polarized views on energy transition As I mentioned last month, there are significant geographic contrasts within our industry and SPE regarding how the energy transition is perceived and developed. In some SPE venues and regions, energy transition is the dominant, if not the only subject, and the P in SPE is indeed a major obstacle for support, even from our traditional stakeholders. In other regions, stakeholders acknowledge the energy transition, but the situation is essentially business as usual. Major investments are underway to sustain production at current levels or even increase hydrocarbon production to record levels, with development plans spanning over several decades. Even in these regions, most, if not all, new projects are designed from the outset to have a low carbon footprint, including mitigating methane emissions. Energy transition is somehow factored in. So, there are very different narratives, which are reflected in a polite but real polarization within SPE—geographic and, occasionally, demographic. As an SPE President visiting many sections and stakeholders, the contrast is often striking. But we are engineers operating on the same planet, and there must be a single energy narrative that accounts for the reality of the energy transition in whatever form or definition this takes, locally or globally. To do this, we can try to assess in the most objective way possible how our license to operate may evolve in the short to medium term. I will start with something you may have seen many times: the three main energy transition scenarios presented by the International Energy Agency (IEA). These scenarios predict the climate impact by the end of the century based on current and predicted variables, including consumption, population, economics, and technologies. These are just models, but as the statistician George Box pointed out: “All models are wrong, but some are useful.” These IEA models are definitely useful (Fig. 1).

Fluid Phase Equilibria Carbon Dioxide + Decane + Hexadecane Ternary System

The interest in understanding reservoir fluids' phase behavior is to increase hydrocarbon production without any flow assurance issues. Due to its opacity, the evident complexity of determining phase equilibrium data revolves around the thermodynamic modeling of model systems. The article presents experimental phase equilibrium data and thermodynamic modeling for the CO2 + decane + hexadecane ternary system at 283.15, 298.15, and 323.15 K and pressures up to 20 MPa. The transitions observed during this study were liquid-liquid (LL), vapor-liquid (VL), and vapor-liquid-liquid (VLL). The Peng-Robinson equation of state was used to model this ternary system for various compositions. The temperature-dependent binary interaction parameters (kij) for the CO2 + n-alkane mixtures were adjusted to the experimental data. Additionally, a binary interaction parameter for the n-C16H34/n-C10H22 pair, independent of temperature, was obtained through the critical volume of the components. The results reveal complex behaviors as the mixture's composition of hexadecane progressively increases. Adding this longer-chain linear hydrocarbon influences the phase behavior, leading to the emergence of liquid-liquid transitions and barotropic inversion in the system. This study contributes valuable data on model systems representing crude oil, highlighting complex behaviors in ternary systems with high carbon dioxide content.

Bi-functional and bi-metallic catalytic solvo-hydrothermal liquefaction for upgrading hydrocarbon of phenol-rich oil from kraft black liquor lignin

This study primarily aimed to enhance the hydrocarbon of a solvo-hydrothermal liquefaction (S-HTL) process initially extracting phenolic-rich oil. To catalyze the current process, HZSM-5 zeolite with its modifications were applied to S-HTL. Ni2P was first introduced to zeolite forming bifunctional catalyst and further coating it with either Co, Mo, or Zn to create bimetallic catalyst. The analysis showed that the zeolite structure did not change after the modifications. The acid sites on the catalyst were found to be principally responsible for the hydrodeoxygenation upgrading the oil yield, biomass conversion, and hydrocarbon generation. Catalytic HTL also produced compounds not detected in non-catalytic S-HTL which appeared to be largely promoted by the catalyst with Ni2P. Additionally, oil output, biomass conversion, and hydrocarbon yield were all substantially increased by catalyst (supplemented by Mo) about 20 %, 5 %, and 15 %, respectively. Moreover, Mo-supplemented catalyst with pre-treatment could be used for 5 more cycles with insignificant oil conversion reduction. Overall, the study synthesized bi-functional and bi-metallic catalysts and applied it to S-HTL improving the yield of generated oil and increasing hydrocarbon production.

