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Date submitted2023-03-01
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Date accepted2024-06-03
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Date published2025-02-25
Lamprophyres of the Peshchernoe gold deposit, their geological position, material composition, and metasomatic alterations (Northern Urals)
The article presents the first data on biotite-hornblende lamprophyres discovered at the Peshchernoe gold deposit. We consider the geological position of lamprophyre dikes in the deposit structure and the relationship of these rocks with tectonically weakened and mineralized zones. The data on the structural position of mineralized zones, faults, dike bodies, metasomatic halos, and host volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks confirm the tectonic nature of the Peshchernoe deposit alteration system. Lamprophyre dikes are pre-ore, as evidenced by the superimposed metasomatic mineral associations. We assume that dikes of andesitic rocks, lamprophyres, and subsequently hydrothermal fluids, including ore-bearing ones, were intruded along the fault zone of northeastern strike at different geological times. The description of mineralogical and chemical transformations of lamprophyres, which occurred as a result of alteration, is given. Two stages of metasomatism are distinguished: carbon dioxide (beresitization-listvenitization) and subsequent alkaline (sodic metasomatism). During carbon dioxide metasomatism, dark-coloured minerals are replaced by chlorite, albitization and sericitization of plagioclase occur, and ferruginous dolomite is formed under the influence of a significant supply of CO2. Alkaline (sodic) metasomatism is superimposed on the mineral metasomatic paragenesis of the first stage. We consider metasomatic zoning during sodic metasomatism, manifested in one of the spessartite dikes. Chlorite and relics of magmatic dark-coloured minerals are replaced by magnesite, the supply of Na leads to the appearance of newly formed albite, and the supply of S leads to the formation of pyrite, which concentrates iron from other minerals. As a result of the sodic metasomatism, iron content in carbonates decreases in the direction from the outer metasomatic zone to the inner one. We conclude that it was the alkaline-sulphide sodium solutions that performed the ore-bearing function, and beresitization and listvenitization prepared a favourable environment for ore deposition.
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Date submitted2022-10-04
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Date accepted2024-03-05
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Date published2024-08-26
Localization and involvement in development of residual recoverable reserves of a multilayer oil field
During waterflooding of a multilayer oil field there is a constant deterioration of the structure and composition of residual reserves due to geological and technological reasons. The largest share of residual reserves is localized in pillars, which arise from uneven development of the production facility and are undrained or poorly drained zones. The results of a quantitative assessment of the distribution of residual oil reserves in the Middle and Upper Devonian deposits of the Romashkinskoe oil field of the Republic of Tatarstan are presented. A retrospective method is proposed to identify reserves by analyzing and summarizing historical exploration data and the long history of reservoir development, and a calculation algorithm is proposed to quantify them. It has been established that residual oil reserves are localized in rows of dividing and injection wells, as well as in the central rows of producing wells in a three-line drive, in abandoned and piezometric wells, in the areas adjacent to the zones of reservoir confluence, pinch-out, oil-bearing contours, distribution of reservoirs with deteriorated porosity and permeability properties. Depending on geological conditions, algorithms for selecting geological and technical measures to include localized reserves in development and forecasting production profiles were proposed. According to the proposed method, residual recoverable reserves were identified and a number of wells were recommended for experimental works on their additional recovery: in well 16 (hereinafter in the text, conventional well numbers are used) after isolation of overlying high-water-cut formations, the additional perforation was carried out and oil flow was obtained. Additional perforation in well 6 resulted in oil recovery during development as well. Thus, the developed approaches to identifying residual recoverable reserves and patterns of their spatial distribution can be recommended in other multilayer oil fields with a long history of development.
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Date submitted2023-04-29
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Date accepted2023-10-11
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Date published2023-10-27
Pink-violet diamonds from the Lomonosov mine: morphology, spectroscopy, nature of colour
The article presents the results of the first comprehensive study of mineralogical and spectroscopic (IR, PL, EPR) characteristics of diamonds from the Lomonosov mine (Arkhangelskaya pipe) with a unique pink, pink-violet colour. It is shown that all crystals belong to the IaA type, with a total nitrogen content in the range of 500-1500 ppm, with a low degree of aggregation. The colour is heterogeneous, concentrated in narrow twin layers. It is presumably caused by the previously described M2 centres. The colour shade is affected by the content of P1 paramagnetic centres (C-defect). A positive correlation is observed between the colour saturation and the intensity of W7 paramagnetic centres. A convergent model of the formation of pink diamonds is assumed, according to which the determining factors are the ratio and concentration of structural impurities in the diamond, its thermal history, and conditions of plastic deformation, and not the origin of the diamond and the petrochemical properties of its host rocks.
