5th International Scientific Conference on Catalytic Upgrading of Heavy Oil hosted at IGPT
Participants from Russia, Mexico, India, Bulgaria, Yemen, Kuwait, Chad, Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, and CIS countries gathered for a two-day event at Kazan Federal University, welcomed by Vice-Rector Danis Nurgaliev and Director of the Small Tonnage Chemical Technology Park Mikhail Varfolomeev.
Dr Nurgaliev highlighted the event’s focus on environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods for extracting hard-to-recover oil reserves, emphasizing the importance of expert lectures for young international researchers. Dr Varfolomeev, who manages a project funded by the Russian Science Foundation, noted the event’s role in connecting global universities and scientific organizations.
Leading scientists presented breakthroughs in heavy oil production, preparation, transportation, and refining, with a special focus on Russia’s abundant reserves. The agenda included cutting-edge topics such as unconventional hydrocarbon resource development, thermal production methods, in-situ upgrading, and catalytic processes.
The plenary session opened with Jorge Ancheyta Juarez from Mexico’s National Polytechnic Institute and KFU, who discussed improved thermal oil recovery through kinetic modeling. He stressed the event’s value in fostering dialogue between emerging scientists and established experts.
Prominent contributions came from young Russian researchers representing cities including Kazan, Moscow, Tomsk, Tyumen, and Novosibirsk. Alexey Vakhin, Lead Research Associate of the Laboratory of Catalytic Aquathermolysis, pointed to aquathermolysis as a key area of study, highlighting innovative approaches combining catalysts and reagents to enhance heavy oil upgrading.
Further presentations addressed electrical stimulation techniques to increase oil upgrading efficiency, underscoring the multidisciplinary effort to advance sustainable oil recovery technologies. The event showcased collaborative efforts pushing the boundaries of environmentally conscious energy extraction amid growing global demand for such expertise.
