Scientists have created an innovative reagent for acid fracturing. The development will help more efficiently extract hydrocarbons from complex deposits and reduce environmental impact.
Specialists from Perm Polytechnic University, together with their Chinese colleagues, presented a new formula for oil production. A reagent based on hydrochloric acid with the addition of special substances radically changes its properties depending on conditions.
When injected into the formation, the solution turns into a gel with high viscosity. This prevents it from simply flowing into the most permeable rocks. Instead, it acts evenly on the rock, creating an extensive network of cracks for oil to move through. Upon contact with hydrocarbons or formation water, the gel becomes liquid again. This property makes it easy to remove it from the well during startup.
The key advantages of the new product are increased penetrating ability and complete decomposition. The reagent penetrates into the most inaccessible zones of the formation without leaving behind contaminants. Compared to existing analogues, it is 14% more resistant to high temperatures and reduces operating losses by an impressive 55%.
The use of this reagent makes the extraction process more efficient and environmentally friendly. The technology opens up access to reserves that were previously unprofitable or difficult to extract, which is very important for the energy industry.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: geonews.ru
Photo: catalogmineralov.ru
