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Date submitted2024-05-28
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2024-12-25
Methods of intensification of pipeline transportation of hydraulic mixtures when backfilling mined-out spaces
The paper presents an analysis of the advantages and limitations of additional measures to intensify the transportation of the backfill hydraulic mixture flow. The results of the analysis of the conditions for using pumping equipment to move flows with different rheological properties are shown. Generalizations of the methods for influencing the internal resistance of backfill hydraulic mixtures by means of mechanical activation, as well as increasing fluidity due to the use of chemical additives are given. The article presents the results of studies confirming the feasibility of using pipes with polymer lining, which has proven its efficiency in pumping flows of hydraulic mixtures with different filler concentrations. An analytical model of hydraulic mixture movement in the pipeline of the stowage complex has been developed. The trends in pressure change required to ensure the movement of hydraulic mixture in pipelines of different diameters are exponential, provided that the flow properties are constant. The effect of particle size on the motion mode of the formed heterogeneous flow, as well as on the distribution of flow density over the cross-section, characterizing the stratification and change in the rheological properties of the backfill hydraulic mixture, is assessed. An analytical model of centralized migration of the dispersed phase of the hydraulic mixture flow is formulated, describing the effect of turbulent mixing of the flow on the behavior of solid particles. An assessment of the secondary dispersion of the solid fraction of the hydraulic mixture, which causes a change in the consistency of the flow, was performed. The studies of the influence of the coefficient of consistency of the flow revealed that overgrinding of the fractions of the filler of the hydraulic mixture contributes to an increase in the required pressure in the pipeline system.
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Date submitted2023-08-02
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Date accepted2023-12-27
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Date published2024-04-25
Justification of the approaches to improve management strategy of the mining system based on the analysis of data on the mining of complex structural rock blocks
Long-term activity of mining enterprises causes the necessity to substantiate the strategies of management of the mining and technical system functioning in terms of improvement of ore quality control, which is determined by its change in the course of field development due to the priority development of the main reserves and, as a consequence, forced transition to the mining of complex structural rock blocks with a decrease in the recovery percentage, which is typical in case the ore component meets the requirements of the feasibility study in terms of grade at substandard capacity. In this case, it is possible to identify the recovery percentage and the potential for its increase by analyzing the long-term activity of the mining and industrial enterprise, namely, by analyzing the data of mining complex structural rock blocks with the subsequent establishment of the relationship between the primary data on mining and geological conditions and information on the quality of the mineral obtained from the technological equipment. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to substantiate the necessity of improving the management strategy of the mining-technical system functioning, which consists in the fact that on the basis of analyzing the mining data of complex structural rock blocks it is possible to determine the ore mass losses and their quantity and to lay the basis for the development of decisions on its extraction. For this purpose, the collected data on the mining of complex structural rock blocks, accounting the geological and industrial type of extracted ores, were considered in modeling the conditions and studying the parameters of technological processes, the implementation of which provides additional products. It was revealed that the ore mass from substandard thickness layers is delivered to the dumps, and ore mass losses have been estimated at 25-40 % per year. It is proved that determination of ore mass losses based on the analysis of data on mining of complex structural rock blocks, as well as timely solution of this issue can significantly increase the production efficiency of mining and technical system. Taking into account for the results obtained, the options for optimizing the production of the mining and engineering system were proposed.
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Date submitted2022-09-05
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2024-04-25
Modeling the efficiency of seasonal cooling devices when changing the statistical distribution of weather conditions
The climatic factor of warming, which is evidenced by a significant number of scientists and research teams in Russia and the world, has a significant impact on the cryogenic state of permafrost soil, the preservation of which is one of the most common principles of construction in the North. The influence of projected climatic changes in planning up to 2050 on the efficiency of seasonal cooling devices, the principle of operation of which is based on seasonal soil freezing, is considered. The conducted modeling has shown that in a situation of stable climate, the preservation of the cryogenic state of permafrost soil is realized without the use of additional measures. With warming with a trend of 0.1 °C per year, seasonal cooling devices do not ensure the preservation of the current level of the cryogenic state of the soil and additional measures are required to increase their efficiency in the summer. In the case of more extreme warming with a rate of 0.25 °C per year, the modeling results show that seasonal cooling devices do not significantly affect the rate of soil thawing and the solution to the problem should be its complete replacement with systems with year-round action.