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Date submitted2022-09-30
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Date accepted2023-04-03
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Date published2024-02-29
Optimization of the location of a multilateral well in a thin oil rim, complicated by the presence of an extensive gas cap
- Authors:
- Кirill О. Тomskii
- Mariya S. Ivanova
The specific share of the reserves of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon raw materials is steadily growing. The search for technologies to increase the hydrocarbon recovery factor is one of the most urgent tasks facing the oil and gas industry. One of the methods to expand the coverage of oil reserves and increase oil recovery is to use the technology of drilling multilateral wells with a fishbone trajectory. In the Russian Federation, the most branched well was drilled in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) at the Srednebotuobinskoye oil and gas condensate field. The main object of development is the Botuobinsky horizon (Bt reservoir). About 75 % of the geological reserves of the reservoir are concentrated in a thin oil rim with an average oil-saturated layer thickness of 10 m with an extensive gas cap. This circumstance is one of the main complicating factors in the development of the Srednebotuobinskoye oil and gas condensate field. For such complex wells, one of the most important design stages is to determine the optimal location of the fishbone well in an oil-saturated reservoir. The article shows the results of sector modeling in the conditions of the Srednebotuobinskoye field to determine the optimal location of multilateral wells using Tempest simulator.
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Date submitted2022-10-31
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Date accepted2023-04-21
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Date published2024-02-29
Study of the properties and action of polyelectrolytes in the treatment of the dressing plant’s discharges
The organization of intrafactory water circulation at mining and processing enterprises, when production wastes and discharges are not sent to an external tailings dump, is an urgent environmental and economic task. Returning even a part of water into the technological process after preliminary treatment will significantly reduce the volume of polluted water discharged into tailings, which will reduce energy costs for waste transportation and the negative environmental impact. One of the wastes sent to the tailings during the ore dressing wastes from the Kovdor deposit to the tailings dump is the discharge of thickeners for the preparation of apatite flotation feed. In order to choose the effective discharge cleaning regime, the authors have evaluated the action of polyacrylamide flocculants. It has been discovered that the apatite and calcite particles interact more effectively with the anionic flocculant. This fact determines its advantage for the treatment of suspended particles. The influence of the residual concentration of a flocculant on the apatite flotation, where a part of the returned treated water goes, has been assessed. Compared to flotation with recycled water, there is a decrease of P2O5 extraction into apatite concentrate of equal quality. In order to obtain the required enrichment indicators on the treated water, it is necessary to adjust the collector (tall oil fatty acids) and depressor (liquid glass) costs.
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Date submitted2022-04-14
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2022-11-03
Technological mineralogy: development of a comprehensive assessment of titanium ores (exemplified by the Pizhemskoye deposit)
Technological mineralogy of titanium ores is the basis for assessing their complexity. It enables, from a unified standpoint, to trace the entire course of changes in mineral matter through operating procedures, including beneficiation, processing, and obtaining target industrial products. The study targets are Pizhemskoye ilmenite-leucoxene sandstones, which are distinguished by a complex polymineral composition. Along with the main ore components, there are other metals with different speciation (isomorphic admixture, independent mineral phases). The optimal set of mineralogical analysis methods for the predictive assessment of their further use is substantiated exemplified by titanium ores of the Pizhemskoye deposit, which are complex, noted for a variable content of iron oxides and contain rare earth metals. Examinations by X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirm that the main titanium phases of sandstones are pseudorutile and a polymineral aggregate, “leucoxene”. Considering the granulometric peculiarities of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of the gravity concentrate, the prospects of technologies for processing titanium raw materials are discussed. Along with the problems of obtaining high-quality raw materials, the transformations of mineral phases as a result of extreme impacts and their physicochemical properties as a consequence of isomorphic substitution of a part of Ti atoms with natural modifier agents (Fe and V) in the synthesis of titanium oxide nanostructures for industrial applications are considered (photocatalytic nanoreactor).
