Kazan Federal University (KFU) has modified the method of hydraulic fracturing to show better efficiency in well stimulation. The university's research team refer to their method as revolutionary, economical and eco-friendly, differing from the other technologies by the in-situ generation of hot nitrogen and acid.
Junior Research Associate of KFU World-Class Research Center in Liquid Hydrocarbons Mojtaba Rezaei Koochi explains, "We are injecting two nitrogenous substances: nitrate and sodium nitrite. With the correct selection of the catalyst, nitrogen dioxide is formed during the reaction. Dissolved in water, nitrogen dioxide gives a dense acid."
Hydraulic fracking is one of the most popular methods of well stimulation. It uses a specially blended liquid which is pumped into the well under high pressure, and the mixture fractures out the reservoir walls leaving channels for oil to flow into the well.
A series of experiments in high-pressure and high-temperature reactors were designed to understand the performance and efficiency of a thermo-gas-chemical reaction and determine the optimal binary composition to achieve maximum temperature, pressure and acid formation to ensure long conductive fractures. The influence of the thermo-gas-chemical method was studied on core samples in a core holder, and then the cores were scanned using 4D tomography.
The new, modified technology is promising for the extraction of viscous oils, KFU Press Office informs.
Let us recall that Tyumen State University researchers from the Institute of Physics and Technology have offered a solution that improves steam-assisted gravity drainage. The scientists identified the optimal pattern for producing and injection wells. The proposed method will increase oil recovery in heavy oil production.