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Date submitted2021-01-21
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2023-12-25
Adaptation of transient well test results
Transient well tests are a tool for monitoring oil recovery processes. Research technologies implemented in pumping wells provide for a preliminary conversion of measured parameters to bottomhole pressure, which leads to errors in determining the filtration parameters. An adaptive interpretation of the results of well tests performed in pumping wells is proposed. Based on the original method of mathematical processing of a large volume of field data for the geological and geophysical conditions of developed pays in oil field, multidimensional models of well flow rates were constructed including the filtration parameters determined during the interpretation of tests. It is proposed to consider the maximum convergence of the flow rate calculated using a multidimensional model and the value obtained during well testing as a sign of reliability of the filtration parameter. It is proposed to use the analysis of the developed multidimensional models to assess the filtration conditions and determine the individual characteristics of oil flow to wells within the pays. For the Bashkirian-Serpukhovian and the Tournaisian-Famennian carbonate deposits, the influence of bottomhole pressure on the well flow rates has been established, which confirms the well-known assumption about possible deformations of carbonate reservoirs in the bottomhole areas and is a sign of physicality of the developed multidimensional models. The advantage of the proposed approach is a possibility of using it to adapt the results of any research technology and interpretation method.
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Date submitted2022-10-30
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2024-02-29
Combined method of phytoremediation and electrical treatment for cleaning contaminated areas of the oil complex
The scale of land pollution with oil waste necessitates the use of economical and effective methods of recultivation. Phytoremediation is one of the simplest methods, but it has a number of limitations, so additional preparation of the territory is often required before it is carried out. Preliminary electrical preparation and subsequent seeding of special phytoremediants are of interest. Passing a constant electric current through the soil volume under a low voltage removes toxicants from deep soil layers even with flooding. In addition, it reduces pollutant content in the upper layer, where the plants root system is located, which creates more favorable conditions for phytoremediants. Adequately selected types of plants will ensure additional soil cleaning, improve its structure and air exchange. The results of two research directions are presented. Experiments on the study of plant resistance to oil-contaminated soil substrate allowed establishing contamination thresholds at which it is advisable to sow a particular species, and to choose optimal phytoremediants. The study of the oil-containing soil cleaning in a monocathodocentric electrochemical installation with the fixation of main characteristics (oil products concentration, soil temperature, volt-ampere characteristics) allows us to develop technical measures to prepare territories for phytoremediation taking into account the relief features.
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Date submitted2023-07-19
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Date accepted2023-07-19
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Date published2023-07-19
Energy efficiency in the mineral resources and raw materials complex
Energy efficiency and energy saving at all times and especially at the present stage of development of industry and economy have played an extremely important role. Regardless of which countries and according to what criteria they build energy development plans, energy efficiency and energy saving are always a priority. This fully applies to the mineral resources complex, in which energy consumption as a whole makes up a large share of total consumption. The resources mined in the mineral resources complex are themselves a source of energy. The energy sector is evolving in many ways. Many scientific works, the results of which are reflected in publications, confirm the relevance of research in the energy efficiency field. But the approach to individual decisions in the mineral resource industry is specific and it is worth of separate consideration. Recently, much attention has been paid to “green energy” and renewable energy sources. However, energy efficiency in the field of traditional generation and consumption remains an urgent problem and its solution is in constant development. One of the main directions for improving energy efficiency is the development of autonomous systems for the electrical and thermal power engineering. All these problems are reflected in a special volume of the Journal of the Mining Institute, the articles are divided into four sections: energy efficiency of the electric drive in the mineral resources complex (MRC); energy efficiency of industrial plants and enterprises in MRC; power quality and renewable sources in MRC; autonomous power supply systems in MRC. The presented articles contain valuable material from the scientific and practical points of view and can form the basis for further research in the energy efficiency field.
