The article demonstrates the main problems and challenges of oil and gas prospecting in the lower Devonian deposits in the East edge of the Khoreyver depression of the Timan-Pechora basin. Retrospective review of geological study of the lower Devonian deposits within the Central Khoreyver uplift was performed and the currents tasks of planning additional exploration were analyzed. The article outlines the uncertainties of the geological and geophysical seismic and well-log data interpretation under the conditions of constraints number of non-uniform distributed prospecting wells over the work area: ambiguous reflecting horizons interpretation due to high-frequency components attenuation with depth and the appearance of interference effects; complex structure model of erosional truncation (pre-Frasnian) with the presence of Timanian valleys and the influence of Frasnian bioherms; uncertainties in the reservoir properties forecast with the secondary porosity due to the variability of porosity cutoff value and the complexity of their identification using well logs; lack of contrast in the acoustic impedance values linked with well logs ambiguity interpretation leads to uncertainties in the reservoir properties forecast based on seismic data. Geological uncertainties are presented and the future exploration risks for the lower Devonian deposits are assessed. The main need to increase the volumes of actual drilling and core material is noted as a key factor in increasing the reliability of traps prospecting in Lower Devonian deposits.

References

1. Martynov A.V., Shamsutdinova L.L., Raschlenenie i korrelyatsiya raznofatsial’nykh razrezov ovinparmskogo gorizonta nizhnego devona Timano-Pechorskoy provintsii v svyazi s ego neftegazonosnost’yu (Dissection and correlation of different facies sections of the Ovinparm horizon of the Lower Devonian of the Timan-Pechora province in connection with its oil and gas potential), St. Petersburg: Publ. of VNIGRI, 1999.

2. Sobolev N.N., Evdokimova I.O., Obshchaya stratigraficheskaya shkala devonskoy sistemy: sostoyanie i problemy (General stratigraphic scale of the Devonian system: Status and problems), Proceedings of All-Russian Conference “Obshchaya stratigraficheskaya shkala Rossii: sostoyanie i perspektivy obustroystva” (General stratigraphic scale of Russia: Status and development prospects), Moscow: Publ. of Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2013, pp. 139– 148.

3. Belemets A.G., Kevorkov F.B., Shakhov P.A., Desyatnikova A.E., Glubinnaya anizotropnaya obrabotka materialov seysmorazvedochnykh rabot MOGT 3D i kompleksnaya interpretatsiya s uchetom dannykh GIS s tsel’yu otsenki perspektiv neftegazonosnosti ordovik – nizhnedevonskikh otlozheniy na Visovom mestorozhdenii TsKhP blok № 2 (Deep anisotropic processing of 3D seismic exploration data and complex interpretation taking into account well logging data in order to assess the oil and gas potential of the Ordovician - Lower Devonian deposits at the Visovoye field, TsKhP, block No. 2), Moscow: Publ. of Petrotreys, 2017.

4. Zhemchugova V.A., Maslova E.E., Secondary dolomitization as a factor responsible for the reservoir properties of the Lower Devonian sedimentary rocks of the Eastern Wall of the Khoreiver depression (Timan–Pechora petroleum basin) (In Russ.), Vestnik Moskovskogo universiteta = Moscow University Geology Bulletin, 2020,

no. 3, pp. 47–56.

5. Yur’eva Z.P., Nizhnedevonskie otlozheniya severo-vostoka evropeyskoy chasti Rossii (stratigrafiya, korrelyatsiya) (Lower Devonian deposits of the north-east of the European part of Russia (stratigraphy, correlation)), Syktyvkar: Publ. of Institute of Geology FRC Komi SC UB RAS, 2020, 164 p.

6. Nikonov N.I., Bogatskiy V.I., Martynov A.V. et al., Timano-Pechorskiy sedimentatsionnyy basseyn. Atlas geologicheskikh kart (litologo-fatsial’nykh, strukturnykh i paleontologicheskikh) (Timano-Pechora sedimentary basin. Atlas of geological maps (lithologic-facies, structural and paleontological)), Ukhta, 2000, 152 p.

7. Teplov E.L., P.K. Kostygova, Larionova Z.V. et al., Prirodnye rezervuary neftegazonosnykh kompleksov Timano-Pechorskoy provintsii (Natural reservoirs of oil and gas bearing complexes of the Timan-Pechora province), St. Petersburg, Renome Publ., 2011, 286 p.

