This book details some of the problems experienced in the Soviet petroleum industry and includes a discussion on the downward trend in petroleum production. It reviews a geological assessment of the offshore region and presents a discussion of activities in the Soviet offshore waters.

During the upgrading of heavy petroleum, asphaltene is the most problematic impurity since it is the main cause of catalyst deactivation and sediments formation. Exploring many aspects related to asphaltenes composition and conversion, Asphaltenes: Chemical Transformation during Hydroprocessing of Heavy Oils highlights the various changes that these heavy and complex molecules undergo during catalytic hydroprocessing. After defining and characterizing asphaltene structure, the book examines the composition of petroleum and the processes and catalysts for upgrading heavy oils. It then details the characterization of asphaltenes after hydroprocessing and the effect of reaction conditions on their structures. The authors also analyze the deactivation and characterization of spent hydroprocessing catalysts as well as the role played by asphaltenes. They cover sediments formation during hydroprocessing and the role of asphaltenes on it. The final chapters describe the hydrocracking and kinetics of asphaltenes and the fractionation of heavy crudes and asphaltenes. Due to the increasing production of heavy crude oils, asphaltene has become one of the most studied molecules. This book provides a deep understanding of how asphaltenes transform during hydroprocessing, offering insight on designing catalysts and processing for the upgrading of heavy oils.

This book is one of a kind in the field of petroleum biorefining and biological upgrade of petroleum; it presents a critical review as well as an integrated overview of the potential biochemical processes, bridging the gap between academia and industry. It addresses today s demanding production challenges, taking into account energy efficient and environmentally friendly processes, and also looks at the future possibility of implementing new refinery systems. Suitable for those practitioners the petroleum industry, students and researchers interested in petroleum biotechnology.
* Covers a new application field for biotechnology
* Looks at innovative processes for the petroleum industry
* Presents examples of modern environmental processes

Although there is a shortage of light petroleum, there is plenty of heavy petroleum rich in macromolecules available, creating an increasing interest for processes that can convert these heavy oils to light oils. Process Chemistry of Petroleum Macromolecules provides the scientific basis for such processes. This book presents methods to determine the potential for improvement. Topics include characterization, thermal kinetics, phase behavior, and separation. Revealing that the science of petroleum macromolecules is much simpler and exciting than imagined, it also discusses macromolecules that self-associate, liquid crystalline phases, reactions triggered by phase separation, and solutes that are both dispersed and dissolved.

Shale gas and/or oil play identification is subject to many screening processes for characteristics such as porosity, permeability, and brittleness. Evaluating shale gas and/or oil reservoirs and identifying potential sweet spots (portions of the reservoir rock that have high-quality kerogen content and brittle rock) requires taking into consideration multiple rock, reservoir, and geological parameters that govern production. The early determination of sweet spots for well site selection and fracturing in shale reservoirs is a challenge for many operators. With this limitation in mind, Optimization of Hydraulic Fracture Stages and Sequencing in Unconventional Formations develops an approach to improve the industry's ability to evaluate shale gas and oil plays and is structured to lead the reader from general shale oil and gas characteristics to detailed sweet-spot classifications. The approach uses a new candidate selection and evaluation algorithm and screening criteria based on key geomechanical, petrophysical, and geochemical parameters and indices to obtain results consistent with existing shale plays and gain insights on the best development strategies going forward. The work introduces new criteria that accurately guide the development process in unconventional reservoirs in addition to reducing uncertainty and cost.

As global consumption of fossil fuels such as oil increases, previously abundant sources have become depleted or plagued with obstructions. Asphaltene deposition is one of such obstructions which can significantly decrease the rate of oil production. This book offers concise yet thorough coverage of the complex problem of asphaltene precipitation and deposition in oil production. It covers fundamentals of chemistry, stabilization theories and mechanistic approaches of asphaltene behavior at high temperature and pressure. Asphaltene Deposition: Fundamentals, Prediction, Prevention, and Remediation explains techniques for experimental determination of asphaltene precipitation and deposition and different modeling tools available to forecast the occurrence and magnitude of asphaltene deposition in a given oil field. It discusses strategies for mitigation of asphaltene deposition using chemical inhibition and corresponding challenges, best practices for asphaltene remediation, current research, and case studies.

