-
Date submitted2023-06-21
-
Date accepted2023-12-27
-
Online publication date2024-04-04
-
Date published2024-12-25
Peculiarities of formation, isomorphism and geochemistry of trace elements of sphalerite and wurtzite unusual varieties from the Goniatite occurrence (Pai-Khoi Ridge, Nenets Autonomous District)
A unique Mn-, Cd-bearing sphalerite from quartz-calcite veins in the coal-bearing series (Visean C1v) marine sediments in a 50 km segment of the middle course of the Silova-Yakha River in the Arctic zone of the European part of Russia (Pai-Khoi Ridge) has been studied. The veins have a conformable and cross-cutting occurrence in two types of rocks: gray limestones and black siliceous-carbonaceous shales, the area is known as the Goniatite occurrence. The sulfide content in vein samples ranges from 0.1 to 2 vol.%. The chemical composition of 27 monomineral samples of Mn-, Cd-bearing sphalerites was studied, 82 points were analyzed. Correlations between typomorphic elements-impurities were revealed and correlation matrix was constructed. Cu, V, Ga, In, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Tl, Se, Ag, Au, Ni are positively correlated with each other; Cd, Mn and Ge are negatively correlated with each other. The hydrothermal fluid involved in crystallization of sphalerite is characterized by low temperature (164-211 °С) and average salinity of 5-6 wt.% eq. NaCl. An updated “portrait” of typomorphic features (composition and properties) of sphalerite of the Pai-Khoi province was obtained. The features allowing to determine the type of impurity entering the sphalerite structure – in the form of isomorphic impurity or in the form of microinclusions of paragenetic association minerals – have been established. Submicron inclusions of sulvanite and colusite, invisible by other methods, were detected in sphalerite (by LA-ICP-MS method).The cathodoluminescence data of sphalerite from the Pai-Khoi province were typified. In contrast to other provinces, ZnS crystals here are characterized by almost complete absence of isomorphic iron. This allowed us to study pure isomorphism schemes of ZnS↔MnS, ZnS↔CdS, namely cathodoluminescence and other types of luminescence. The presence of a rare wurtzite-4H polytype in assemblage with sphalerite was revealed. High contents of strategic metals Cd, Ga, In, Ge in the ZnS matrix, as well as sulvanite (V, Cu) in a single paragenesis were found. A serious reassessment of the potential for industrial use of this mineralization will be required.
-
Date submitted2023-11-08
-
Date accepted2024-05-02
-
Online publication date2024-07-26
-
Date published2024-12-25
Trace element composition of silicate minerals from Kunashak Meteorite (L6)
- Authors:
- Kristina G. Sukhanova
- Olga L. Galankina
Major (EPMA) and trace (SIMS) element geochemistry in the silicate minerals (olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase) of Kunashak equilibrated ordinary chondrite (L6) is described. No variations in the major element concentrations of the silicate minerals have been found, which is characteristic of equilibrated chondrites of petrological type VI. Low-Са pyroxene and plagioclase from the radiated olivine-pyroxene chondrule of Kunashak Meteorite contain an abundance of trace elements (Yb, Cr, Nb and Ti – pyroxene; Sr, Y, Ti and Zr – plagioclase), which is not characteristic of minerals from the porphyritic olivine and olivine-pyroxene chondrules of the meteorite. The porphyritic olivine-pyroxene chondrule of the Kunashak Meteorite has high trace element concentrations in olivine, in particular, the highest Yb concentration (0.12 ppm on the average) relative to porphyritic and radiated olivine-pyroxene chondrules (0.02 ppm). High trace element concentrations indicate rapid crystallization of a radiated chondrule in a nebula and show no traces of trace element homogenization upon thermal metamorphism. The trace element composition of silicate minerals from Kunashak Meteorite has retained the individual melting pattern of the chondrules and remained unaffected by thermal metamorphism on the parent bodies of the chondrules. Similar results, obtained in the study of Bushkhov Meteorite (L6), indicate that trace elements in olivine and low-Са pyroxene are resistant to thermal metamorphism. The persistence of the individual pattern of the chondrules enables us to use equilibrated ordinary chondrites for the study of processes at early stages in the formation of the Solar System and to better understand chondrule and planet formation mechanisms.