8. Zhemchugova V.A., Maslova E.E., Facies control of the reservoir distribution in lower Devonian deposits at the eastern edge of the Khoreiver depression (Timan–Pechora petroliferous basin) (In Russ.), Litologiya i poleznye iskopaemye = Lithology and Mineral Resources, 2022, no. 1, pp. 28–47,

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31857/S0024497X21060082

The article considers the adaptation of methodological approaches to the application of non-stationary waterflooding to the conditions of a carbonate object of one of the fields of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Arkhangelsk Region. Non-stationary waterflooding is a hydrodynamic method of increasing oil recovery, the advantages of which are simplicity of implementation in a short time, applicability in a wide range of reservoir conditions and high technological efficiency. For the most effective design and implementation of cyclical waterflooding, a target-focused approach is proposed, which includes the following methods: tracer analysis, analysis of well interference by statistical analysis methods and analysis of the reaction of producing wells to stops/starts of injection wells. Based on the proposed target approach, stagnant zones have been identified, and prospective areas have been formed for conducting a waterflooding. Waterflooding at the selected area was carried out in 2023. The technological efficiency of the work program was assessed by an extrapolation method using displacement characteristics. Additional oil production due to non-stationary flooding for the area as a whole as of 01.01.2024 amounted to 4822 tons, or 3 % of the total area production; reduction in associated water withdrawals – 1635 tons. A target-focused approach to selecting an area for non-stationary waterflooding ensures maximum technological development indicators with minimum economic costs.

References

1 Surguchev M.L., Vtorichnye i tretichnye metody uvelicheniya nefteotdachi plastov (Secondary and tertiary methods of enhanced oil recovery), Moscow: Nedra Publ., 1985, 308 p.

2. Vladimirov I.V., Nestatsionarnye tekhnologii neftedobychi (Etapy razvitiya, sovremennoe sostoyanie i perspektivy) (Unsteady oil production technology (Stages of development, current state and prospects)), Moscow: Publ. of VNIIOENG, 2004, 216 p.

3. Muslimov R.Kh., Sovremennye metody povysheniya nefteizvlecheniya: proektirovanie, optimizatsiya i otsenka effektivnosti (Modern methods of enhanced oil recovery: the design, optimization and assessment of efficiency), Kazan’: Fen Publ., 2005, 688 p.

4. Kryanev D.Yu., Nestatsionarnoe zavodnenie. Metodika kriterial’noy otsenki vybora uchastkov vozdeystviya (Unsteady flooding. Methods of criteria estimation of exposure site selection), Moscow: Publ. of VNIIneft’, 2008, 208 p.

5. Toropchin O.P., Tupitsin A.M., Sagitov D.K. et al., A method of quick selection of a control area before applying non-stationary water-flooding technology (in Russ.), Geologiya, geofizika i razrabotka neftyanykh i gazovykh mestorozhdeniy, 2016, no. 9, pp. 45–50

6. Chertenkov M.V, Mamedov E.A., Khain I.V., The results of pilot test of cyclic water-flooding in terrigene and carbonate reservoirs (In Russ.), Neftepromyslovoe delo, 2019, no. 2, pp. 5–11, DOI: https://doi.org/10.30713/0207-2351-2019-2-5-12

7. Rodionov S.P., Pichugin O.N., Kosyakov V.P., Shirshov Ya.V., On the selection of oil fields areas for the effective use of cyclic waterflooding (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2019, no. 4, pp. 58–61, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2019-4-58-61

8. Rayanov R.R., Baykova E.N., Petrakov A.M. et al., Sistemnaya tekhnologiya kak vazhnyy element ratsional’noy razrabotki neftyanykh mestorozhdeniy (Systems technology as a critical element for smart oil field development), Proceedings of International scientific and practical conference “Innovatsionnye resheniya v geologii i razrabotke TRIZ” (Innovative solutions in geology and development of hard-to-recover oil reserves), Moscow, 16–18 November 2021, Moscow: Neftyanoe khozyaystvo Publ., 2021, pp. 32-33.

9. Rayanov R.R., Petrakov A.M., Baykova E.N., Chukavina A.V., Avtomatizirovannyy podbor i kontrol’ geologo-tekhnicheskikh meropriyatiy i metodov povysheniya nefteotdachi (Automated selection and control of geological and technical measures and methods for increasing oil recovery), Proceedings of III International scientific and practical conference of LUKOIL-Engineering LLC, 2021, pp. 276–283.