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Date submitted2023-03-10
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Enhancement of energy efficiency of the vacuum oil distillation unit using pinch analysis
- Authors:
- Еkaterina А. Yushkova
- Vladimir A. Lebedev
The actual task of the state is to increase the energy efficiency of the oil refinery. The object of research is a vacuum distillation unit, including a preheating unit for raw materials and a furnace for heating fuel oil before the column. Pinch analysis allows to analyze and optimize a large number of heat flows. In this study the analysis and enhancement of efficiency of the research object is carried out by enthalpy pinch analysis. In order to reduce the heat load of the furnaces, the additional flows were introduced into the heat exchange system of the oil heating unit. Parametric optimization of the new heat exchange system was carried out. The minimum needs of the heat exchange system in external energy carriers are determined. An enthalpy cascade of the heat exchange system has been constructed, which clearly shows the distribution of heat between each heat flow of the system. In the analysis of the energy efficiency of a furnace, an important point is the determination of the optimal heat capacity of the combustion products. In this work, we have determined the optimal flow heat capacity, at which the heat loss with the exhaust gases is minimal. As a result of the studies carried out, the efficiency of the fuel oil preheating unit has been increased by maximizing heat recovery, and the cost of external energy carriers has been minimized. By reducing heat loss with flue gases, it was possible to increase the efficiency of the furnace.
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Date submitted2023-03-14
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Evaluation of the energy efficiency of functioning and increase in the operating time of hydraulic drives of sucker-rod pump units in difficult operating conditions
The necessity of improving the drives of the sucker-rod hydraulic pump units (SRHP), operated in conditions of marginal and complicated wells, is substantiated. For complicated oil production conditions, it is promising to use the SRHP drive, which makes it possible to select and set rational operating modes for downhole equipment. The results of comparative tests of conventional mechanical and hydraulic actuators SRHP with pneumatic and electrodynamic balancing types are presented. A generalized indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of the advanced SRHP drives functioning, the energy efficiency coefficient, is proposed. It has been experimentally proven that the use of the SRHP drive with pneumatic balancing is characterized by low energy efficiency of the well fluid production process. The use of the tested SRHP hydraulic drive made it possible to successfully eliminate asphalt, resin, and paraffin deposits and minimize the well downtime. The results of the tests of the traditional SRHP mechanical drive and the hydraulic drive with electrodynamic balancing showed a satisfactory energy efficiency of the latter. The advantage of the SRHP drive with electrodynamic balancing is the simplicity of the design of the hydraulic part. The process of energy regeneration during the drive control system operation causes an increase in the reactive power component in the oil field network and the appearance of harmonic interference that adversely affects the consumers operation. Technical solutions aimed at improving the operation energy efficiency and increasing the operating time of SRHP drives in the conditions of marginal and complicated wells are proposed. The methodological bases for assessing the economic efficiency of the introduction of the advanced SRHP drives are given.