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Date submitted2022-04-13
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Thermal history of diamond from Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I kimberlite pipes
This work studies and compares the main morphological, structural, and mineralogical features of 350 diamond crystals from the Karpinsky-I and 300 crystals of the Arkhangelskaya kimberlite pipes. The share of crystals of octahedral habit together with individual crystals of transitional forms with sheaf-like and splintery striation is higher in the Arkhangelskaya pipe and makes 15 %. The share of cuboids and tetrahexahedroids is higher in the Karpinsky-I pipe and stands at 14 %. The share of dodecahedroids in the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes are 60 % and 50 %, respectively. The indicator role of the nitrogen-vacancy N3 center active in absorption and luminescence is shown. Crystals with the N3 absorption system have predominantly octahedral habit or dissolution forms derived from the octahedra. Their thermal history is the most complex. Absorption bands of the lowest-temperature hydrogen-containing defects (3050, 3144, 3154, 3188, 3310 cm −1 , 1388, 1407, 1432, 1456, 1465, 1503, 1551, 1563 cm −1 ), are typical for crystals without N3 system, where in the absorption spectra nitrogen is in the form of low-temperature A and C defects. The above mentioned bands are registered in the spectra of 16 % and 42 % of crystals from the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes, respectively. The diamond of the studied deposits is unique in the minimum temperature (duration) of natural annealing. Based on a set of features, three populations of crystals were distinguished, differing in growth conditions, post-growth, and thermal histories. The established regularities prove the multi-stage formation of diamond deposits in the north of the East European Platform and significant differences from the diamonds of the Western Cisurals. The results suggest the possibility of the existence of primary deposits dominated by diamonds from one of the identified populations.
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Date submitted2022-03-14
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Date accepted2022-05-13
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Date published2022-07-26
Unique titanium Deposits of Timan: genesis and age issues
The article critically analysesthe hypotheses about the formation, age, and sources of material of large Timan titanium deposits, which were previously considered ancient buried placers formed along the weathering crusts of the Riphean shales. We discuss an alternative hydrothermal-metamorphic hypothesis about the formation of these deposits and the source of ore material. It is established that the incoming zircon of different ages (570-3200 Ma), as well as two other geochronometers, rutile and monazite, underwent a thermal effect common for all varieties as a result of a hydrothermal process about 600 Ma ago. According to modern concepts, the closing temperature of the U-Pb system in rutile exceeds 500 °С, which suggests high-temperature conditions for the hydrothermal processing of rutile during the formation of the considered deposits in the Riphean.
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Date submitted2022-04-06
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Geological and structural position of the Svetlinsky gold deposit (Southern Urals)
The paper presents the geological and structural position of the large Svetlinsky gold deposit in the Kochkar anticline (Southern Urals), localized in the zone of the Late Paleozoic (D 3 ) deep thrust of the western dip. The study confirms and clarifies the notion of its multiphase and polychronism. The thrust caused bending moments in its wings, subsidence of the lying crust, emergence of a shallow marine basin with rapid accumulation of terrigenous carbonate sediments (C 1 v), and formation of numerous landslide structures. The heating of rocks in the anticline core was accompanied by granitization and dome formation. A small Svetlinsky dome formed in the immediate vicinity of the thrust, creating a thermobaric gradient field (С 2 ). The zone of dome dynamic influence also includes the adjoining thrust area, complicated by a series of sub-vertical thrusts of sub meridional strike and numerous steeply dipping subparallel cracks of the latitudinal strike, synchronously filled with vein quartz and accompanied by hydrothermal metasomatic rock transformations. The formation of the gold deposit occurred during the post-collisional relaxation stage (from P 1 to, probably, the Early Jurassic). The association of gold mineralization with the Svetlinsky dome is indicated by the presence of native gold in Neogene ravine placers in the dome area and marbles of the Svetlinsky deposit, in association with fluorite, F-phlogopite, Cr-muscovite, pink topaz, pure quartz, and native sulphur. The presence of native gold in Neogene ravine placers in the dome area and marbles of the Svetlinsky deposit, in association with fluorite, F-phlogopite, Cr-muscovite, pink topaz, pure quartz, and native sulphur, indicates the association of gold mineralization with the Svetlinsky dome.