Well Rehabilitation is a Promising Area for Increasing Hydrocarbon Production

Well Rehabilitation is a Promising Area for Increasing Hydrocarbon Production

Review of the Technical and Economic Evaluation of the Use of Means of Simultaneous Independent Operation for Solving Technical Problems

In the context of developing multilayer deposits in Turkmenistan, the technical and economic evaluation of technique used in simultaneous and independent operation represents an important area of work. Most of the oil and gas fields both in our country and abroad are multi-layered. At the same time, several productive layers are located layer by layer one above the other. From the point of view of rational development, the development of such deposits by independent grids of wells drilled for each individual reservoir is the most preferable. However, the experience of oilfield development shows that more than half of all capital investments are spent on drilling wells. Therefore, the development of multilayer deposits by independent well grids for each formation requires huge capital expenditures and is not always economically and technologically justified. In this regard, when developing multi-layer deposits, several productive formations are often combined into one operational facility, which makes it possible to shorten the time of field development, reduce capital investments for drilling wells and field development, etc. At the same time, simultaneous development of several formations by one object is possible only with the same physico-chemical properties of oils in the combined formations, if the inflow of oil and gas is sufficient from each formation at an acceptable bottom-hole pressure in the well, with close values of reservoir pressure in the combined formations, excluding oil flows between the formations, and close values of reservoir waterlogging. If the above conditions are not met, then multidimensional deposits are developed using the method of simultaneous and independent operation (hereinafter referred to as SIO) with one well. Depending on the specific geological and technical conditions for the development of deposits, technical and operational characteristics of wells, one of the currently available SIO schemes is used. Mandatory requirements for all SIO schemes are the possibility of separate development and commissioning of each reservoir, measurement of oil flow rates of each reservoir separately, as well as separate measurement of each reservoir for waterlogging, gas content and examination of each reservoir for oil and gas inflow. When deciding on the use of the SIO method, the degree of depletion of reserves, the proximity of the oil content contour to wells, the presence of resins and paraffin in the extracted oils, the thickness of the productive layers and the impermeable interlayers separating them, the condition of the production column of wells, etc. Productive horizons have different capacities from one to several tens of meters; their operation is carried out from the bottom up according to the traditional scheme. Such a traditional scheme of operation of multilayer deposits provides for the development of a grid of vertical wells for each operational facility, which leads to an increase in capital costs for drilling wells and a decrease in the profitability of the products obtained. Accordingly, in the production of hydrocarbons, the main cost item is the construction of new production wells. It is necessary to solve the problem of reducing construction costs almost immediately with the introduction of wells into drilling. The simplest way is to combine several oil-saturated horizons into several development facilities. Simultaneous and independent operation (SIO) and dual water injection operation (DIO) can be applied to regulate the zone development by layers (uniform exploration of layers, intensification of one of the layers). In these cases, the application of SIO and DIO methods aims to increase the current oil production. Savings in this case are generated by increasing the fluid oil production, both from intensifying development and preventing premature well flooding. The goal and objective of this scientific review are the technical and economic evaluation of the application of simultaneous and independent operation means and incorporation of productive horizons to increase hydrocarbon production during the development of deposits in the initial and late stages of operation. The economic efficiency of such regulation of production is determined by comparing the technical and economic indicators of the zone's development without regulation, calculated considering the actual ratio of technological and economic indicators with the actual technical and economic indicators. Incorporating productive horizons can play a significant role in increasing current oil production, and in some cases, enhancing the oil recovery of the incorporated zone, through the most effective utilization of previously drilled wells on the field. One of the key current technological indicators of incorporation is the additional well production rate, i.e. the increase in current production achieved through the implemented measures. The practical significance of this work lies in the technical and economic evaluation of a more efficient and sustainable oil and gas production technology developed in Turkmenistan, leading to increased production and reduced capital investments at the early and late stages of field development.

