In heavy and extra-heavy oil production, steam stimulation is one of the most commonly used approaches for enhancing the recovery process. Thermal energy of injected steam reduces the viscosity of oil to improve its mobility and facilitate the production process. Conventionally, steam stimulation can be performed by using various technologies, such as Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), Cyclic steam stimulation, and Steam flood....

In continuation of the previous article dated 18.11.2022, dedicated to patent analysis of inventions related to the repair and replacement of directional drilling equipment, here we will consider patent documents that offer technical solutions related to the technological operation of the controlled deflection of drilling direction. In the technology of directional drilling, a crucial role is played by equipment that allows the...

In the last two decades directional drilling has been rapidly developing in various oil and gas producing countries, primarily in the United States. It has become particularly indispensable for shale gas and tight oil plays. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (Today in Energy, June 6, 2019), in 2018 in the US the share of horizontal wells in the production of shale gas and tight oil comprised 96-97% against 14-15% in...

In previous comments dated 03/11/2022 and 28/10/2022, we presented our thoughts regarding the current status of Small-scale GTL technologies, as well as the results of a statistical analysis of patenting activity in the field of syngas production by Small-scale GTL. In this note, we will try to analyze the main trends in recent patent solutions. One of the most popular trends in patent solutions related to the production of syngas by...

Small-scale GTL plants are complex technical structures in which technological operations are sequentially carried out to convert raw organic feedstock, first into synthesis gas, and then into various hydrocarbons. Presently, such plants are manufactured by several companies, mainly for use in remote areas of oil production for the beneficial utilization of associated gas. In a previous comment dated 28/10/2022, we reviewed the current...

Syngas is one of the key resources for the production of synthetic fuels. Hydrogen, which is a part of syngas is widely used in oil refining and ammonia production. One of the main advantages of syngas is that it can be produced from almost any hydrocarbon or organic material, including natural gas, oil, coal, biomass and even municipal waste. The feedstock is exposed to a high temperature and controlled composition of the gas mixture...

Presently, the global market for floating solar panels is estimated to be a few dozens of millions of US dollars. At the same time, only 10-15% of floating stations are equipped with active solar tracking systems. Nevertheless, many experts expect a significant growth in this segment of market in the next decade, predominantly in the countries of Southeast Asia. Therefore, the largest suppliers of floating panels are Japanese Kyocera...

Hydrocarbons in low-permeable shale rocks, unlike oil and gas-rich natural reservoirs, are located on a much larger area and, lacking mobility, are clogged in relatively small cavities. To ensure the extraction of hydrocarbons from such rocks, at least two additional measures are required: to increase the contact area of ​​the well with the gas-containing formation and to increase the permeability of the rock. Since the thickness of...

One of most important problems of wind energy is the relatively low capacity factor, which in real practice of wind turbines rarely exceeds 30%. As a result, huge material-intensive and expensive structures of wind turbines sit idle for a considerable time without generating electricity, reducing the investment attractiveness of the industry, hindering a decrease in selling prices for electricity and limiting the competitiveness of...

Steam injection is one of the most common and widely-applied methods of thermal stimulation of high-viscosity and high-density oil reservoirs causing a significant reduction in the viscosity of the heavy oils. There are three major types of steam injection techniques – SAGD (Steam Assisted gravity drainage), CSS (Cyclic Steam Stimulation) and Steam flooding. In practice, the steam injection process is often supported by a combination...