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Date submitted2022-04-12
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-07-26
Rare minerals of noble metals in the collection of the Mining Museum: new data
Modern analytical methods (optical and electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis) were used to study the unique samples of sulfide ores from the Norilsk ore field from the Mining Museum collections of Saint Petersburg Mining University. Samples containing rare minerals of silver and platinum-group metals (sobolevskite, urvantsevite, sperrylite, argentopentlandite, froodite, kotulskite, and others) were studied. The chemical composition, grain sizes, aggregates, and mineral associations of more than ten noble metal minerals have been refined. The efficiency of combining various methods of electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis for studying samples of this type is shown. The results of the work made it possible to obtain high-quality images of rare minerals, to detail information on museum objects, and to compile their scientific description. The conducted research showed the relevance of studying museum objects from known deposits of complex genesis and mineral composition in order to find and describe the samples with rare minerals.
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Date submitted2022-04-18
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-07-26
U-Pb (SHRIMP-RG) age of zircon from rare-metal (Li, Cs) pegmatites of the Okhmylk deposit of the Kolmozero-Voron’ya greenstone belt (northeast of the Fennoscandian shield)
The results of isotopic and geochronological study of zircon from rare-metal pegmatites of the Okhmylk deposit are presented. There were no reliable data on the age of lepidolite-spodumene-pollucite pegmatites of this and the other deposits spatially located within the Archean Kolmozero-Voron’ya greenstone belt. The earlier estimates of the pegmatite age indicate a broad time range from 2.7 to 1.8 Ga. Zircon in the studied pegmatites is characterized by inner heterogeneity, where core and rim zones are distinguished. Minor changes are observed in the core zones, they have a spotted structure and contain numerous uranium oxide inclusions. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, zircon crystallinity is preserved completely in these areas. Complete recrystallization with modification of the original U-Pb isotopic system occurred in the zircon rims. New U-Pb (zircon) isotopic and geochronological data of 2607±9 Ma reflect the time of crystallization of pegmatite veins in the Okhmylk deposit. Isotopic data with ages of ~1.7-1.6 Ga indicate later hydrothermal alteration. The obtained results testify to the Neo-Archean age of the formation of the Okhmylk deposit 2.65-2.60 Ga, reflecting the global age of pegmatite formation and associated the world's largest rare-metal pegmatite deposits.
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Date submitted2022-05-04
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Prospecting models of primary diamond deposits of the north of the East European Platform
As a result of a comprehensive study of the geological structure and diamond presense of the northern part of the East European Platform, generalization of the data accumulated by various organizations in the USSR, the Russian Federation, and other states, three main prospecting models of primary diamond deposits have been identified and characterized: Karelian, Finnish, and Arkhangelsk. Geological, structural, mineralogical, and petrographic criteria of local prediction, as well as the features of the response of kimberlite and lamproite bodies in dispersion haloes and geophysical fields, are considered using known examples, including data on the developed M.V.Lomonosov and V.P.Grib mines. It is shown that the most complicated prospecting environments occur in the covered areas of the Russian Plate, where, in some cases, the primary diamond-bearing rocks are similar in their petrophysical properties to the host formations. The buried dispersion haloes of kimberlite minerals in the continental Carboniferous and Quaternary deposits are traced at a short distance from the sources. Differences in the prospecting features of magnesian (Lomonosov mine) and ferromagnesian (Grib mine) kimberlites are also shown. Conclusions about the diamond potential of the model objects of various types are given in this paper.
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Date submitted2021-10-18
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Date accepted2022-01-24
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Date published2022-04-29
Development of a hydrocarbon completion system for wells with low bottomhole temperatures for conditions of oil and gas fields in Eastern Siberia
The paper presents the results of investigations on the influence of low bottomhole temperatures in the intervals of productive formations on the technological properties of solutions used for drilling and completion of wells in order to determine the possibility of increasing gas recovery coefficient at the field of the “Sila Sibiri” gas pipeline. The analysis of technological measures determining the quality of the productive horizon drilling-in was carried out. It was found out that the dispersion of bridging agent in the composition of the hydrocarbon-based drilling mud selected from the existing methods does not have significant influence on the change in the depth of filtrate penetration into the formation in conditions of low bottomhole temperatures. The main reason for the decrease in the near-bottomhole zone permeability was found out – the increase in plastic viscosity of the dispersion medium of the hydrocarbon-based drilling mud under the influence of low bottomhole temperatures. A destructor solution for efficient wellbore cleaning from hydrocarbon-based solution components in conditions of low bottomhole temperatures was developed. The paper presents the results of laboratory investigations of hydrocarbon-based drilling mud and the developed destructor solution, as well as its pilot field tests. The mechanism of interaction between the destructor solution and the filter cake of the hydrocarbon-based drilling mud ensuring the reduction of the skin factor in the conditions of the geological and hydrodynamic structure of Botuobinsky, Khamakinsky and Talakhsky horizons of the Chayandinskoye oil and gas condensate field has been scientifically substantiated.