10. Petrakov A.M., Zhdanov S.A., Rayanov R.R. et al., Increasing the profitability of field operation based on optimization of technical and economic indicators (In Russ.), PROneft’. Professional’no o nefti, 2023, no. 1, pp. 89–97, DOI: https://doi.org/10.51890/2587-7399-2023-8-1-89-97

11. Kharchenko M.A., Korrelyatsionnyy analiz (Correlation analysis), Voronezh: Publ. of VSU, 2008, 31 p.

12. Lyalin V.E., Sidel’nikov K.A., The concept of mathematical modeling of reservoir systems based on the streamline method (In Russ.), Neftegazovoe delo, 2005,

Dragon and White Tiger fields are currently at the production decline stage, along with the increased water-cut of well products and reduced reservoir pressure. High water-cut increases the density of gas-liquid mixture in the tubing leading to a compressed gaslift slippage following the increased bottomhole pressure, reduced production rate, increased specific consumption of gaslift gas per fluid production from the well. Declined oil production results in reduced production of associated oil gas, while the gaslift gas demand increases with the rising load on compressed gas injection pipelines. Electrical submersible pump (ESP) production method may be considered as the promising one, which ensures the required production rates and high efficiency under the high water-cut conditions. Vietsovpetro’s experience in operating the ESPs starts from 1991. Effective implementation of ESP requires thorough selection of equipment for the specific geophysical properties of wells, consideration of logistics and infrastructure peculiarities and limitations, especially offshore. The article covers the experience of the first ESP usage in Vietsovpetro JV and the following gap analysis, changes to well selection approach and search for the required surface and subsea ESP electric equipment for a stable and long-term operation, which ensures the scheduled time between failures, as well as defines the promising ways to enhance the efficiency of this production method in the conditions of offshore fields development.

References

1. Garbovskiy V.V., Stanovlenie i razvitie gazliftnogo sposoba dobychi nefti (na primere mestorozhdeniy SP “V’etsovpetro”) (Formation and development of gas lift method of oil production (using the example of Vietsovpetro JV fields)): thesis of candidate of technical science, Ufa, 2019.

2. Ivanov A.N., Bondarenko V.A., Veliev M.M. et al., Test and application of electrical submersible pump units at White Tiger field (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2019, no. 10, pp. 82–86, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2019-10-82-86

3. Khan J.A., Zainal A.Z., Idris K.N. et al., Sand screen selection by sand retention test: a review of factors affecting sand control design, Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2024, V. 14(7), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-024-01803-w

The heterogeneity and anisotropy of the void space of reservoir rocks is an extremely important factor in interpreting data obtained from core material. This is especially true for carbonate reservoirs characterized by significant heterogeneity which is associated with the peculiarities of their genesis. This paper presents the results of numerical simulation of two-phase flows in a three-dimensional binary model of carbonate reservoir void space obtained by using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. Lattice Boltzmann equations are used to simulate two-phase flows; interface phenomena and wetting effects are described using the color-field gradient method. The calculations were performed at the same injection rate and the same properties of immiscible fluids. A special feature of this work is the study of the displacement coefficient index for the void space model in different fluid filtration directions. The results obtained show that the inhomogeneous topology of the void space has a significant effect on the two-phase filtration process. The values of the displacement coefficient can differ by more than 1,5 times, even when filtering along the same axis but in different directions. The study shows the importance of selecting location for the drilling out of core and filtration direction for petrophysical experiments and their further interpretation.

References

1. Zakirov T.R., Galeev A.A., Khramchenkov M.G., Pore-scale investigation of two-phase flows in three-dimensional digital models of natural sandstones, Fluid Dynamics, 2018, V. 53 (5), pp. 76-91, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0015462818050087

2. Haibo Huang, Jun-Jie Huang, Xi-Yun Lu, Study of immiscible displacements in porous media using a color-gradient-based multiphase lattice Boltzmann method, Computers & Fluids, 2014, V. 93, pp. 164–172, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compfluid.2014.01.025

3. Leclaire S., Reggio M., Trepanier J.-Y., Numerical evaluation of two recoloring operators for an immiscible two-phase flow lattice Boltzmann model, Applied Mathematical Modelling, 2012, V. 36 (5), pp. 2237-225, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2011.08.027

4. Zakirov T.R., Khramchenkov M.G., Prediction of permeability and tortuosity in heterogeneous porous media using a disorder parameter, Chemical Engineering Science, 2020, V. 227, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2020.115893