Reuse of Drill Cuttings Contaminated with Diesel in the Formation of Asphalt Pavement

Current Cuban strategies to increase hydrocarbon production introduce new hazardous waste such as drilling cuttings contaminated with diesel. In order to manage them safely, the present work aims to evaluate their potential to be reused in the construction industry, hence, it is intended to use the drilling cuttings contaminated with diesel as a partial replacement for the conventional raw material for the Manufacture of asphalt pavement. To determine the composition of the dry and wet drill cuttings, physical, chemical and mechanical tests were carried out that showed a hydrocarbon content of 3.2% and 6.9% respectively, higher than the maximum limit established for final disposal, due to the presence of diesel in the composition. Regarding its granulometry, it is evident that more than 70% of its particles are fine, so it can be used as a modifier of the granulometry of the aggregate. Different mixing ratios were established to improve their properties in the application proposal, obtaining viable results. In this regard, resistances of 46%, 33% and 32% higher than the minimum limit were obtained to be used in pavement patching actions as a subbase. Elements that drill cuttings can replace conventional raw materials such as aggregates or aggregates in the restoration of sub-base of asphalt pavements, this management alternative being beneficial from an environmental point of view.

Sanding phenomena vulnerability observations due to CO2 injection at the Air Benakat reservoir in South Sumatera

Carbon sequestration using carbon capture storage (CCS) is one of the most important operational activities in the oil and gas industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase hydrocarbon production. Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS) can be utilized for both enhancing oil recovery (CO2-EOR), as well as gas recovery (CO2-EGR) by injecting CO2 into the reservoir. However, the CO2 injection into reservoir rock can raise potential sanding problems in both injection and production wells. The phenomena of sanding may be induced dominantly due to carbonic acid injection in the reservoir. The reaction between CO2 and water will form carbonic acid in the reservoir, which can cause the dissolution of rock minerals, especially carbonate cementation (such as calcite and dolomite). We have investigated the sanding effect when CO2 was injected into the reservoir using several laboratory-scale measurements and observations on the Air Benakat reservoir sample in South Sumatera. The sanding vulnerability was measured by observing pore structure, changes in elastic properties, and rock strength through Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics measurements. XRD analysis showed the presence of CaMg(CO3)2 (dolomite) minerals in the Air Benakat sandstone sample, which resulted in the possibility of a chemical reaction of the sample, either matrix or pores. The pore structure dissolution was detected from microscale images when the rock was injected with CO2 dissolved in brine water. The changes in rock’s pores due to the dissolution process were also clearly observed from measurements of the changes in rock mass during the injection process of carbonic acid fluid into rock samples from time-to-time measurement.

The state of the environment of the West Kazakhstan region (late 1990s – early 2000s)

The article examines key aspects of the environmental state of the West Kazakhstan region in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It presents characteristics of the general environmental condition, atmospheric air quality, water quality, and environmental protection measures. An analysis of official data sources indicates that increased hydrocarbon production at the Karachaganak oil and gas condensate field (KOGCF) and other industrial enterprises led to a rise in gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, particularly nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The authors highlight a significant risk of river pollution from heavy industry waste in the region. Moreover, the analysis reveals that despite ample water and mineral resources, the West Kazakhstan region did not effectively utilize them for agricultural purposes. In conclusion, it is evident that the environmental state of the region was negatively impacted by increased pollution of atmospheric air and water resources with toxic metals resulting from industrial activities.