-
Date submitted2023-07-07
-
Date accepted2023-12-27
-
Online publication date2024-04-11
-
Date published2024-12-25
A new insight into recording the mineral composition of carbonate reservoirs at well killing: experimental studies
Well killing operation remains an important technological stage before well workover or servicing, during which filtrate penetrates the bottomhole area of the formation. The impact of process fluids and their filtrate on rock has a significant influence on permeability and porosity of carbonate reservoirs, which decrease due to fines migration. There are few known scientific studies of the interaction of killing fluid filtrate with carbonate rock and fines migration. In our experiments, an aqueous phase was used which is the basis for well killing in pure form, for the preparation of blocking agents and is used in reservoir pressure maintenance system. Core samples taken from the pay of the reservoir were used to simulate the well killing process with generation of reservoir thermobaric conditions. Killing fluid filtrate was kept for seven days, which characterizes the average workover time at flowing wells in the fields of the Perm Territory. Using micro-X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscope, images were obtained before and after the experiment, which allowed confirming a decrease in total number of voids due to fines migration and, as a consequence, a decreasing permeability of samples. Measurement of pH and fines concentration in the aqueous phase was performed before and after the experiment and pointed to mineral reactions occurring as a result of rock dissolution. The results of experiments made it possible to record a decrease in permeability of carbonate samples by an average of 50 % due to clogging of void space and migration of fines (clayey and non-clayey).
-
Date submitted2023-08-14
-
Date accepted2023-12-27
-
Online publication date2024-03-26
-
Date published2024-12-25
Modelling of compositional gradient for reservoir fluid in a gas condensate deposit with account for scattered liquid hydrocarbons
In oil and gas reservoirs with significant hydrocarbon columns the dependency of the initial hydrocarbon composition on depth – the compositional gradient – is an important factor in assessing the initial amounts of components in place, the position of the gas-oil contact, and variations of fluid properties throughout the reservoir volume. Known models of the compositional gradient are based on thermodynamic relations assuming a quasi-equilibrium state of a multi-component hydrodynamically connected hydrocarbon system in the gravity field, taking into account the influence of the natural geothermal gradient. The corresponding algorithms allow for calculation of changes in pressure and hydrocarbon fluid composition with depth, including determination of the gas-oil contact (GOC) position. Above and below the GOC, the fluid state is considered single-phase. Many oil-gas-condensate reservoirs typically have a small initial fraction of the liquid hydrocarbon phase (LHC) – scattered oil – within the gas-saturated part of the reservoir. To account for this phenomenon, a special modification of the thermodynamic model has been proposed, and an algorithm for calculating the compositional gradient in a gas condensate reservoir with the presence of LHC has been implemented. Simulation cases modelling the characteristic compositions and conditions of three real oil-gas-condensate fields are considered. The results of the calculations using the proposed algorithm show peculiarities of variations of the LHC content and its impact on the distribution of gas condensate mixture composition with depth. The presence of LHC leads to an increase in the level and possible change in the type of the fluid contact. The character of the LHC fraction dependency on depth can be different and is governed by the dissolution of light components in the saturated liquid phase. The composition of the LHC in the gas condensate part of the reservoir changes with depth differently than in the oil zone, where the liquid phase is undersaturated with light hydrocarbons. The results of the study are significant for assessing initial amounts of hydrocarbon components and potential efficiency of their recovery in gas condensate and oil-gas-condensate reservoirs with large hydrocarbon columns.
-
Date submitted2023-07-05
-
Date accepted2024-06-03
-
Online publication date2024-10-03
-
Date published2024-12-25
Complete extraction of conditioned ores from complex-structured blocks due to partial admixture of substandard ores
- Authors:
- Bayan R. Rakishev
The paper presents mining-technological substantiation of complete extraction of conditioned ores from complex-structured blocks of benches by mixing a layer of substandard ores of certain sizes. The relevance of the work consists in the development of innovative methods of establishing the parameters of the substandard layer of ores to be added to the conditioned ores. The main problem is to ensure complete extraction of useful components into concentrate from shipped ore with acceptable deviations from the required ones. A new typification of complex-structured ore blocks of the bench has been carried out. Analytical dependences of mining and geological characteristics of complex-structured ore blocks were obtained. Theoretical dependences for determining the main indicators of mineral processing are derived. Analytical dependences for determination of the content of useful component in shipped ore α' – mixture of conditioned ore with the content of useful component α and admixed layer of substandard ore with the content of useful component α'' are offered. For the first time in mining science, a new approach of complete extraction of conditioned ores from complex-structured blocks of benches by grabbing a certain part of substandard ores during excavation, increasing the volume of extracted ore and expanding the extraction of useful components in the concentrate has been substantiated. The increment of useful components can reach 10-15 % of the total volume of extraction, which allows predicting a significant increase in the completeness of mineral extraction from the Earth's interior.