5. Leclaire S., Parmigiani A., Malaspinas O. et al., Generalized three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann color-gradient method for immiscible two-phase pore-scale imbibition and drainage in porous media, Physical Review, 2017, V. 95, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.95.033306 033306

The White Tiger field is at the declining oil production stage, so the main focus of the development analysis is on maintaining the current production decline rates and improving the efficiency of oil reserves development. Comprehensive programs of geological and technological operations are being implemented, such as new wells drilling, sidetracking, transfer of wells to overlying horizons, hydraulic fracturing of terrigenous formations, expansion of the use of electric submersible pumps, application of enhanced oil recovery methods. With the increasing challenges of maintaining Vietsovpetro JV production levels, management and specialists are focusing on optimizing labor costs, in particular the process of automating the history matching of simulation models. An important advantage of the PEXEL software is the possibility of use by a wide range of specialists. The specialist's task is reduced to selecting the parameters to be modified, determining the acceptable range of their variation and setting the permissible error of matching; all the rest is performed automatically. Algorithms implemented in PEXEL software enable to reduce the time for history matching simulation models. This is especially important for large models (from 1 million cells), with a large number of wells (20 and more) and a long development period (from 10 years), as labor inputs for routine operations are significantly reduced. For small models (up to 500 thousand cells), objects with a small number of wells (up to 10) and a short development period (up to 5 years), due to the relative low complexity of history matching, labor cost savings can reach 70-80 %.

References

1. Ivanov A.N., Lubnin A.A., Dao Nguyen Hung et al., Improvement of development efficiency for the mature offshore field by the example of White Tiger Lower Miocene deposits (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2024, no. 5, pp. 105–109, DOI: https://www.doi.org/ 10.24887/0028-2448-2024-5-105-109

2. Syrtlanov V.R., On some issues of adaptation of hydrodynamic models of hydrocarbon deposits (In Russ.), Vestnik TsKR Rosnedra, 2009, no. 2, pp. 81-90.

3. Syrtlanov V.R., Golovatskiy Yu.A., Ishimov I.N., Mezhnova N.I., Assisted history matching for reservoir simulation model (In Russ.), SPE-196878-RU, 2019,

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2118/196878-MS

4. Syrtlanov V.R., Denisova N.I., Khismatullina F.S., Some aspects of reservoir modelling of large fields for field development planning and monitoring (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2007, no. 5, pp. 70-74.

5. Khismatullina F.S., Syrtlanov V.R., Syrtlanova V.S., Dubrovin A.V., Some aspects of a technique of adaptation of hydrodynamic models of non-uniform oil strata

(In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2005, no. 1, pp. 47-51.

6. Certificate on state registration of the computer program no. 2018661844. PEXEL (Peksel) - a program for creating and editing grids, properties and wells of geological and hydrodynamic models of oil and gas fields with the ability to dynamically compile and execute code, Author: Aubakirov A.R.

7. Ivanov A.N., Aubakirov A.R., Khismatullina F.S., PEXEL algorithm for automated history matching of relative phase permeabilities (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2024, no. 4, pp. 60–63, DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2024-4-60-63

8. Ivanov A.N., Khismatullina F.S., Aubakirov A.R., Kurguzkina I.V., The PEXEL algorithm application for automated history matching reservoir simulation mode (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2022, no. 9, pp. 49-52, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2022-9-49-52

9. Gavura A.V., Sannikov I.N., Khismatullina F.S., Upravlenie razrabotkoy mestorozhdeniy na osnove modelirovaniya plastovykh protsessov (Field development management based on modeling of reservoir processes), Moscow: Publ. of Gubkin University, 2017, 157 p.

10. Pyatibratov P.V., Gidrodinamicheskoe modelirovanie razrabotki neftyanykh mestorozhdeniy (Hydrodynamic modeling of oil field development), Moscow: Publ. of Gubkin State University, 2015, 167 p.