Universal apparatus module of radioactivity logging for the investigation of oil-and-gas reservoirs while drilling

Logging-while-drilling (LWD) is the most advanced technology in geophysical well logging. It is widely used for determining the petrophysical and other parameters of oil-and-gas reservoirs in vertical, deviated, and horizontal boreholes.
 The LWD is particularly important for horizontal boreholes, obtained by directional drilling from vertical boreholes into predetermined hydrocarbon reservoirs. Horizontal boreholes allow multiplying the yield of hydrocarbons, increasing overall production, and using effectively both new vertical boreholes and exploited ones, as well as old boreholes. The opportunity of horizontal drilling to local (isolated) deposits, which are at a certain distance from vertical boreholes, is of also essential importance. All these factors are favourable for increased hydrocarbon production, which is of great significance for Ukraine.
 This paper concentrates on the apparatus developments aimed at creating a new module of radioactivity logging for LWD; the module is universal in the sense that it can be used in drill collars, which are employed while drilling all types of boreholes. The tool implements neutron-neutron logging, neutron-gamma logging, gamma-gamma logging, and gamma-ray logging. It allows a direct and combined determination of a broad set of petrophysical reservoir parameters.
 The advantages and disadvantages of the known nuclear logging modules for the LWD have been analyzed, and the features and merits of the proposed one are shown. During the laboratory and borehole operations with a pilot sample of the module, trends for its improvement were outlined.
 As an example of using the new module for LWD, the results of determining the petrophysical parameters of oil reservoirs of varying lithology in three horizontal boreholes are given. The process of LWD measurements demonstrated high technologicness and efficiency of the module. Comparison of the obtained parameters of the reservoirs with the data of independent measurements carried out in the open hole of the same boreholes using the PEX tool (Schlumberger) showed a qualitative consistency and a quantitative convergence of the results.

HORIZONTAL WELL COMPLETION SYSTEMS WITH MULTI-STAGE HYDRAULIC FRACTURING FOR LOW-PERMEABILITY, POORLY DRAINED, HETEROGENEOUS AND DISMEMBERED RESERVOIRS

Currently, the most effective method of intensifying the inflow of hydrocarbons and increasing oil recovery in productive formations in wells, in particular with a horizontal well, remains the technology of hydraulic fracturing (HF). In many regions, according to some domestic and foreign researchers, this is the only technology for developing fields with hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves confined to lowpermeability, poorly drained, heterogeneous and dissected reservoirs, which can significantly increase hydrocarbon production and make wells economically viable.Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (MSHF) has established itself as one of the main methods of reservoir stimulation in the Russian Federation. The main goal of this method is to create highly conductive fractures in an oil and gas saturated reservoir throughout the horizontal section of the wellbore. To do this, an alternate series of hydraulic fracturing is performed, the result of which is the maximum production rate of hydrocarbons.Over time, oil and gas companies in the Russian Federation are becoming more demanding on the technical and technological parameters of MSHF in terms of the number of stages, the length of the horizontal section of the well, the possibility of re-fracturing and management of intervals/ports after its commissioning, and much more.The authors of the article propose to consider and analyze modern horizontal well completion systems with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing for low-permeability, low-drainage, heterogeneous and dissected reservoirs in order to form their rating.

PROBLEMS OF EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STIMULATION OF LOW-PERMEABILITY RESERVOIRS OF HYDROCARBONS

The article discusses the conditions for the formation of hydrocarbon deposits and their changes during the development of lowpermeability reservoirs, as well as the most effective technologies for developing deposits of this type, which help increase the coverage of residual hydrocarbon reserves. Low-permeability reservoirs are susceptible to foreign fluid damage, so it is necessary to continuously reduce damage throughout the fracturing process through the use of optimized fluid systems and process parameters. The most effective technologies are: the use of horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, which ensures the largest volume of hydrocarbon recovery at the initial stage, the use of multilateral wells with branched horizontal ends when it is impossible to use multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. To increase the connectivity of flow channels and provide increased hydrocarbon production, the multi-stage hydraulic fracturing process damages low-permeability reservoirs. The fracture extends in height and length over tens of meters and, thanks to this, can provide hydrodynamic connection to formation zones remote from the perforation interval. Thus, the need for well research methods that are capable of recording formation performance regardless of the position of the secondary opening (perforation) interval is relevant