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Date submitted2023-03-02
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Improving the efficiency of autonomous electrical complex with renewable energy sources by means of adaptive regulation of its operating modes
Renewable energy sources are gradually becoming useful in mining industry. They are actively used in remote, sparsely populated areas to power shift settlements, geological and meteorological stations, pipeline equipment, mobile cell towers, helicopter pads lighting, etc. In comparison with diesel generators, systems with renewable sources do not require fuel transportation, have short payback periods and flexible configuration for different categories of electrical loads. The main obstacles to their spread are instability of generation and high cost of produced electricity. One of the possible ways to solve these problems is to develop new technologies, increase power density of generators and energy storage systems. The other way represents energy saving and rational use of affordable resources. The new solutions for implementation of the second method are proposed in this work. The object of the study is autonomous DC electrical complex with photovoltaic and wind power sources. In such systems the generated power from renewable sources is transferred to consumers via intermediate DC bus, the voltage level of which affects the power losses in the process of power transmission. The vast majority of complexes have a problem that their DC bus voltage is constant, while the optimum voltage level with lowest losses varies depending on the generated and consumed power. Therefore, electrical complexes potentially lose a part of the transmitted energy. To avoid this, a special algorithm was added to automatically adjust DC bus voltage to optimum level according to changes in working conditions. An additional contribution to efficiency improvement can be made by dynamic change of operating frequency in power converters depending on their load. The evaluation based on results of computer simulation showed that in a complex with rated power 10 kW active power losses during its lifetime can be reduced by 2-5 %.
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Date submitted2023-03-12
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Increasing the energy efficiency of an autonomous power supply system of a drilling rig in case of voltage dips
The article discusses the emergency modes of operation of an autonomous electrical complex of a drilling rig. The concept of voltage failure and its influence on the technological process of industrial enterprises is revealed. A description of the methods used in the power supply of industrial enterprises to overcome voltage dips and load surges in autonomous power systems is presented, from which it is possible to single out the accelerated lifting of critical equipment to prevent emergency conditions, as well as the use of backup storage, usually batteries. An algorithm has been developed for the interaction of the battery and the diesel generator set as backup power sources during various modes of operation of the electric motor, taking into account load surges, which allows successfully overcoming voltage dips in the system both in transient and in steady state. It is proposed to use a combined method to eliminate the voltage dip, a feature of which is the use of a combined structure of backup power sources as part of a diesel generator set and a battery, acting on the base of the proposed interaction algorithm in autonomous electrical complexes. The method makes it possible to overcome sudden load surges and voltage dips caused by a shortage of reserve power in the electrical system. The use of a rechargeable battery as a transitional element makes it possible to switch between the main and backup power sources without stopping the technological one and to expand the overload threshold of an autonomous electrical complex up to 60 %. The use of the combined method increases the energy efficiency of the autonomous complex due to a reduction in the number of emergency shutdowns of equipment, process interruptions and additional power consumption.
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Date submitted2023-04-02
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Integration of renewable energy at coal mining enterprises: problems and prospects
This article addresses the issue of developing renewable energy in coal mining enterprises in the Russian Federation. The study presents a methodology for assessing the technical and economic efficiency of introducing renewable energy sources based on simulation modeling. An analysis of the potential of solar and wind energy for coal mining regions in Russia is conducted. The authors use a custom software developed by them to simulate the power supply system for various scenarios of renewable energy integration, including solar generation, wind generation, solar generation with energy storage, wind generation together with solar generation. Based on the example of the Rostov region, a feasibility study of the considered options is presented. Additionally, the research includes a sensitivity analysis of the investment project in the conditions of uncertainty in the development of Russian renewable energy. The research findings indicate that even in market conditions with CO2 emission quotas and prices at the level of the Sakhalin experiment, renewable energy in coal mining enterprises in Russia remains unattractive and requires additional support.
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Date submitted2023-03-16
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Energy efficiency of the linear rack drive for sucker rod pumping units
- Authors:
- Oksana Yu. Ganzulenko
- Ani P. Petkova
At present, in order to increase oil production and reduce economic costs in the development of marginal fields, the development of a cluster method using compact mobile drives of sucker rod pumping units (SRPU) is relevant. The aim of the work is to analyze the ways to improve the energy efficiency of the SRPU by reducing the loss of mechanical and electrical energy, to select the most energy-efficient compact drive for the development of marginal fields in the cluster method, to carry out the kinematic and strength calculations of the drive of the selected size, to develop an adaptive control system for a group of drives in the cluster development of drillings. According to the results of the performed calculations, the linear rack-and-gear drive has the highest efficiency of the drive mechanism. The kinematic and strength calculations of a linear rack-and-gear drive with a stroke length of 1120 mm and a load of up to 8 tons are presented. It was shown that the usage of a direct torque control system and a kinetic energy storage system for the SRPU drive elements and a rod string is an effective means of reducing energy costs in oil production from marginal fields. The use of the developed system for storing and redistributing the potential energy of the rods between the SRPUs that lift oil made it possible to eliminate fluctuations in the power consumption, reduce the power peak value by three times, the peak value of the current consumed from the electric network by two times, and reduce losses in the input converter and cables by three times.