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Date submitted2021-09-22
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Date accepted2022-03-24
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Date published2022-04-29
Predicting dynamic formation pressure using artificial intelligence methods
Determining formation pressure in the well extraction zones is a key task in monitoring the development of hydrocarbon fields. Direct measurements of formation pressure require prolonged well shutdowns, resulting in underproduction and the possibility of technical problems with the subsequent start-up of wells. The impossibility of simultaneous shutdown of all wells of the pool makes it difficult to assess the real energy state of the deposit. This article presents research aimed at developing an indirect method for determining the formation pressure without shutting down the wells for investigation, which enables to determine its value at any time. As a mathematical basis, two artificial intelligence methods are used – multidimensional regression analysis and a neural network. The technique based on the construction of multiple regression equations shows sufficient performance, but high sensitivity to the input data. This technique enables to study the process of formation pressure establishment during different periods of deposit development. Its application is expedient in case of regular actual determinations of indicators used as input data. The technique based on the artificial neural network enables to reliably determine formation pressure even with a minimal set of input data and is implemented as a specially designed software product. The relevant task of continuing the research is to evaluate promising prognostic features of artificial intelligence methods for assessing the energy state of deposits in hydrocarbon extraction zones.
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Date submitted2021-08-05
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Date accepted2021-11-30
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Date published2021-12-27
Morozkinskoye gold deposit (southern Yakutia): age and ore sources
The paper presents the results of the comprehensive isotope geochemical (Re-Os, Pb and δ 34 S) study of sulfide mineralization of the Morozkinskoye deposit. The ore zones of the deposit are localized in the syenite massif of Mount Rudnaya, which is located within the Central Aldan ore region (southern Yakutia). Gold mineralization is represented by vein-disseminated or vein type mineralization and is manifested in acidic low-temperature metasomatites – beresites (Qz-Ser-Ank-Py). For the first time we obtained an age estimate of the gold mineralization ~ 129 ± 3 Ma, which the synchronism of the hydrothermal ore process in the beresites, which formed the Morozkinskoye deposit, and magmatic crystallization of the syenites of Mount Rudnaya (~130 Ma). The osmium initial isotopic composition of the studied sulfides indicates a mixed mantle-crustal source of sulfide mineralization. New lead isotopic data of syenites indicate the predominance of mantle lead and an insignificant role of the lower – crust lead, while the isotopic composition of pyrite denotes the presence of the upper crustal material in the ore genesis. The sulfide δ 34 S values vary from –2.3 to +0.6 ‰ and indicate a predominantly magmatic source of sulfur in the ores.
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Date submitted2021-04-11
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Date accepted2021-10-18
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Date published2021-12-16
Comprehensive assessment and analysis of the oil and gas potential of Meso-Cenozoic sediments in the North Caucasus
- Authors:
- Igor I. Bosikov
- Andrey V. Мaier
At the present stage, the development of the oil and gas industry in the Russian Federation is impossible without replenishing the raw material base, so the urgent task is to conduct investigations, prospecting and evaluation of oil and gas bearing capacity prospects in undiscovered areas. The purpose of the investigations is to analyze facies and thicknesses, choose the methodology of prospecting and exploration in reservoirs, make a comprehensive assessment of oil and gas bearing capacity prospects based on experimental investigations and construct a map of oil and gas bearing capacity prospects of the studied sediment structure. The methodology of the conducted investigations was to identify and trace zones of increased fracturing by qualitative interpretation of time seismic sections. Methods for qualitative interpretation of time seismic sections, the model of physical, chemical and geochemical criteria developed by I.A.Burlakov, gas and geochemical surveying and correlation analysis were used in the investigations. A number of prospecting criteria, established based on the analysis of reference seismic materials on well-studied areas in comparison with the results of well tests, were also used. Structural plan for forecast prospects of oil and gas bearing capacity in the studied area was made; zonal and local objects with prospects for oil and gas were identified. Graphical plotting of Eh and pH concentrations distribution and various gas and geochemical indicators allowed identifying zones of possible oil and gas accumulations and starting their detailed survey. Processing of gas and geochemical materials by means of software allowed efficient assessment of prospects for oil and gas bearing capacity of the investigated objects.
