A unique thermobarochemical technology aimed at improving the quality of heavy oil using nanoparticles of metallic sodium has been developed at Kazan Federal University (KFU). The key element of the technology is metallic sodium stabilized in the hydrocarbon phase.
Scientists from the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies of KFU have successfully tested this technology in the fields of Tatarstan. The development is based on the energy of exothermic reactions that occur when certain compounds are injected into oil reservoirs. Sodium nanoparticles exhibit activity, reacting with water and releasing heat and hydrogen.
The technology combines thermal and chemical processes, which helps to reduce the viscosity of oil and improve its mobility. Thus, it is possible to increase oil recovery, facilitating the transportation and processing of oil.
The KFU laboratory created conditions simulating steam-thermal treatment of the extracted liquid at temperatures from 150 to 300 degrees at an initial pressure of 10 bar. Experiments with heavy oil samples from the Ashalcha field revealed that at 250 degrees, viscosity decreases by 26%, and the content of sulfur compounds decreases by 17.8%.
Sofya Trubitsina, a junior researcher at the laboratory, said that the use of sodium organodispersion allows to completely neutralize acid gases - hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
This contributes to the stable operation of field equipment, reducing the risk of corrosion.
Field tests of the technology were carried out at the facilities of Tatneft. A program for scaling the technology to new facilities in the southeast of Tatarstan has been approved for 2026.
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