-
Date submitted2022-09-21
-
Date accepted2024-06-03
-
Online publication date2024-10-23
-
Date published2024-12-25
Analysis of the assessment of the prospects for the burial of CO2 in unexplored aquifer complexes on the example of a facility in the Perm Region
One of the most important problems of our time is the annual increase in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. It is possible to combat this phenomenon by reducing emissions or developing and applying technologies for capturing, storing, using and disposing of CO2. In this work, an assessment of the expediency and possibility of carbon dioxide burial in deep aquifers is considered, the study of which is carried out to a small extent and due to the lack of useful material in them. The parameters and results of CO2 injection into the aquifer of one of the oil fields of the Perm Region, the geological properties and characteristics of which are determined in this work, are studied. The criteria of applicability, methods of estimating the volume of the reservoir and laboratory studies to determine the properties of CO2 and the features of its interaction with the model of the reservoir fluid are considered. The injection object and reservoir volume were determined, PVT studies of the target gas were performed, and its solubility in reservoir water was determined. The duration of filling the full volume of the trap when capturing 400 thousand tons of CO2 per year from the target industrial facility is calculated to be 202 years. This conclusion signals the prospects for the burial of carbon dioxide in the underground deposits of an undeveloped aquifer complex in the Perm Region, which reflects the importance of studying such geological CO2 burial sites in order to achieve global carbon neutrality goals.
-
Date submitted2024-01-31
-
Date accepted2024-05-02
-
Online publication date2024-06-19
-
Date published2024-12-25
Evaluation of the effectiveness of water dust-suppressing emulsions based on acrylic and alkyd polymers
Currently, the use of special dust-suppressing reagents is promising to reduce the level of dust in the vicinity and on the territories of pits, mining and processing plants and other facilities with a high content of fine dust. The analysis of ways to reduce the dust-forming ability of inorganic dispersions with a high degree of dusting is carried out. Due to the lack of regulatory and technical documentation devoted to the standardization of quality control methods for dust-suppressing compounds, it becomes necessary to analyze existing parameters and methods for their determination in order to develop mandatory methods for controlling the properties of dust-suppressing compounds, films formed by them and consolidated systems. The study is devoted to substantiating the necessary methods for assessing the dust-forming ability of inorganic dispersions after treatment with various dust suppressants and evaluating their effectiveness. The parameters are considered and methods for quantifying the determination of the quality of the consolidated layer of dust samples using different dust-suppressing compositions are described. As a result of the analysis of the set of parameter values, it was found that the most resistant to the effects of negative factors due to the formation of a denser and more durable polymer matrix mesh are dusting surface samples treated with an emulsion of alkyd glypthalic resin on a water basis with a high agglomerating effect on particles of inorganic dispersion and the formation of a consolidated layer with a wetting angle of 92.5° and a compressive strength 0.56 MPa.
-
Date submitted2022-03-01
-
Date accepted2024-06-03
-
Online publication date2024-11-08
-
Date published2024-12-25
Study of the possibility of using high mineralization water for hydraulic fracturing
The results of laboratory studies aimed at developing hydraulic fracturing fluid based on alternative sources of high mineralization water are presented. It is shown that Cenomanian sources have the most stable mineralization parameters, while bottom water and mixed waters collected from pressure maintenance systems differ significantly in their properties, with iron content varying several times, and hardness and mineralization undergoing substantial changes. The quality of the examined hydraulic fracturing fluids based on alternative water sources is confirmed by their impact on residual permeability, as well as residual proppant pack conductivity and permeability. The experimental results show similar values for these parameters. The comprehensive laboratory studies confirm the potential for industrial use of high mineralization water in hydraulic fracturing operations.
