Scientists from St Petersburg University and partner companies develop a technology for geochemical classification of oil production by reservoirs

Oil production and refining are of great importance for the scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, which has significant hydrocarbon reserves in a number of regions. Improving production efficiency is therefore one of Russia’s top priority development areas. 

The technology developed by the specialists from St Petersburg University, Gazprom Neft and the team of scientific partners involves determining the full number of hydrocarbon compounds that make up oil and gas, i.e. an in-depth study of the fluid composition in reservoirs. This is necessary to identify unique marker substances characteristic of each reservoir in the field. These, like human fingerprints, can be used to understand the origin of the oil or gas. 

The next step is to use the identified markers (typically more than 200) to calculate the proportion of each marker in the well sample. Today, most active wells exploit several reservoirs simultaneously, and different geophysical methods are typically used to investigate them, requiring wells to be shut down. Implementation of the technology will help to increase hydrocarbon production and reduce costs. 

According to Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University, the University has been involved in the development of the technology from the very beginning of the project.

The large expert potential makes it possible for St Petersburg University scientists to conduct comprehensive research in the most relevant areas today, and to share best practices and fundamental knowledge in chemistry and the unique field of chemometrics. Understanding the uniqueness of the method developed and the importance of the work carried out, last year it was decided, on the basis of the Advanced Engineering School at St Petersburg University, to establish separate laboratories to enable the commercialisation of such significant developments.

Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research of St Petersburg University

St Petersburg University, for example, has implemented the Geobasis IT platform, which combines digital tools for analysing chemical and geochemical data, allowing the joint development of several oil and gas fields to control reserve production, perform biomarker analysis, and much more. 

"A large team of geochemists, chemists, geologists and developers, supported by the scientific community, has succeeded in creating a completely new approach to production that considers the simultaneous exploitation of multiple deposits. The technology is a full cycle development and is ready to be replicated within the company. It is also worth mentioning that this project is a good example of preparing a completely new technology for the industry, from the moment the idea is born to its practical application," said Rustam Asmandiyarov, Deputy General Director for Integrated Solutions at Gazprom Neft’s Scientific Department. 

The developed technology of geochemical classification of production by reservoirs makes it possible to carry out research without interrupting the operation of the well, which repeatedly reduces costs and makes the process of hydrocarbon production more efficient. In the long term, the technology will reduce costs by an average of 20% due to lower research costs, bring additional production, and increase the success rate of geological and technical measures by 30%.

St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, was founded on 28 January (8 February) 1724. This is the day when Peter the Great issued a decree establishing the University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, St Petersburg University is an internationally recognised centre for education, research and culture. In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrates its 300th anniversary. 

The plan of events during the celebration of the anniversary of the University was approved at the meeting of the Organising Committee for the celebration of St Petersburg University’s 300th anniversary. The meeting was chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Among the events are: the naming of a minor planet in honour of St Petersburg University; the issuance of bank cards with a special design; and the branding of the aircraft of the Rossiya Airlines to name just a few. To mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, a postage stamp depicting the Twelve Collegia building and the monument to Count Sergey Uvarov was issued. Also, a Soyuz rocket bearing the symbols of the University was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. 

By the decision of the Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, 2024 is a year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University in St Petersburg. On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary torches were lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags were raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport was decorated with the University’s symbols. During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University acted as a participating venue. Additionally, the University has launched a website dedicated to the anniversary. The website contains information about outstanding University staff, students, and alumni; scientific achievements; and details of events held as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the University.