Dual completion operation technology for two gas condensate reservoirs with production lifting by one column of pumping and compressor pipes

In the context of the active development of gas condensate fields with several reservoirs in the Gogrendag-Ekerem Upland (Korpedje, South Gamyshlja), the study of its technologies is an important area of work. The study aims to optimise the technology of simultaneously separating two gas condensate reservoirs by lifting products with one tubing string to increase hydrocarbon production efficiency. The methods used include the analytical method, functional method, statistical method, synthesis method, and others. In the course of the study, an innovative methodology was developed for the dual completion operation (DCO) of two gas condensate reservoirs, which involves lifting products with a single tubing string. The key element is the refinement of the calculations made. A detailed analysis of the equipment used in the Gogrendag-Ekerem area showed that it can also be effectively used in other regional fields, ensuring the proper functioning of each element above the packer level. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the various individual characteristics of the field to achieve a truly effective configuration of this technology. The new technology incorporates optimised pressure, flow, and control parameters for each reservoir, resulting in increased production efficiency and reduced energy costs. A significant reduction in the negative impact on the environment and an increase in the overall sustainability of the production process have been identified. These features make the proposed technology an important contribution to the development of the oil and gas industry, contributing to more efficient and environmentally sustainable hydrocarbon production and highlighting its potential for application in modern field development. The practical significance of the research lies in the creation of a more efficient and sustainable hydrocarbon production technology, which not only helps to optimise production processes and reduce environmental impact but also provides the industry with a valuable tool to improve overall energy efficiency and sustainability in the face of ever-changing energy requirements and challenges

Sulfonamide Derivatives as Novel Surfactant/Alkaline Flooding Processes for Improving Oil Recovery.

Over time, oil consumption has increased along with a continuous demand for petroleum products that require finding ways to increase hydrocarbon production more economically and effectively. So, enhanced oil recovery technologies are believed to be very promising and will serve as a key to meeting the future energy demand. This paper aims to introduce an innovative method to boost the EOR by using two novel types of surfactants synthesized from sulfonamide derivatives. Types I and II surfactants were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their characterization was further performed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, the evaluation of these surfactants included interfacial tension measurements at concentrations up to 0.9 wt %. The combination of types I and II surfactants with alkaline (NaOH) was also investigated by the measurements of interfacial tension. A series of coreflood and sandpack tests under high-salinity conditions were carried out to assess the effects of a surfactant alone and alkaline-surfactant as a combination on improving oil recovery. The rock wettability was evaluated using relative permeability saturation curves, and the oil displacement efficiency was determined using fractional flow curves. The coreflood results demonstrated that alkaline-surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.2 wt % surfactant type II plus 0.5 wt % NaOH achieved a higher oil recovery of 74% OOIP compared to surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.5 wt % surfactant type II (64% OOIP) and waterflooding (saline solution with a 35,000 ppm salinity: 48% OOIP). Moreover, the experimental results showed that under both core and sandpack flood conditions, there was a noticeable reduction in oil-water interfacial tension, a change in rock wettability to more water-wet, and higher efficiency of oil displacement when alkaline was added to the surfactant. Based on current research, the alkaline-surfactant formulation is strongly recommended for chemical flooding because of its high efficacy and relatively low cost.

Workflow of the In Situ Combustion EOR Method in Venezuela: Challenges and Opportunities.