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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 submitted2022-09-27
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Date accepted2023-04-03
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Date published2023-12-25
The study of displacing ability of lignosulfonate aqueous solutions on sand packed tubes
This paper presents the findings of laboratory studies of rheological properties and oil displacing ability of aqueous solutions of technical grade lignosulfonate done on the sand packed tube models. The solutions containing lignosulfonate can be useful as displacement agents in development of watered reservoirs with heterogeneous porosity and permeability. When used at high concentrations, technical grade lignosulfonate can achieve selective shut-off while maintaining the reservoir pressure. The oil displacement efficiency is improved by means of redistributing the flows and selective isolation of high-permeability zones. The use of such compositions allows increasing the sweep of low-permeability reservoir zones by created pressure differential and displacing the residual oil.
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Date submitted2022-06-20
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Date accepted2023-01-10
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Date published2023-08-28
Laboratory, numerical and field assessment of the effectiveness of cyclic geomechanical treatment on a tournaisian carbonate reservoir
Results are discussed for evaluation of effectiveness of the cyclic geomechanical treatment (CGT) on a Tournaisian carbonate reservoir. Analysis of laboratory experiments performed according to a special program to assess permeability changes for Tournaisian samples under cyclic changes in pore pressure is presented. The main conclusion is the positive selectivity of the CGT: an increase in permeability is observed for samples saturated with hydrocarbons (kerosene) with connate water, and maximal effect is related to the tightest samples. For water-saturated samples, the permeability decreases after the CGT. Thus, the CGT improves the drainage conditions for tight oil-saturated intervals. It is also confirmed that the CGT reduces the fracturing pressure in carbonate reservoirs. Using flow simulations on detailed sector models taking into account the results of laboratory experiments, a possible increase in well productivity index after CGT with different amplitudes of pressure variation was estimated. Results of a pilot CGT study on a well operating a Tournaisian carbonate reservoir are presented, including the interpretation of production logging and well testing. The increase in the well productivity index is estimated at 44-49 % for liquid and at 21-26 % for oil, with a more uniform inflow profile after the treatment. The results of the field experiment confirm the conclusions about the mechanisms and features of the CGT obtained from laboratory studies and flow simulations.
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Date submitted2022-11-11
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Date accepted2023-01-19
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Date published2023-12-25
Evaluation of the efficiency of sorbents for accidental oil spill response in the Arctic waters
The development and operation of new oil fields on the Arctic shelf increases the risks of oil spills, which require the use of oil spill response tools and materials that are efficient in harsh climatic conditions. The question of actual efficiency of sorbents for reducing the level of oil pollution in the conditions of the Arctic and subarctic waters is relevant. The work is aimed at a comparative study of the efficiency of sorbents of mineral and organic origin used by coastal enterprises in the Kola Bay as well as a sorbent based on chitin in model systems simulating real conditions in sea waters. The characteristics of sorption agents were determined applying ASTM F716-18 procedure. Sorption capacity was evaluated in respect of ARCO grade oil, diesel fuel and marine oil. The efficiency of sorbents was estimated in model systems “sea water – oil” at water temperature corresponding to the average annual surface temperature in the Barents Sea. Actual data on sorption capacity of commercial sorbents “Lessorb”, “Novosorb”, a sorbent based on vermiculite and chitin sorbent in relation to potential pollutants of waters were obtained. The dynamics of sea water saturation with oil products at –0.5 (±1) and 10 (±1) °С was determined. It is shown that at higher temperature the concentration of oil products in sea water column (in the presence of an oil film on the surface) is on average four times higher than at low temperature. Kinetic dependences were obtained that describe the content of oil products in water column and near-surface layer of sea water in the presence of the studied sorbents at 5 (±1) °C, corresponding to the average annual temperature in the Kola Bay of the Barents Sea. A method is proposed for evaluating the efficiency of sorbents from the values of regression coefficients characterizing the dependence of oil products content in sea water on the character of sorbent and duration of its action.