Given the conditions of production corrosive activity growth on Vietsovpetro fields, a new approach has been implemented to safely operate the subsea pipelines. The main factors have been described, which mostly affect the corrosion processes and reduce the inhibitor protection efficiency of pipeline systems for oil gathering and transportation. To improve an operational lifetime of transport pipeline systems and reduce an incident rate, the «Comprehensive program on pipelines and equipment corrosion protection, inhibitor protection and corrosion monitoring at Vietsovpetro fields» have been developed. The article includes the main results and technical features of pipelines in-line cleaning and inspection on Vietsovpetro offshore facilities, as well as the subsea pipelines operating challenges and ways to resolve those. For initial cleaning of oil pipelines the polyurethane and foamed plastic pistons of various hardness degree have been used. The amount of sediments, obtained from cleaning averages 2,4 t/km. The material composition of the deposits is represented mainly by asphaltene-resin-paraffin components. Water pipelines have been cleaned from corrosion deposits and solids by a large-volume water flushing with a constant monitoring of flush water clarity. Use of elastic gel compositions for cleaning the gas pipelines from water enables not only to dry the pipeline, but also to avoid possible complications related to the complex geometry of the pipelines. For the first time ever, Vietsovpetro has developed and is implementing the comprehensive actions with the long-term perspective to reduce the risks of subsea pipelines failures, while the most works are carried out by the Company.

References

1. Savel’ev V.V., Chernyad’ev I.N., The corrosive activity of water produced from offshore oil fields of Vietsovpetro JV (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2019, no. 1, pp. 54–56, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2019-1-54-56

2. Savel’ev V.V., Ivanov A.N., Avdeev A.S. et al., Integrated solutions for improving the reliability of Vietsovpetro subsea oil pipelines (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2024, no. 2, pp. 106–110, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2024-2-106-110

3. Lepikhin A.M., Makhutov N.A., Leshchenko V.V., Shmal’ G.I., Problems of safety of underwater pipelines (In Russ.), Morskaya nauka i tekhnika, 2022, no. 5,

pp. 32–37.

4. Faritov A.T., Khudyakova L.P., Rozhdestvenskiy Yu.G. et al., Effect of solids precipitation and deposition of corrosion products on the protective ability of inhibitors

(In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2014, no. 6, pp. 116–121.

5. Strel’nikova K.O., Vagapov R.K., Zapevalov D.N. et al., Determination of protective aftereffect of corrosion inhibitors in presence of aggressive carbon dioxide in gas deposits (In Russ.), Korroziya: materialy, zashchita, 2020, no. 11, pp. 29–37.

6. Savel’ev V.V., Ivanov A.N., Chernyad’ev I.N., The inhibitor protection of gas-lift pipelines in Vietsovpetro JV (In Russ.), Neftyanoe khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2020,

no. 5, pp. 68–71, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24887/0028-2448-2020-5-68-71

7. Qiuping Ma,Guiyun Tian,Yanli Zeng et al., Pipeline in-line inspection method, instrumentation and data management, Sensors, 2021, V. 21(11),

DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/s21113862

8. Kichenko S.B., Kichenko A.B., On question of evaluation of complex effectiveness for corrosion inhibitors (In Russ.), Praktika protivokorrozionnoy zashchity, 2005,

no. 3, pp. 24–28.

Due to the development goals of technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation, by 2030 the oil and gas industry will be in need of qualified employees with advanced digital skills, willingness to manage high-tech equipment and the ability to quickly deal with challenges, including using artificial intelligence at various production stages. It is important for today's students to learn how to work in conditions of accelerated development of digital technologies and robotics and to analyze big data in order to effectively apply advanced technologies. The Tyumen Petroleum Research Center (TPRC) successfully implements the personnel training for Rosneft Oil Company and the entire industry through high-quality practice-oriented training at specialized departments of TPRC at the Tyumen universities. To ensure the educational process, TPRC provides proven original educational and methodological materials. Specialists and experts in subject areas are involved to lecture in professional disciplines and guide research papers and individual projects of students. This improves the quality of practical training of future specialists and forms their willingness to perform specific production tasks after getting a degree. Participation in the educational process of TPRC within the established specialized departments, high-quality internships in the production departments of the scientific center, the study of domestic high-tech software, and the involvement of leading practicing engineers in the educational process allow to train specialists who will be adjusted to modern professional conditions.

References

1. Manapov T.F., Optimizatsiya i monitoring razrabotki neftyanykh mestorozhdeniy (Optimization and monitoring of oil field development), Publ. of VNIIOENG, 2011, 296 p.

2. Gracheva S.K., Improvement of research and academic process in Tyumen Industrial University based on interaction with Tyumen Petroleum Research Center and application of digital technologies (In Russ.), Neftyanaya provintsiya, 2023, no. 4(36), pp. 239–243, DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2023.4.239-243