GEOLOGY, PROSPECTING AND EXPLORATION OF OIL AND GAS FIELDS
Geodynamic monitoring data from Western Siberian fields attests to the fact that hydrocarbon production has significant anthropogenic impacts on the geological environment. These impacts disrupt the subsurface rocks stress-strain state, leading to various problems. Among these are: casing failures, crossflows, gas springs, pollution of aquifers, land surface subsidence with violation of stability and reliability of oil and gas infrastructure. To ensure the industrial safety and protection of the subsoil at the Gubkinskoye gas field, a geodynamic polygon was established. This form of geodynamic monitoring facilitates repeated measurements of modern deformation processes. The study authors used a system-based approach to analyze and interpret the data of geodynamic monitoring: second-class leveling, satellite observations, radar interferometry, and operating data of field development. The results demonstrate that technogenic factor is the primary conditions for the formation of current surface deformation. The authors established a correlation between conditions for the formation of a subsidence trough of the earth's surface and dynamics of accumulated gas extractions and the reduction in reservoir pressure in the main productive layer. This paper provides an assessment of modern deformation and offers recommendations for enhancing the monitoring program.
This paper contains the results of a study on the influence of capillary forces in productive reservoir on the specifics of filtration of injected water during development of oil deposits using waterflooding method.
Waterflooding is a commonly used method for oil field development. Injection wells are often positioned using a fixed geometric pattern that does not consider the capillary properties of the reservoir.
The aim of this study is to optimize flooding system on oil field in terrigenous hydrophilic reservoirs at various stages of development. The study found that waterflooding in the field development is only effective in hydrophilic reservoirs. By utilizing the Young–Laplace equation, the authors explain the features of the distribution of injected water within the pore space of productive reservoir.
To improve development system in hydrophilic reservoirs, the authors propose the following: application of focal flooding and injection well placement in zones with lower capillary pressure. This paper also suggests practical recommendations for the injection well placement based on capillary properties, supported by real case examples.
The study of the causes of accidents and fatalities at oil and gas production sites is an actual problem. This paper aims to analyse the causes that contribute to hazards during the operation of technical equipment and structures in the oil and gas industry. From 2019 to 2023, the dynamics of accumulation of industrial accidents and fatal accidents at hydrocarbon production facilities indicates a significant increase, while the number of fatal victims has remained largely un-changed. The primary causes of accidents include explosions, fires, uncontrolled blowouts, toxic gas releases, and failures of technical equipment and structures. For the period under review, fatalities were predominantly due to thermal exposure (8 cases) and mechanical failures (8 cases). Thus, organizing safe work processes aimed at preventing emergencies and reduce occupational injuries in the oil and gas sector is essential. Therefore, the authors recommend regularly review-ing safety plans, identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and developing systems to minimize or eliminate them.
DRILLING OF WELLS AND FIELDS DEVELOPMENT
The strategic cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan in the oil and gas sector is crucial for the economic development of both countries and for regional energy integration. Joint ventures have become an essential mechanism for strengthening this bilateral cooperation, allowing for the exchange of resources, technologies, and market access. This study examines the institutional structures, operational mechanisms, and sustainable development strategies of Russian-Kazakh oil and gas joint ventures, particularly in the context of current geopolitical instability, sanctions, and the global trend toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance. Through comparative analysis, official data, and practical examples, the article discusses both the opportunities and challenges faced by this partnership. Despite issues such as trade barriers, currency imbalances, and geopolitical risks, joint ventures significantly contribute to technological innovation, infrastructure development, and energy security. The integration of ESG principles is becoming increasingly important, necessitating a strategic transformation in corporate governance and stakeholder engagement. The study concluded that adaptive risk management, digital transformation, and alignment with sustainable development goals are critical for ensuring the longterm viability and competitiveness of joint ventures in the Eurasian energy sector. Additionally, strengthening joint educational and research initiatives is identified as a vital avenue for developing human capital and promoting sustainable growth.
Currently, there are over 25,000 abandoned, suspended, or permanently plugged wells across Russia. Many of them may pose risks to the environment and public safety. Some wells can become sources of pollution or even potential explosion hazards. The number of wells requiring abandonment or repair is expected to increase in the coming years. Well abandonment means a series of isolation and restoration activities aimed at ensuring industrial safety, protecting subsurface integrity, and securing environmental safety. Over time, irreversible processes occur in abandoned wells. These processes include the degradation of column cement stone, abandonment plugs, wellhead bollard, and the corrosion of casing strings. As a result of these factors, there are possible risks of losing downhole behind the casing, intercolumn tightness of wells. This loss can lead to pressure appearance at the wellhead, formation of crossflows, and surface leaks of hydrocarbons and formation water. This paper discusses the current challenges associated with the abandonment of oil and gas wells. Additionally, it analyses the regulatory document RD 08-492-02: Instruction on the Procedure for Abandonment and Suspension of Wells and Wellhead Equipment, which no longer fully addresses modern environmental and technical requirements.