-
Date submitted2023-07-27
-
Date accepted2024-06-03
-
Online publication date2024-08-01
-
Date published2024-12-25
Normalized impulse response testing in underground constructions monitoring
Impulse Response testing is a widespread geophysical technique of monolithic plate-like structures (foundation slabs, tunnel lining, and supports for vertical, inclined and horizontal mine shafts, retaining walls) contact state and grouting quality evaluation. Novel approach to data processing based on normalized response attributes analysis is presented. It is proposed to use the energy of the normalized signal calculated in the time domain and the normalized spectrum area and the average-weighted frequency calculated in the frequency domain as informative parameters of the signal. The proposed technique allows users a rapid and robust evaluation of underground structure’s grouting or contact state quality. The advantage of this approach is the possibility of using geophysical equipment designed for low strain impact testing of piles length and integrity to collect data. Experimental study has been carried out on the application of the technique in examining a tunnel lining physical model with a known position of the loose contact area. As examples of the application of the methodology, the results of the several monolitic structures of operating municipal and transport infrastructure underground structures survey are presented. The applicability of the technique for examining the grouting of the tunnel lining and the control of injection under the foundation slabs is confirmed. For data interpretation the modified three-sigma criteria and the joint analysis of the attribute’s behavior were successfully used. The features of the field work methodology, data collection and analysis are discussed in detail. Approaches to the techniques' development and its application in the framework of underground constructions monitoring are outlined. The issues arising during acoustic examination of reinforced concrete plate-like structures are outlined.
-
Date submitted2023-09-08
-
Date accepted2024-06-03
-
Online publication date2024-09-06
-
Date published2024-12-25
Modern approaches to barium ore benefication
Barite is one of the critically important minerals in several industries, including the fuel and energy, nuclear, and medical sectors. For decades, its extraction did not require any complex techniques; however, with the depletion of rich barite-bearing veins around the world, the circumstances have changed. While the demand for barite is growing widely, it is necessary to optimize and improve the existing methods for benefication of barite and barite-containing ores, and create new approaches to extracting this mineral, as well as develop technogenic barite deposits accumulated in large quantities during the previous ore production. Dumps and tailings often demonstrate high barite content, while new mining technologies make its extraction cost-efficient. Russian and foreign papers of the last 14 years provide data on the current state of primary and technogenic deposits, areas of barite use and the approaches employed for its benefication. Considering the expansion of the range of barite applications, the growing need for the mineral in the oil and gas industry and the difficulties in developing new barite deposits in Russia, the importance of new approaches to the enrichment of ore tailings in polymetallic deposits is revealed.
-
Date submitted2023-11-01
-
Date accepted2024-05-02
-
Online publication date2024-09-13
-
Date published2024-12-25
Improving the procedure for group expert assessment in the analysis of professional risks in fuel and energy companies
The lack of a unified approach to the assessment of professional risks in fuel and energy companies (FEC) in the national regulatory environment and a high degree of subjectivity of the results of hazard identification and risk assessment makes mathematically sound recruitment of an expert group urgent and necessary. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study on hazard identification and risk assessment at 6,105 workplaces in 24 branches of a FEC company based on the application of the expert assessment method and a scientifically sound qualitative and quantitative selection of experts. The priority vectors of factors are determined, global priorities are calculated, the size of the expert group (15 persons) is determined and mathematically substantiated for carrying out hazard identification and risk assessment at workplaces with sufficient reliability of results. For the first time, a set of factors characterizing the FEC companies that influence the determination of professional competence of experts is proposed. The formed expert group presented more precise, objective and consistent results of risk assessment. Standards for free distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and wash-off agents to 7,234 company employees for implementation and trial use were developed. A fragment of the results obtained for a driller's workplace is presented. This approach allows a significant increase in objectivity and efficiency of the professional risk management system and provision of the PPE to employees in the concept of a risk-oriented approach helping to prevent industrial injuries and improve the level of occupational safety culture in fuel and energy companies taking into account global practice.