In situ combustion (ISC) is one of the oldest thermal enhanced oil recovery methods to have been applied in Venezuela to increase the production of highly viscous crude oils, with a first field application in 1959 in the Tia Juana Field-Lake Maracaibo Basin. This method, which is characterized by high energy efficiency, consists of injecting air into the reservoir where exothermic oxidation reactions initiate to increase the mobility of the oil. Compared to other thermal enhanced oil recovery methods such as steam injection, ISC has a lower environmental impact in terms of water and fuel consumption, and emission of gases as the produced gases can be reinjected or stored. Several ISC projects have been carried out in Venezuela in Tia Juana, Morichal, Miga, and Melones fields. Although the technical results have been satisfactory in terms of viscosity reduction and improved crude oil properties (such as °API), other important aspects of project evaluations have not been convincing due to the following factors: high temperatures in producing wells, acid gases management, generation of complex emulsions, corrosion, and high CAPEX and OPEX costs. Nevertheless, additional research work has been conducted on process optimization, using catalysts and hydrogen donors, to better address these other factors. Due to the great need to increase hydrocarbon production in Venezuela and to the advantages of ISC as an upgrading technique where low-carbon fuels and hydrogen as byproducts are generated, this paper presents a revisit of ISC projects in Venezuela from R&D technical aspects to field applications. It seeks to identify the main insights regarding the success and failure of the evaluated projects and make substantiated recommendations in the case of future applications of this technology.

Fast Well Control Optimization with Two-Stage Proxy Modeling

Waterflooding is one of the methods used for increased hydrocarbon production. Waterflooding optimization can be computationally prohibitive if the reservoir model or the optimization problem is complex. Hence, proxy modeling can yield a faster solution than numerical reservoir simulation. This fast solution provides insights to better formulate field development plans. Due to technological advancements, machine learning increasingly contributes to the designing and building of proxy models. Thus, in this work, we have proposed the application of the two-stage proxy modeling, namely global and local components, to generate useful insights. We have established global proxy models and coupled them with optimization algorithms to produce a new database. In this paper, the machine learning technique used is a multilayer perceptron. The optimization algorithms comprise the Genetic Algorithm and the Particle Swarm Optimization. We then implemented the newly generated database to build local proxy models to yield solutions that are close to the “ground truth”. The results obtained demonstrate that conducting global and local proxy modeling can produce results with acceptable accuracy. For the optimized rate profiles, the R2 metric overall exceeds 0.96. The range of Absolute Percentage Error of the local proxy models generally reduces to 0–3% as compared to the global proxy models which has a 0–5% error range. We achieved a reduction in computational time by six times as compared with optimization by only using a numerical reservoir simulator.

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of oil palm trunk and polypropylene with Ni–Mo/TiO2 and Ni/Al2O3: Oil composition and mechanism

Pyrolysis oil from oil palm biomass can be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and the precursor for synthesizing petrochemical products due to its carbon-neutral properties and low sulfur and nitrogen content. This work investigated the effect of applying mesoporous acidic catalysts, Ni–Mo/TiO2 and Ni/Al2O3, in a catalytic co-pyrolysis of oil palm trunk (OPT) and polypropylene (PP) from 500 to 700 °C. The obtained oil yields varied between 12.67 and 19.50 wt.% and 12.33–17.17 wt.% for Ni–Mo/TiO2 and Ni/Al2O3, respectively. The hydrocarbon content in oil significantly increased up to 54.07–58.18% and 37.28–68.77% after adding Ni–Mo/TiO2 and Ni/Al2O3, respectively. The phenolic compounds content was substantially reduced to 8.46–20.16% for Ni–Mo/TiO2 and 2.93–14.56% for Ni/Al2O3. Minor reduction in oxygenated compounds was noticed from catalytic co-pyrolysis, though the parametric effects of temperature and catalyst type remain unclear. The enhanced deoxygenation and cracking of phenolic and oxygenated compounds and the PP decomposition resulted in increased hydrocarbon production in oil during catalytic co-pyrolysis. Catalyst addition also promoted the isomerization and oligomerization reactions, enhancing the formation of cyclic relative to aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Hierarchical gallium-modified ZSM-5@SBA-15 for the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass into hydrocarbons