Gears drives are the primary means of transmitting torque in most modern machines. To enhance the performance of these machines, it is essential to improve the load-bearing characteristics of gear drives. One of the promising approaches is the use of cylindrical gears with arched teeth. These gears eliminate axial forces, ensure smooth meshing, and provide higher bending strength compared to straight-tooth gears. When compared to spur and helical gears, curved-tooth gears offer increased durability, reduced vibration, and lower noise levels. However, they require precise installation. Shaft misalignment due to assembly errors, wear, or thermal deformation can negatively affect performance. They demand precise installation. Shaft misalignment resulting from assembly errors, wear, or thermal deformation can adversely affect performance characteristics. The aim of this study is to establish mathematical relationships for calculating the natural frequencies of self-aligning wheels in an adaptive gear drive. The authors of the paper used analytical mechanics methods. They did calculations for a gear system with arched teeth and self-aligning half-wheels operating in parallel. The result is a set of mathematical expressions for determining natural frequencies based on the stiff-ness of elastic elements and the mass properties of the meshing gear and half-wheels.
Over the past decade, oil production in Western Siberia has declined by 10%, while the water cut–the proportion of water in the total fluid produced – has increased.
At the same time, the average oil recovery factor remains relatively low at 38%. This situation emphasises the urgency of finding and studying cheap and effective methods to enhance oil recovery. This study analyses a two-dimensional filtration, two-phase flow model of a dual-layer reservoir, considering two scenarios: (A) the low-permeability layer located above the high-permeability layer, and (B) the low-permeability layer situated below the high-permeability layer. The main aim of this paper is study how body forces influence the oil saturation structure in a dual-layer reservoir during cyclic waterflooding. A second aim is to determine how the gain in oil production depends on the phase density difference (Δρ) using cyclic waterflooding method. Using numerical simulation, the authors performed a series of calculations by varying the density difference between oil and water for both reservoir configurations. The results show that Δρ has a significant impact on structure of oil saturation and on the duration of deposit development. As Δρ increases, the effectiveness of cyclic waterflooding decreases.
DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF PIPELINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM
This paper presents a specific area within engineering geodynamics: the processes of snowdrift and their impact on the efficiency of engineering and economic development in the Arc-tic regions of Russia. Snow deposits are analogous to soil of aeolian genesis, representing complex and dynamic systems. Extreme forms of snow cover, commonly referred to as «snowdrifts», are partly induced by human engineering activities. The authors used data from official meteorological stations to estimate the volume of accumulated snow. The calculations build on direct measurements of snow transport volumes. The core methodological principles are grounded in a conceptual analysis of wind-driven snow processes, viewed as the geological functions of wind. As such, snowdrifts extent is treated as an engineering-geological process, and snow deposits are regarded as analogous to aeolian soils. The wind-driven snow processes study employs principles of engineering geodynamics, aerodynamics, information technologies, and mathematical tools, along with operational experience from northern transport systems, to ensure high reliability of the results. The authors conducted a geodynamic zoning of the territory, classifying different types of snow deposits based on various factors. The paper`s authors proposed a digital forecasting model of snowdrifts extent on Norilsk–Talnakh highway. This model will serve to ensure the safe operation of vehicles, transport systems, and essential services for the population and industries in the Norilsk region. It reflects the patterns of snow deposits under urban subarctic conditions of Russian Federation. The model aims to support both civilian and military infrastructure in the harsh climate zones of Russia by providing reliable forecasts of snowdrifts extent. These forecasts facilitate the estimation of snow volume on specific highway sections over any given period.
The oil and oil refining industries commonly uses vertical steel tanks for the safe storage of crude oil and petroleum products. However, the operation of these tanks comes with risks such as: corrosion, mechanical damage, and non-uniform deformation can result in significant failures with serious environmental and economic consequences. For this reason, regular monitoring of tank technical state is especially important. Early detection of deviations from design parameters, which is possible thanks to monitoring, can help prevent accidents. This paper examines the use of surface laser scanning technology is a method for inspecting tank walls. This method involves creating a 3D digital model of the tank, analyzing its stress-strain state, and identifying deviations from its original geometry. The use of a 3D scanner ensures high measurement accuracy and automates the data collection process. The study's results indicate that surface laser scanning is an effective tool for detecting deformations in tank walls and for monitoring their progression over time. Compared to traditional visual and dimensional inspection methods, this technology provides a more comprehensive assessment of the technical condition of the tanks. This approach reduces diagnostic costs and improves the safety and reliability of tank operations. The practical value of this study lies in the potential integration of surface laser scanning technology into the routine monitoring system of tank farms. This integration can enhance safety and extend the service life of oil storage facilities.
Pipes made from polymeric, corrosion-resistant materials offer variety of advantage over traditional steel pipes. In recent years, these pipes have become increasingly common in the construction of field pipelines of different purpose. Given that these pipelines represent complex and costly infrastructure systems, the problem of ensuring their structural reliability – both during the use of advanced technologies and throughout their further operation – has a critical national-economic importance. When transporting hydrocarbons through field pipelines made of multilayer polypropylene reinforced pipes, it is essential to account for stresses induced by pipe bending and temperature drops. To properly select a bending radius that meets the required strength properties of multilayer reinforced polypropylene pipes, the authors addressed the problem of determining allowable bending radii. Additionally, the authors an algorithm developed an algorithm to assess the stress-strain state of curved sections of pipelines made from multilayer reinforced polypropylene. This work is of particular relevance. This is due to the fact that implementing the algorithm into object-oriented visual programming systems – during accumulation of sufficient databases and pipeline facilities passportization – will be possible to create software with advanced graphical interfaces using procedural programming languages.