Petroleum Geochemistry and Exploration in the Afro-Asian Region includes 29 papers presented at the 6th International Conference on Petroleum Geochemistry and Exploration in the Afro-Asian Region. Petroleum geochemistry has played a crucial role in determining effective source rocks, classifying petroleum systems and delineating the geneses of conventional and unconventional oils and gases. By reference to petroleum geochemistry, the dynamic process of petroleum accumulations can be traced, which helps determining the prospecting target areas and reducing the exploration risk. Petroleum exploration is also enhanced by basin modeling and petroleum system classification, through the application of geochemical data. There has been significant progress in petroleum exploration due to the application of molecular geochemistry and biomarkers. Advances in this area include the identification and application of age-indicating biomarkers, the application of diamondoids in appraising the cracking level of crude oils, and the application of the compound-specific isotope analysis of biomarkers and the compound-specific isotope analysis of diamondoids (CSIAB and CSIAD) in oil-source correlation and quantitative identification of source-commingled oils. In reconstructing the history of oil and gas accumulations, three other techniques are of note: the dynamics of hydrocarbon generation, the dynamics of carbon isotopic fractionation and the analysis of liquid historical recordings (inclusions). Petroleum Geochemistry and Exploration in the Afro-Asian Region is an invaluable source of information for oil and gas explorers, petroleum geochemists and students of petroleum geochemistry. Researchers in petroleum companies and institutes will also find this publication useful.

Advances in processing methods are not only improving the quality and yield of lubricant base stocks, they are also reducing the dependence on more expensive crude oil starting materials. Process Chemistry of Lubricant Base Stocks provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry behind the processes involved in petroleum base stock production from crude oil fractions.

This book examines hydroprocessing technologies that, driven by the demand for higher performance in finished lubricants, have transformed processing treatments throughout the industry. The author relates the properties of base stocks to their chemical composition and describes the process steps used in their manufacture. The book highlights catalytic processes, including hydrocracking, hydrofinishing, and catalytic dewaxing. It also covers traditional solvent-based separation methods used to remove impurities, enhance performance, and improve oxidation resistance. The final chapters discuss the production of Food Grade white oils and paraffins and the gas-to-liquids processes used to produce highly paraffinic base stocks via Fischer-Tropsch chemistry.

Process Chemistry of Lubricant Base Stocks provides historical and conceptual background to the technologies used to make base stocks, thorough references, and a unique emphasis on chemical, not just engineering, aspects of lubricant processing-making this book an ideal and practical reference for scientists across a wide range of disciplines.

A bidirectional approach of detoxifying the liquid and gaseous effluents of oil refineries is elucidated in this thesis. Liquid effluents of oil refineries contain selenium oxyanions and phenol, while gaseous effluents contain CO/syngas. To remove the phenol and simultaneously reduce the selenite oxyanions, a fungal-bacterial co-culture of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Delftia lacustris was developed. Two modes of co-cultures of the fungus and the bacterium were developed. Both cultures were investigated for phenol degradation and selenite reduction. In order to valorize the CO/syngas by bioconversion techniques. an anaerobic methanogenic sludge was acclimatized to use CO as the sole carbon substrate to produce acetic acid, butyric acid, and hexanoic acid. Later, the acids were metabolized at lower pH, producing alcohols ethanol, butanol and hexanol, confirming the successful enrichment strategy. The next experiment focused on the absence of the trace element tungsten, and consecutively selenium on the previously CO acclimatized sludge under the same operating conditions. An in-situ synthesized co-polymeric gel of N-ter-butyl-acrylamide and acrylic acid was used to recover ethanol, propanol and butanol from a synthetic fermentation broth. The scope of repeated use of the gel for alcohol recovery was investigated and 98% alcohol was recovered.

This volume looks at the recent progress of this technology as reported in the 21 papers presented during the 219th National Meeting of the ACS in New York, September 5-11, 2003.
In addition, the volume focuses on the use of modern spectroscopic techniques for the generation of detailed structural analysis required for the advancement of the science of FCC design.
Other chapters look at the use and importance of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), microcalorimetry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to the study of FCCs and discussing strategies to control pollutant emissions from a refinery FCCU and
looking at advances in FCC preparation.

"Crude Oil Chemistry "is foremost a scientifically exact guide to the full family of classical and modern analytical and process technologies in petroleum refining. In widening its vision also to incorporate a geological history of petroleum formation, present-day geopolitical and economic issues, and approaches to redress and improve the delicate ties between the petroleum industry and the environment, this reference succeeds as a total representation of the factors going into the chemistry of crude oil and their outward bound ramifications. The book thoroughly evaluates the chemistry and processing of low API gravity high-sulfur heavy crude oil increasingly relied on in the industry.