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Date submitted2021-06-10
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Date accepted2021-07-27
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Date published2021-10-21
Defects of diamond crystal structure as an indicator of crystallogenesis
- Authors:
- Evgeny A. Vasilev
Based on the study of a representative collections of diamonds from diamondiferous formations of the Urals and deposits of the Arkhangelsk and Yakutian diamond provinces, we established patterns of zonal and sectoral distribution of crystal structure defects in crystals of different morphological types, identified the specifics of crystals formed at different stages of crystallogenesis and performed a comprehensive analysis of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds in different formations. We identified three stages in the crystallogenesis cycle, which correspond to normal and tangential mechanisms of growth and the stage of changing crystal habit shape. At the stage of changing crystal habit shape, insufficient carbon supersaturation obstructs normal growth mechanism, and the facets develop from existing surfaces. Due to the absent stage of growth layer nucleation, formation of new {111} surfaces occurs much faster compared to tangential growth mechanism. This effect allows to explain the absence of cuboids with highly transformed nitrogen defects at the A-B 1 stage: they have all been refaceted by a regenerative mechanism. Based on the revealed patterns, a model of diamond crystallogenesis was developed, which takes into account the regularities of growth evolution, thermal history and morphological diversity of the crystals. The model implies the possibility of a multiply repetitive crystallization cycle and the existence of an intermediate chamber; it allows to explain the sequence of changes in morphology and defect-impurity composition of crystals, as well as a combination of constitutional and population diversity of diamonds from different geological formations.
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Date submitted2020-06-12
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Date accepted2020-10-28
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Date published2020-11-24
Spatial non-linearity of methane release dynamics in underground boreholes for sustainable mining
- Authors:
- Ada K. Dzhioeva
- Vladimir S. Brigida
The paper is devoted to the problem of increasing energy efficiency of coalmine methane utilization to provide sustainable development of geotechnologies in the context of transition to a clean resource-saving energy production. Its relevance results from the fact that the anthropogenic effect of coalmine methane emissions on the global climate change processes is 21 times higher than the impact of carbon dioxide. Suites of gassy coal seams and surrounding rocks should be classified as technogenic coal-gas deposits, while gas extracted from them should be treated as an alternative energy source. Existing practices and methods of controlling coalmine methane need to be improved, as the current “mine – longwall” concept does not fully take into account spatial and temporal specifics of production face advancement. Therefore, related issues are relevant for many areas of expertise, and especially so for green coal mining. The goal of this paper is to identify patterns that describe non-linear nature of methane release dynamics in the underground boreholes to provide sustainable development of geotechnologies due to quality improvement of the withdrawn methane-air mixture. For the first time in spatial-temporal studies (in the plane of CH 4 - S ) of methane concentration dynamics, according to the designed approach, the parameter of distance from the longwall ( L ) is introduced, which allows to create function space for the analyzed process (CH 4 of S-L ). Results of coalmine measurements are interpreted using the method of local polynomial regression (LOESS). The study is based on using non-linear variations of methane concentration in the underground boreholes and specific features of their implementation to perform vacuum pumping in the most productive areas of the undermined rock mass in order to maintain safe aerogas conditions of the extraction block during intensive mining of deep-lying gassy seams. Identification of patterns in the influence of situational geomechanical conditions of coal mining on the initiation of metastable gas-coal solution transformation and genesis of wave processes in the coal-rock mass allows to improve reliability of predicting methane release dynamics, as well as workflow manageability of mining operations. Presented results demonstrate that development of high-methane Donbass seams is associated with insufficient reliability of gas drainage system operation at distances over 40 m behind the longwall face. Obtained results confirm a working hypothesis about the presence of spatial migration of methane concentration waves in the underground gas drainage boreholes. It is necessary to continue research in the area of estimating deviation angles of “advance fracturing” zone boundaries from the face line direction. Practical significance of research results lies in the possibility to use them in the development of scientific foundation for 3D gas drainage of a man-made coal-methane reservoir, taking into account spatial and temporal advancement of the production face.