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Date submitted2022-10-13
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Date accepted2022-12-13
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Date published2023-07-19
A complex model of a drilling rig rotor with adjustable electric drive
A modified mathematical model of an asynchronous electric drive of the rotor – a drill string – a bit – a rock is considered and implemented, which develops and generalizes the results of previously performed studies. The model includes the following subsystems: a model of an asynchronous drive with vector control; a model of formation of the resistance moment at the bottom of the bit, taking into account the peculiarities of the interaction between the bit and the rock; a model of a multi-mass mechanical part that takes into account the deformation of the drill string; subsystem for the drilling rig energy-technological parameters formation. The integrated model makes it possible to calculate and evaluate the selected drilling modes, taking into account their electro-mechanical, energy and technological efficiency and the dynamics of drilling processes. The performed computer simulation of drilling modes confirmed the possibility of a stick-slip effect accompanied by high-frequency vibrations during bit stops, which may change the direction of rotation of the bit, its accelerated wear and unscrewing of the drilling tool. Long bit stops lead to a significant decrease in the average bit rotation speed, which can explain the decrease in the ROP and increase in energy consumption when drilling in the zone of unstable bit rotation. The model can be used as a base for further improvement of rotary drilling control systems.
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Date submitted2021-05-13
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Date accepted2022-11-28
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Date published2022-12-29
Reproduction of reservoir pressure by machine learning methods and study of its influence on the cracks formation process in hydraulic fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing is an effective way to stimulate oil production, which is currently widely used in various conditions, including complex carbonate reservoirs. In the conditions of the considered field, hydraulic fracturing leads to a significant differentiation of technological efficiency indicators, which makes it expedient to study in detail the crack formation patterns. For all affected wells, the assessment of the resulting fractures spatial orientation was performed using the developed indirect technique, the reliability of which was confirmed by geophysical methods. In the course of the analysis, it was found that in all cases the fracture is oriented in the direction of the development system element area, which is characterized by the maximum reservoir pressure. At the same time, reservoir pressure values for all wells were determined at one point in time (at the beginning of hydraulic fracturing) using machine learning methods. The reliability of the used machine learning methods is confirmed by high convergence with the actual (historical) reservoir pressures obtained during hydrodynamic studies of wells. The obtained conclusion about the influence of the formation pressure on the patterns of fracturing should be taken into account when planning hydraulic fracturing in the considered conditions.
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Date submitted2022-06-09
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Date accepted2022-11-17
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Date published2022-12-29
Drilling of deep and ultra-deep wells for prospecting and exploration of new raw mineral fields
Scientific and technological progress over the last century has led to an enormous increase in the consumption of minerals, including energy resources. Most of the exploited oil and gas fields are already considerably depleted, so it is necessary to search for new hydrocarbon resources, particularly at great depths. Deep drilling plays a special role in solving this problem. The article considers the world and Russian experience of ultra-deep wells drilling. The methods and technologies used in the construction of wells, as well as complications and accidents occurring during their drilling were analyzed. The analysis revealed that the existing limitations for drilling parameters of deep and ultra-deep wells are caused by the technical characteristics of surface and bottomhole drilling equipment, which do not meet the extreme drilling conditions. The directions for development of deep and ultra-deep well drilling machinery and technologies are suggested. The notion of extreme rock and geological drilling conditions is introduced, which describes drilling in conditions of hydrostatic pressure of flushing fluid column and high bottomhole temperature both at stable and unstable wellbore conditions, coming close to the upper limit of operating technical characteristics of bottomhole assembly, the drill string and flushing fluid.