This book is the latest in a series of respected volumes that provides an up-to-date review of some of the major chemistry topics related to the oil and gas industry. Divided into four sections, it looks in turn at the latest developments in environmental issues, new technology, applications and flow assurance. This reflects the increasingly important role for chemical technologies in offshore, deep water and challenging environments, allied to developments of low environmental impact chemistry. Regulatory strategies are also discussed, from both the governmental and operational perspective. Overall, Chemistry in the Oil Industry VII presents the latest information on developments in the modern oil industry, which will have an impact on future cost-effectiveness and efficiency. It will be a valuable resource for professionals and consultants within the industry, as well as government agencies and laboratory staff.

This book details some of the problems experienced in the Soviet petroleum industry and includes a discussion on the downward trend in petroleum production. It reviews a geological assessment of the offshore region and presents a discussion of activities in the Soviet offshore waters.

"Second Edition expands and updates information on the technological aspects of refining heavy oils, residua, bitumen, and other high-sulfur feedstocks. Focuses on the range of next-generation refining processes."

This book is a concise but well-organized introduction to nanotechnology (NT) which the upstream oil industry is now vigorously adapting to develop its own unique applications for improved oilfield operations and, oil and gas production. Its reader will learn nanotechnology fundamentals, be introduced to important NT products and applications from other industries and learn about the current state of development of various NT applications in the upstream oil industry, which include innovative use of nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery; drilling and completions; reservoir sensing; and production operations and flow assurance. Key Features Exclusive title on potential of nanoparticle-based agents and interventions for improving myriad of oilfield operations Unique guide for nanotechnology applications developers and users for oil and gas production Introduces nanotechnology for oil and gas managers and engineers Includes research data discussions relevant to field Offers a practical applications-oriented approach

Shale gas and/or oil play identification is subject to many screening processes for characteristics such as porosity, permeability, and brittleness. Evaluating shale gas and/or oil reservoirs and identifying potential sweet spots (portions of the reservoir rock that have high-quality kerogen content and brittle rock) requires taking into consideration multiple rock, reservoir, and geological parameters that govern production. The early determination of sweet spots for well site selection and fracturing in shale reservoirs is a challenge for many operators. With this limitation in mind, Optimization of Hydraulic Fracture Stages and Sequencing in Unconventional Formations develops an approach to improve the industry's ability to evaluate shale gas and oil plays and is structured to lead the reader from general shale oil and gas characteristics to detailed sweet-spot classifications. The approach uses a new candidate selection and evaluation algorithm and screening criteria based on key geomechanical, petrophysical, and geochemical parameters and indices to obtain results consistent with existing shale plays and gain insights on the best development strategies going forward. The work introduces new criteria that accurately guide the development process in unconventional reservoirs in addition to reducing uncertainty and cost.

This up-to-date reference provides state-of-the-art information on all processes currently used to manufacture lubricant base oils and waxes-offering practical, timesaving solutions for specific on-the-job problems. Furnishes helpful lists of conversion factors, construction cost data, and process licensors-as well as a glossary of essential petroleum processing terms Describing the properties of different types of crude oils, base oils, and waxes, Lubricant Base Oil and Wax Processing thoroughly details the basic steps involved in lubricant base oil and wax manufacturing, including distillation deasphalting extraction solvent and hydrogen refining solvent and catalytic dewaxing clay and hydrogen finishing and more

This work is based on the proceedings of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' Spring National Meeting in Houston, Texas, March 28 to April 1, 1993. It details various facets of residue upgrading and distillate hydrotreating, stressing the importance of selective catalysts in aromatics reduction. New aromatics saturation processes for the production of very low-aromatic distillates are introduced.

Provides insights into the composition of petroleum, especially its heavy ends, and presents a review of modern methods for the analysis of heavy petroleum fractions, which are viewed as refinery feedstocks. The concept of an atmospheric equivalent boiling point (AEBP) scale increasing the boiling range almost threefold and allowing for the description of all crude oil fractions is introduced.

Nonlinear Dynamics of Reservoir Mixtures provides an overview of modeling techniques for solving nonlinear problems in hydrodynamics, with an emphasis on compositional flows in porous reservoirs. The volume focuses on nonlinear wave techniques for simulating and predicting fluid dynamic processes in petroleum reservoirs and discusses general applications of these models for other fluids.
Topics covered include inhomogeneous space structures in reservoir processes, gradient models for analyzing changes in thermodynamic and hydrodynamic fluid properties, phase transition dynamics in fluids and rock minerals, and wetting phenomena. The book also discusses the stages involved in developing compositional simulators for enhanced oil recovery and describes applications used in hydrocarbon fields in the former USSR.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Reservoir Mixtures provides excellent reference material for mathematicians, petroleum engineers, exploration geophysicists, and mechanical engineers. It is also a useful compositional modeling text for graduate students in the earth sciences and in petroleum and chemical engineering.