-
Date submitted2024-04-08
-
Date accepted2024-06-13
-
Online publication date2024-07-26
-
Date published2024-12-25
Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals
The results of studying the scarcity of strategic minerals in the Russian Federation are presented, domestic consumption of which is largely provided by forced imports and/or stored reserves. Relevance of the work is due to aggravation of the geopolitical situation and a growing necessity to meet the demand of national economy for raw materials from own sources. Analysis of the state of mineral resource base of scarce minerals in the Russian Federation was accomplished, problems were identified and prospects for its development were outlined taking into account the domestic demand for scarce minerals, their application areas and the main consumers. Reducing the deficit through the import of foreign raw materials and the development of foreign deposits does not ensure the reproduction of the domestic mineral resource base, independence of the country from imported raw materials as well as additional competitive advantages, economic stability and security. It was ascertained that a major factor holding back the development of the mineral resource base is insufficient implementation of new technological solutions for the use of low-quality ore. Improving the technologies in the industry is relevant for all types of scarce minerals to solve the problem of reproducing their resource base. Taking into account the prospects for the development of the resource base for the minerals under consideration (manganese, uranium, chromium, fluorspar, zirconium, titanium, graphite) requires a set of legal and economic measures aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of geological exploration for subsoil users at their own expense without attracting public funding. The proposed measures, taking into account the analysis of positive experience of foreign countries, include the development of junior businesses with expansion of the “declarative” principle, the venture capital market, various tax incentives, preferential loans as well as conditions for the development of infrastructure in remote regions. The proposed solution to the problem of scarcity of strategic minerals will make it possible in future to present measures to eliminate the scarcity of certain types of strategic minerals taking into account their specificity.
-
Date submitted2024-01-18
-
Date accepted2024-05-02
-
Online publication date2024-05-22
-
Date published2024-12-25
Industrial clusters as an organizational model for the development of Russia petrochemical industry
The article explores the challenges facing Russia petrochemical industry over the past decade and examines the reasons behind its significant lag compared to other industrialized nations. It presents a review of academic research on clusters accompanied by a comparative analysis, generalization, and consolidation of factors influencing the development of the petrochemical industry in Russia. It is argued that advancing the petrochemical industry from production plants to integrated production complexes necessitates a shift towards clustering, which will improve resource utilization efficiency, bolster product competitiveness, and reduce production costs. The article examines and consolidates key cluster concepts, encompassing definitions, characteristics, composition, and constituent elements. It also examines strategic documents guiding the development of the petrochemical sector, assesses the progress made in forming petrochemical clusters in Russia, and draws upon European and Asian experiences and government support tools in the domain of petrochemical clusters. The successful development of petrochemical clusters in Russia is argued to be strongly dependent on state initiatives and support for infrastructure development. Additionally, the presence of research organizations within clusters is crucial for fostering high-tech product innovation and forming an efficient value chain that integrates research and development with specific assets. When establishing petrochemical clusters in Russia, it is essential to consider the unique characteristics of each cluster, including the types of raw materials and resources used, the necessary infrastructure, and the specific support measures and incentives provided by the state.
-
Date submitted2023-11-15
-
Date accepted2024-09-24
-
Online publication date2024-10-04
-
Date published2024-12-25
Development and validation of an approach to the environmental and economic assessment of decarbonization projects in the oil and gas sector
- Authors:
- Nadezhda A. Sheveleva
This article addresses the problem of selecting a priority decarbonization project for an oil and gas company aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The wide range of decarbonization options and assessment methods prompted the development of a comprehensive ranking system for project selection. This system incorporates both internal and external factors of project implementation, a two-stage algorithm that filters out unsuitable projects taking into account sustainable development goals, and a quantitative evaluation approach using absolute and relative indicators. The proposed system evaluates decarbonization projects by considering not only the reduction of emissions in both absolute and relative terms, but also the broader environmental, social, and economic aspects relevant to the oil and gas company and the national economy. It includes a ranking mechanism for identifying priority projects and integrates carbon regulation incentives and green taxonomy tools into the economic assessment for more precise comparative analysis. The quantitative assessment in absolute terms involves a specialized net present value calculation, which accounts for revenue from both carbon credit sales and the potential sale of new low-carbon products, if applicable. The proposed assessment provides for targeted analysis of specific performance indicators, such as the cost per unit of emissions reduced, tax and social security contributions per unit of emissions reduced, energy efficiency improvements, and other indicators used for additional assessments of projects under otherwise equal conditions.
-
Date submitted2024-12-20
-
Date accepted2024-12-20
-
Online publication date2024-12-20
-
Date published2024-12-25
Correction to “Determination of the grid impedance in power consumption modes with harmonics”
These errors do not affect the conclusions of the article. The correction has been to the html and pdf versions of the article.