Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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Artem Zavadko, a master's student at the NSU Advanced Engineering School, is developing a mobile system for searching for residual oil reserves, which are a crucial reserve for increasing oil production in Russia. A prototype of the device is already ready, and over the next year it will be modified, software for processing and interpreting the data will be developed, and testing will begin—first at geophysical testing sites and then at operating fields. The project was one of the winners of the federal "Student Startup" competition from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises and received a grant of 1 million rubles.
The system operates using near-field transient electromagnetic sounding (NFEES). This inductive pulsed electrical exploration technology relies on studying the transient field generated by changes in source current. During the survey, a transmitter and receiver loop are placed on the earth's surface. The transmitter loop pulses the current, creating a transient field or secondary currents propagating deep into the section, while the receiver loop records this signal. Using the contrasting electrical conductivity of rocks, information can be obtained on the reservoir properties and composition of formations. The obtained data is processed and interpreted, and then used to construct 2D and 3D section models. The advantages of this method over other geophysical methods include its relative low cost, the ability to obtain detailed depth sections, and high productivity.
Increasing oil recovery is a key objective in the later stages of field development. Seismic-based monitoring is an effective tool for optimizing production systems and monitoring fluid movement within the reservoir. However, seismic exploration costs can reach hundreds of millions of rubles, is time-consuming, and requires highly complex data processing and subsequent interpretation. For this reason, seismic exploration is more suitable for exploring new fields. When assessing the presence and volume of residual oil in reservoirs—that is, oil remaining in reservoirs after the field has been depleted—electrical prospecting is more suitable. Experts estimate that residual oil reserves in Russia could reach 40-60 billion tons.
"Our system is mobile, and we use a high-precision method based on near-field transient electromagnetic sounding. We plan to improve the existing prototype device, conduct testing at a geophysical site, and develop simplified data processing software. This system will allow us to pinpoint the location of residual oil traps with a high degree of accuracy. Similar mobile systems are not yet available on the Russian market," explained Artem Zavadko.
Artem Zavadko began working on the project two years ago as part of his thesis under the supervision of researcher Evgeny Valerievich Krupnov. A prototype has now been created, consisting of transmitter and receiver coils, a current meter, and a current switch. For now, the system operates using off-the-shelf software.
The system will operate as follows: a generator loop that generates a transient field will be mounted on the chassis of an all-terrain vehicle. A receiver will be located behind the generator, recording the received signal. After recording the secondary currents, they will undergo primary processing—cleaning them of interference; then, secondary data processing and interpretation will take place.
"The signals obtained after measurements contain information about the structure of the geological section due to the contrast in the medium's electrical conductivity. It is known that oil does not conduct electricity, while water-saturated rocks and formation fluids with high mineralization have low electrical resistivity. With proper data processing and integration of well data, the accuracy of interpretation can exceed 80%. Survey depths range from 500 to 1,500 meters, depending on the signal source's power and the section's electrical conductivity," explained Artem Zavadko.
Funds from the grant are planned to be used to refine the prototype to increase the depth of research. Extensive testing of the system will also be conducted at geophysical sites, and further improvements will be made based on the results. Simultaneously, simplified software will be developed in C, and a desktop version of the application will be created. Following successful completion of these tests, trials are planned for real fields.
The project will result in the creation of a mobile near-field transient electromagnetic sounding system, which will enable the acquisition of reliable, verified data. This data will be used to construct models identifying the location of residual oil reserves within strata. This development can also be used to search for ore minerals. The system will be used primarily by Russian geological exploration and service companies working with organizations in the fuel and energy sector.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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