Oil Spill Dispersants: Mechanisms of Action and Laboratory Tests provides a comprehensive summary of current information available regarding the general formulation of commercial dispersants and their function to lower oil-water interfacial tension. The book considers how chemical dispersants work for oil spills, the properties and chemistry of oils (including weathering state), the variables that affect dispersant performance, and the relationships between laboratory methods and field situations.
The book also considers the strengths and limitations of specific laboratory tests, including brief discussions of the applicability of results for estimating dispersant performance in field trials or conditions encountered during real spill events. Laboratory tests are separated into four groups: tank tests, shake/flask tests, interfacial surface tension tests, and flume tests. Rapid-screen field tests are considered as a separate group. Recommendations for improvements in future laboratory testing are offered as well. Oil Spill Dispersants will be useful for regulators evaluating dispersant agents, field personnel involved with using dispersants, laboratory scientists studying performance and behavior of oil and dispersants, and managers responsible for designing studies related to the treatment of oil slicks with dispersants.

High temperature, high oil pressure, oil and gas well completion testing have always been a technical challenge and basic theoretical research is one of the key factors needed to ensure a successful completion test. The completion test basic theory includes: a stress analysis of the completion string, completion string buckling behavior, and temperature and pressure distribution prediction. The completion string is the main bearing and power transmission component for oil and gas well operations and production, and it is required to take on a combination of loads, which result in completion string deformation. Because of these complex relationships, completion string stress analysis has become increasingly more complicated. This book discusses the characters of tubular strings in HTHP (High Temperature - High Pressure) oil and gas wells. These characters include the mechanical behavior of tubular strings and the temperature and pressure variation of tubular strings in different conditions. Mathematical models are established for different conditions and solution existence and uniqueness of some models is discussed, providing algorithms corresponding to the different models. Numerical experiments are presented to verify the validity of models and the feasibility of algorithms, and the impact of the parameters of models for oil and gas wells is also discussed. This book is written for production and testing engineers to provide them with the tools to deal more effectively with the numerical decisions they have to take and for researchers and technicians in petroleum and gas testing and production engineering. Finally, it is also intended to serve as a reference book for mathematicians, college teachers and students.

These three volumes provide valuable information to help bring rational and scientifically feasible solutions to petroleum contaminated soils. State-of-the-art information on both technical and regulatory issues is covered, including environmental fate, health effects, risk assessment and remedial alternatives. They show why petroleum contaminated soils are a problem - and propose solutions for that problem. These books are an excellent reference for regulatory personnel and environmental consultants at all levels.

Modern petroleum and petrotechnical engineering is increasingly challenging due to the inherently scarce and decreasing number of global petroleum resources. Exploiting these resources efficiently will require researchers, scientists, engineers and other practitioners to develop innovative mathematical solutions to serve as basis for new asset development designs. Deploying these systems in numerical models is essential to the future success and efficiency of the petroleum industry. Multiphysics modeling has been widely applied in the petroleum industry since the 1960s. The rapid development of computer technology has enabled the numerical applications of multiphysics modeling in the petroleum industry: its applications are particularly popular for the numerical simulation of drilling and completion processes. This book covers theory and numerical applications of multiphysical modeling presenting various author-developed subroutines, used to address complex pore pressure input, complex initial geo-stress field input, etc. Some innovative methods in drilling and completion developed by the authors, such as trajectory optimization and a 3-dimensional workflow for calculation of mud weight window etc, are also presented. Detailed explanations are provided for the modeling process of each application example included in the book. In addition, details of the completed numerical models data are presented as supporting material which can be downloaded from the website of the publisher. Readers can easily understand key modeling techniques with the theory of multiphysics embedded in examples of applications,and can use the data to reproduce the results presented. While this book would be of interest to any student, academic or professional practitioner of engineering, mathematics and natural science, we believe those professionals and academics working in civil engineering, petroleum engineering and petroleum geomechanics would find the work especially relevant to their endeavors.

These three volumes provide valuable information to help bring rational and scientifically feasible solutions to petroleum contaminated soils. State-of-the-art information on both technical and regulatory issues is covered, including environmental fate, health effects, risk assessment and remedial alternatives. They show why petroleum contaminated soils are a problem - and propose solutions for that problem. These books are an excellent reference for regulatory personnel and environmental consultants at all levels.