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Date submitted2022-05-17
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Date accepted2022-09-06
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Date published2022-11-03
Methodological substantiation of the choice for optimal modes of equipment operation during the stage-wise concentrate removal in iron ores beneficiation
- Authors:
- Alexandr S. Opalev
- Svetlana A. Alekseeva
The urgent task of improving the quality of iron ore concentrates was studied. We propose to use the stage-wise removal of the concentrate by combining fine screening, regrinding, and magnetic-gravity separation. Exemplified by magnetite ore from the Stoilensky GOK, a scientific and methodological approach to the search for optimal separation parameters and modes was substantiated. It includes several stages: studying the particle size distribution and release of useful components in the feed product to select classification parameters; a series of experiments on grinding oversize products to diverse sizes; beneficiation of the obtained products by MG separation. To select the optimal parameters of ore preparation, an analysis of the beneficiation efficiency was used, which is calculated according to the Hancock – Luyken criterion. The results of the research are experimental dependences that connect the process parameters of beneficiation with those of fine vibratory screening. For the studied ferruginous quartzite ore processed at the Stoilensky GOK, the obtained dependences can be described by a second-order polynomial with a high accuracy of approximation. The best performance is achieved with a particle size of 0.1 mm: Fe tot content in the concentrate is 69.7 %, recovery is 85 %, classification efficiency is 80.4 %. The top size of the product in this case is 0.076 mm, which corresponds to 70-73 % grinding size of –0.045 class.
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Date submitted2022-06-20
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Date accepted2022-10-10
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Date published2022-11-03
Monitoring of grinding condition in drum mills based on resulting shaft torque
Grinding is the most energy-intensive process among all stages of raw material preparation and determines the course of subsequent ore beneficiation stages. Level of electricity consumption is determined in accordance with load characteristics forming as a result of ore destruction in the mill. Mill drum speed is one of process variables due to which it is possible to control ore destruction mechanisms when choosing speed operation mode of adjustable electric mill drive. This study on increasing energy efficiency due to using mill electric drive is based on integrated modelling of process equipment – grinding process and electromechanic equipment – electric drive of grinding process. Evaluating load torque by means of its decomposition into a spectrum, mill condition is identified by changing signs of frequency components of torque spectrum; and when studying electromagnetic torque of electric drive, grinding process is monitored. Evaluation and selection of efficient operation mode of electric drive is based on the obtained spectrum of electromagnetic torque. Research results showed that with increasing mill drum speed – increasing impact energy, load torque values are comparable for the assigned simulation parameters. From the spectra obtained, it is possible to identify mill load condition – speed and fill level. This approach allows evaluating the impact of changes in process variables of grinding process on parameters of electromechanical system. Changing speed operation mode will increase grinding productivity by reducing the time of ore grinding and will not lead to growth of energy consumption. Integration of digital models of the technological process and automated electric drive system allows forming the basis for developing integrated methods of monitoring and evaluation of energy efficiency of the entire technological chain of ore beneficiation.