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Date submitted2019-12-25
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Date accepted2020-06-30
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Date published2020-10-08
Accounting of geomechanical layer properties in multi-layer oil field development
Amid the ever-increasing urgency to develop oil fields with complex mining and geological conditions and low-efficiency reservoirs, in the process of structurally complex reservoir exploitation a number of problems arise, which are associated with the impact of layer fractures on filtration processes, significant heterogeneity of the structure, variability of stress-strain states of the rock mass, etc. Hence an important task in production engineering of such fields is a comprehensive accounting of their complex geology. In order to solve such problems, the authors suggest a methodological approach, which provides for a more reliable forecast of changes in reservoir pressure when constructing a geological and hydrodynamic model of a multi-layer field. Another relevant issue in the forecasting of performance parameters is accounting of rock compressibility and its impact on absolute permeability, which is the main factor defining the law of fluid filtration in the productive layer. The paper contains analysis of complex geology of a multi-layer formation at the Alpha field, results of compression test for 178 standard core samples, obtained dependencies between compressibility factor and porosity of each layer. By means of multiple regression, dependencies between permeability and a range of parameters (porosity, density, calcite and dolomite content, compressibility) were obtained, which allowed to take into account the impact of secondary processes on the formation of absolute permeability. At the final stage, efficiency of the proposed methodological approach for construction of a geological and hydrodynamic model of an oil field was assessed. An enhancement in the quality of well-by-well adaptation of main performance parameters, as well as an improvement in predictive ability of the adjusted model, was identified.
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Date submitted2020-02-19
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Date accepted2020-04-17
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Date published2020-10-08
Decrease in coal losses during mining of contiguous seams in the near-bottom part at Vorkuta deposit
- Authors:
- Oleg I. Kazanin
- Valeriy V. Yaroshenko
The problem of formation of extended zones with high rock pressure (HRP) from safety pillars at the boundaries of extraction pillars formed due to the mine layout of complex geometry is considered at the example of JSC Vorkutaugol mines. A detailed analysis of the remaining reserves of the near-bottom part of the deposit was carried out to estimate losses and the impact of HRP zones from the Chetvertyi protective seam to mining operations on the Troinoi upper seam along with the possibilities for the reduction of sizes of HRP zones at the account of expanding the underworked space. Due to research on the near-bottom part of the Vorkuta deposit, within the framework of the accepted layout, a zone at the Komsomolskaya mine and two zones at the Zapolyarnaya-2 mine were singled out, at which losses at the boundaries of the extraction pillars amount up to 13-22 % of the total resources of the mine field. The high volume of losses in these pillars indicates the relevance of research on the priority extraction impact of protective seams on the efficiency and safety of mining operations in the working area of underworked and HRP zones. Based on the analysis of foreign and Russian experience in the pillar cleaning-up at the boundaries of working areas and the methodical guidelines and instructions, a technological scheme was developed that allows increasing the coal mining recovery factor in the near-bottom part of the Vorkuta deposit from 0.75 to 0.9 without fundamental changing of the ventilation and transport networks and also without purchasing any additional mining equipment. The conducted economic calculations confirmed the effectiveness of implementing the new technological scheme for cleaning-up reserves at the boundaries of extraction districts. The economic effect is from 0.079 to1.381 billion rubles of additional profit from coaxial extraction pillars, depending on the mining and geological conditions and the size of the pillars.
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Date submitted2017-12-29
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Date accepted2018-03-26
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Date published2018-06-22
Methods to enhance oil recovery in the process of complex field development of the Yarega oil and titanium deposit
- Authors:
- I. E. Dolgii
Yarega oil and titanium deposit is a unique facility due to a combination of two mineral resources – oil and titanium ore – in one geologic structure. The paper describes mining and geologic conditions of the field, as well as engineering solutions to enhance oil recovery and the efficiency of heat transfer. The author focuses on the issues of deposit opening and preparation for development, and provides recommendations regarding the exploitation procedure of the oil and titanium parts of the field, which take into account field data on the extraction rates of high viscosity oil and titanium ore from the start of deposit development. The paper contains analysis of existing technological schemes of high viscosity oil extraction and steam heating of the oil bed, as well as assessment of their feasibility. Issues of field preparation for development are reviewed from the position of accumulated practical experience, and recommendations on the feasibility of combined underground and open-pit mining are supported with evidence. The main advantages of the proposed system are explained; key technical and economic indicators are calculated.
