UniCat oil catalyst tested at Strelovo oilfield in Samara Oblast
KFU’s Laboratory of Catalytic Aquathermolysis continues its research in in-situ oil refining.
In June of this year, a catalyst precursor was tested at the same oilfield. The observations showed its efficiency for heavy oil reservoirs. On 16 August, a pilot field test was held on commission from RITEK LLC.
“Aquathermolysis catalysts function in the porous medium of the reservoir rock, intensifying the destruction of high-molecular components in the oil composition. This provides increased oil mobility, increases oil recovery and provides a reduction in the viscosity of the produced oil,” says Lab Head Alexey Vakhin.
According to Senior Research Associate Irek Mukhamatdinov, this new batch contained 4.5 tons of catalyst and 6 tons of solvent.
As the tests have demonstrated, the catalyst noticeably increase oil well flow rate, reduce vapor-oil ratio, improve physical and chemical properties, reduce viscosity and density.
“Five days after catalyst injection, superheated steam is injected, and the well is operated using CSS technology,” notes Lead Engineer of the Section of Innovative Technology and Strategic Projects of Lukoil Engineering Sergey Malaniy.
Other KFU employees partaking in the project are Senior Research Associate Sergey Sitnov and Junior Research Associate Nikita Ignashev (both representing the Laboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery).
