Scientists at Perm Polytechnic University have developed a three-dimensional digital twin of an oil well, which makes it possible to model the spread of heat in permafrost formations. This was reported in the press service of the university.
The model accurately predicts how steam heats the formation and affects the soil, which is especially important when extracting highly viscous oil in the northern regions. The system takes into account the well design, material properties, heat loss, and even pipe defects.
The development was tested on data from the Usinskoye field in Komi: the modeling accuracy in steady-state modes was less than 0.1%, and when heated to 273 °C — up to 95%.
The technology will allow you to determine the optimal heating mode in advance, reduce energy consumption and prevent soil thawing. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, with the current level of production, Russia will have enough profitable oil reserves for 26 years, and most of the new deposits are located in the Arctic.