The catalytic pyrolysis of biomass is a sustainable approach for biofuel production, contributing to replacing fossil resources with renewable resources. The ZSM-5 zeolite remains an attractive catalyst in the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass, and how to reduce the product diffusion resistance and regulate the surface acidity of ZSM-5 should be explored more deeply. Herein, a hierarchical gallium-modified ZSM-5@SBA-15 catalyst is fabricated through coating a mesoporous layered SBA-15 shell on a hollow ZSM-5 core with gallium modified on the surface, which is effective for increasing hydrocarbon production during the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass process. The synergistic effect of hollowness, mesoporosity, and activity in the hierarchical gallium-modified ZSM-5@SBA-15 catalysts is found to affect the yield and quality of bio-oil. Accordingly, the hierarchical gallium-modified ZSM-5@SBA-15 catalyst with 11 wt% Ga loading exhibits a superior deoxygenation ability, and the relative content of hydrocarbons in bio-oil reach to 49.76 area% which is much higher than that of ZSM-5 (35.30 area%). Furthermore, a possible catalytic pyrolysis mechanism of biomass was also proposed to clarify the potential application of hierarchical gallium-modified ZSM-5@SBA-15 catalysts.

CALCULATIONS OF THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF DRILLING WELLS WITH SEPARATE OPERATION OF SEVERAL HORIZONS SIMULTANEOUSLY

the article presents a calculation of the economic efficiency of simultaneous development of several layers by one object. The necessary cost indicators of products on the domestic and foreign markets, taxes and payments, as well as expenditure, such as operational, capital costs when using the technology of dual completion (DC) and according to the traditional scheme are described and presented. The DC method is cost-effective and makes it possible to seal the grid of wells (producing and injection) without additional drilling footage and in increasing hydrocarbon production. Dual completion in the world practice of the development of multi-layer deposits is carried out in various ways, which are determined by the design of wells, the nature of separation of layers, types of technological operations of control and regulation of the development of operational facilities. Depending on the operating modes of the layers, the schemes of equipment for dual completion can be represented by the following combinations: fountain-fountain, gaslift-gaslift, pump-pump, injection-injection, fountain-pump, pump-fountain, fountain-gaslift, gaslift-fountain, etc. The effectiveness of dual completion in solving the tasks of the first group is characterized by ensuring optimal working conditions for each formation or the possibility of monitoring and regulating the development of formations. The number of wells in which the DC should be carried out is justified in the project, based on the need to solve these tasks. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the method by the amount of additional oil produced after the transfer of wells to dual completion is carried out only in frequent cases. Basically, with the planned and projected technological scheme of development, the use of the method, additional production should be taken into account when calculating development indicators. When solving the tasks of the first group, the transfer of wells to DC can be carried out both from the very beginning of their commissioning, and after a certain period of joint operation of reservoirs.

An Analytical TOOLBOX for the Characterization of Chalks and Other Fine-Grained Rock Types within Enhanced Oil Recovery Research and Its Application—A Guideline

Analyses of fine-grained rocks like shales, cherts, and specifically chalk are challenging with regards to spatial resolution. We propose a “toolbox” to understand mineralogical alteration in chalk, especially those induced by non-equilibrium fluids or polymers and silicates during production of hydrocarbons. These data are fundamental in experiments related to improved/enhanced oil recovery (IOR/EOR) research with the aim to increase hydrocarbon production in a sustainable and environmentally friendly process. The ‘toolbox’ methods analyse rock–fluid or polymer–rock interaction and can be applied to any fine-grained rock type. In our ‘toolbox’, we include methods for routine analysis and evaluate the economic side of the usage together with the complexity of application and the velocity of data acquisition. These methods are routine methods for identification and imaging of components at the same time by chemical or crystallographic means and here applied to petroleum geology. The ‘toolbox’ principle provides a first workflow to develop a road map with clear focus on objectives for maximizing EOR. Most importantly, the methods provide a robust dataset that can identify mineralogical properties and alterations in very fine-grained rocks over several scales (nanometer-decimeter).