D. K. Nurgaliev

Application of Thermal Investigation Methods in Developing Heavy-Oil Production Technologies

The feasibility of applying thermal analysis to study of oil–containing rocks and organic matter is reviewed. Using heavy crudes from the Ashal’cha and Mordovo-Karmal fields, the potential for analysis of the effectiveness of iron-containing precursors of aquathermolysis catalysts is demonstrated with use of data derived from thermal analysis. The thermal effects detected in the presence of the catalyst precursor, as compared with the original sample, reflect decomposition of the catalyst precursor and degradation processes for the components of the crude oil activated by the catalyst. It is shown that use of thermal analysis is feasible for preliminary selection or optimization of catalyst compositions for in-situ upgrading of crude oils, taking into account the activity of the catalyst relative to certain components of the crude in a specific temperature range.

Promising Aspects of Heavy Oil and Native Asphalt Conversion Under Field Conditions

Heavy oils and native asphalt commercial field development is concerned with research on different issues, refer to production, transportation and processing. Investigation on the possibility of heavy oils and native asphalt conversion under field conditions, including downhole treatment, in order to decrease crude oil viscosity is one of the promising research trends in this field. The stated conversion is feasible under thermolysis and aquathermolysis processes, among others. Overwhelmingly important and relevant objective is determination of common factors and development of scientific basis of the mentioned processes.

THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRIC STUDY OF THE COMBUSTION OF HYDROLYTIC WOOD LIGNIN AND PRODUCTS OF ITS PYROLYSIS

Thermal decomposition of hydrolyzed lignin is studied in the 300-700εC range in an inert gas atmosphere. The yields of solid, liquid, and gaseous decomposition products are determined. It is demonstrated by combustion calorimetry that the carbonaceous residue of lignin pyrolysis has the highest calorific value. The calorific value of the carbonaceous residue of pyrolysis resin is higher than that of the original lignin. It is shown by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry with mass spectrometric detection of gases that lignin and its thermal decomposition products could undergo thermolysis with formation of various volatile compounds. Thermal decomposition starts at roughly the same temperature and is 320εC. The loss of sample mass increases in the following sequence: carbonaceous residue < lignin < liquid fraction.

Effect of Catalytic Aquathermolysis on High-Molecular-Weight Components of Heavy Oil in the Ashal’cha Field

We have studied the effect of catalytic aquathermolysis on the high-molecular-weight components of crude oil in the Ashal’cha field (Republic of Tatarstan). We used an iron(III) tris(acetylacetonate) complex as the catalyst. The change in the structure and composition of the resins and asphaltenes in aquathermolysis was studied by PMR and IR spectroscopy.

Change in Magnetic Properties of Reservoir Rocks During In-Situ Combustion of Crude

The pattern of degree of change in rock magnetization on heating is shown, based on thermomagnetic and thermal analysis of rock samples from Permian asphalt deposits. When core samples are heated, the degree of magnetization may increase significantly due to conversion of iron-bearing minerals essentially to magnetite. In the kinetics of magnetite formation in rocks, the main players are oxidation of light and heavy hydrocarbons, which determine both temperature and redox conditions. The feasibility of using ground magnetic mapping for monitoring the state of the in-situ combustion front is assessed.

FEATURES OF MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF IN-SITU COMBUSTION FOR PRODUCTION OF HIGH-VISCOSITY CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL BITUMENS

Features of mathematical modeling of the process of recovery of high-viscosity crude oils and natural bitumens with use of in-situ combustion is examined based on a review of recent foreign publications. Hydrodynamic modeling is increasingly widely used. The importance of physical simulation on a “combustion-tube” apparatus, the results of which are irreplaceable in scaling-up the model to field dimensions, is demonstrated.

Physico-Chemical and Technological Aspects of the Use of Catalysts During In-Situ Combustion for the Production of High-Viscosity Crude Oils and Natural Bitumens

A review of recent publications shows rapid development of the in-situ combustion method for the production of high-viscosity crude oils and natural bitumens. Technologies have been developed for application of in-situ combustion after steam-assisted gravity drainage. The use of catalysts is becoming more and more important. We explain the catalytic effect of clays and metals on low-temperature and high-temperature combustion processes.

Development of an Effective Scale Inhibitor Based on Organophosphonic Compounds in an Aqueous-Alcohol Solvent

We have studied the effect of the ratio of hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid and nitrilotri(methylphosphonic acid) and also polyaminopolyether methylenephosphonate chelating agent additives on scale inhibition in simulated formation water. We show that replacing the water with an aqueous-alcohol solvent lowers considerably the pour point of the reagent without having an appreciable effect on its effectiveness. We have developed a composition that exhibits high effectiveness of scale inhibition for scale composed of calcium carbonate and also calcium and barium sulfates when added at 10-20 mg/L.

Role of Phase and Kinetics Models in Simulation Modeling of In Situ Combustion

Based on a review of recent foreign publications, we examine the typical features in simulation modeling of in-situ combustion of high-viscosity crude oils and natural bitumens. We pay special attention to phase and kinetics models, and also examine the differences between combustion of heavy and light oils. We formulate approaches and describe important aspects on which we need to focus when comparing models.