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Date submitted2016-08-28
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Date accepted2016-11-04
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Date published2017-02-22
Deposits of gold-quartz formation in the Priamur province
- Authors:
- V. A. Stepanov
- A. V. Melnikov
A description of gold-quartz formation deposits in the Priamur gold province is presented. Prevalence of gold-quartz deposits defines metallogenic profile of the province and presence of numerous rich placers. Deposits are attributed to frontal, middle and near-bottom parts of the ore pipe. Frontal part of the ore pipe contains a major part of the deposits. They are small and consist of scattered quartz, feldspar-quartz and carbonate-quartz veins. The ore is characterized by erratic percentage of gold, bonanzas can be found. Gold is free, ranging from fine to big grains and small nuggets. It is associated with arsenopyrite, galenite, sometimes with antimonite. Among trace elements can be copper, mercury, antimony and arsenic. Prevalence of frontal deposits in the province points to significant prospects of finding a rich deep mineralization in the middle part of ore pipe. Middle part of the ore pipe contains intermediate and small deposits. Ore bodies are often represented by veined and veinlet-disseminated zones, sometimes zones of metasomatites. For gold-quartz ores, free native gold can commonly be found, usually of fine and very fine grain size. Among ore minerals, apart from arsenopyrite, pyrite and galenite, scheelite is frequently observed.
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Date submitted2015-12-17
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Date accepted2016-03-01
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Date published2016-12-23
Anomalous geochemistry of zircon from the Yastrebetskoe rare metal deposit (SIMS- and TOF-study)
- Authors:
- S. G. Skublov
- S.-Kh. Li
A detailed isotopic geochemical study (secondary ions mass-spectrometry – SIMS, time-of-flight mass-spectrometry – TOF) of zircon from ore-bearing syenites of the Yastrebetskoe rare metal-rare earth deposit (the Ukrainian Shield) has yielded proofs of magmatic genesis of the deposit: unaltered central parts of zircon grains typically feature characteristic magmatic spectra of REE distribution, their values of δ 18 O staying somewhat higher than the mantle value (6.5 ‰, on the average). During the final stage of forming the deposit the role of fluorine-water-bearing fluids enriched with Y, REE, Nb, Ве and heavy oxygen had increased, as directly reflected in the anomalous isotopic-geochemical characteristics of zircon rims and zones of zircon alteration (the contents of Y reaches 61874 ppm, that of Nb – 7976 ppm, Be – 1350 ppm, δ 18 O reaches 12.42‰, F – 0.7 % mass, H 2 O – 4% mass).
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Date submitted2015-12-10
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Date accepted2016-02-16
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Date published2016-12-23
Research into the innovative potential of an oil and gas company at different stages of field development
- Authors:
- A. E. Cherepovitsyn
- A. Kraslavski
The paper presents an overview of research into the methods and principles used to assess the innovative potential of an oil and gas company. The validation is provided for the conceptual framework of the innovative potential, which is characterized by a combination of resources having a specific value for the oil and gas sector. The paper gives a detailed overview of the resources, which determine the innovative potential of the oil and gas company. A system of indicators for assessing the innovative potential of the oil and gas company, including six indicator groups, has been proposed. Key distinctive features of the oil and gas company technological development have been determined based on the use of potential for innovation at different stages of the field development. Technical and economic indicators of the oil field development at different stages are described. A concept of Intelligent Field technology is outlined, representing an innovative system, implementation of which determines a level to which the potential for innovation of the oil and gas company is tapped.
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Date submitted2014-12-10
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Date accepted2015-02-20
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Date published2015-12-25
Opencast mine parameters sensitivity analysis at preliminary study of a mining project
- Authors:
- S. I. Fomin
- E. I. Bazarova
The article describes sensitivity analysis, aimed at variables dependence detection: to what extent open cast mine ultimate efficiency or performance will be affected when one of the key input variables is changed. The stronger the dependence effect, the higher the project implementation risk. The sensitivity analysis objective is demonstrated – principle factors identification – critical variables, capable of having a serious influence on the project implementation results, and impact verification of progressive (single) factorial changes. Sensitivity analysis in its content is a single-factor analysis. Output, as a basic performance indicator of an open cast mine, characterizes mine development intensity and is determined by mining-engineering and economic factors. It is proved that the impact degree from various parameters on the open cast mine output is characterized by elasticity ratio. The project indicators sensitivity analysis, which was carried out, allowed to establish the impact degree that various parameters have on the open cast mine output, which takes place in a high-angle ore deposit, characterized by elasticity ratio.