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Date submitted2022-06-17
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Date accepted2022-10-18
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Date published2022-11-03
Scientific experimental bases for dry beneficiation of mineral ores
The article presents the results of research on the development of processes and equipment for ore preparation and pneumatic dry beneficiation of mineral ores. The methods of crushing and grinding before enrichment of minerals have been considered, dry enrichment of geomaterials is investigated. Highly efficient prototypes of beneficiation equipment are developed and tested: crushers of multiple dynamic impact RD-MDV-900, DKD-300, centrifugal grinders CMVU-800 and VCI-12, pneumatic separator POS-2000. Fundamental designs are created, and a number of new ore preparation and pneumatic beneficiation instruments are being designed. The efficiency of approbation of an autonomous dry beneficiation complex with new safe environmental standards for the processing of gold-bearing ores, which makes it possible to fully release and extract free gold with a particle size from 10,000 to 100 µm, is shown. The introduction of the dry beneficiation method is very promising for the mining industry. It will allow to reduce capital costs for the construction of stationary beneficiation plants, completely or partially withdraw from the use of process water, the construction of a water supply system, a traditional tailing dam, etc.
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Date submitted2021-12-19
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Date accepted2022-05-13
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Date published2022-07-13
Development of a pump-ejector system for SWAG injection into reservoir using associated petroleum gas from the annulus space of production wells
Implementation of SWAG technology by means of water-gas mixtures is a promising method of enhanced oil recovery. The use of associated petroleum gas as a gas component in the water-gas mixture allows to significantly reduce the amount of irrationally consumed gas and carbon footprint. Relevant task is to choose a simple, reliable and convenient equipment that can operate under rapidly changing operating conditions. Such equipment are pump-ejector systems. In order to create water-gas mixture it is proposed to use associated gas from the annulus space. This solution will reduce the pressure in the annulus space of the production well, prevent supply disruption and failure of well equipment. The paper presents a principal technological scheme of the pump-ejector system, taking into account the withdrawal of gas from the annulus space of several production wells. The layout of the proposed system enables more efficient implementation of the proposed technology, which expands the area of its application. Experimental investigations of pressure and energy characteristics of the ejector have been carried out. Analysis of the obtained data showed that it was possible to increase the value of maximum efficiency. The possibility of adapting the system in a wide range of changes in operating parameters has been established. Recommendations on selection of a booster pump depending on the values of working pressure and gas content are given.
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Date submitted2021-12-16
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Date accepted2022-04-07
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Date published2022-07-13
The Upper Kotlin clays of the Saint Petersburg region as a foundation and medium for unique facilities: an engineering-geological and geotechnical analysis
- Authors:
- Regina E. Dashko
- Georgiy A. Lokhmatikov
The article reviews the issues concerned with correctness of the engineering-geological and hydrogeological assessment of the Upper Kotlin clays, which serve as the foundation or host medium for facilities of various applications. It is claimed that the Upper Kotlin clays should be regarded as a fissured-block medium and, consequently, their assessment as an absolutely impermeablestratum should be totally excluded. Presence of a high-pressure Vendian aquifer in the lower part of the geological profile of the Vendian sediments causes inflow of these saline waters through the fissured clay strata, which promotes upheaval of tunnels as well as corrosion of their lining. The nature of the corrosion processes is defined not only by the chemical composition and physical and chemical features of these waters, but also by the biochemical factor, i.e. the availability of a rich microbial community. For the first time ever, the effect of saline water inflow into the Vendian complex on negative transformation of the clay blocks was studied. Experimental results revealed a decrease in the clay shear resistance caused by transformation of the structural bonds and microbial activity with the clay’s physical state being unchanged. Typification of the Upper Kotlin clay section has been performed for the region of Saint Petersburg in terms of the complexity of surface and underground building conditions. Fissuring of the bedclays, the possibility of confined groundwater inflow through the fissured strata and the consequent reduction of the block strength as well as the active corrosion of underground load-bearing structures must be taken into account in designing unique and typical surface and underground facilities and have to be incorporated into the normative documents.
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Date submitted2021-10-14
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Date accepted2022-04-07
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Date published2022-04-29
The influence of the shape and size of dust fractions on their distribution and accumulation in mine workings when changing the structure of air flow
The results of the analysis of statistical data on accidents at Russian mines caused by explosions in the workings space have shown that explosions of methane-dust-air mixtures at underground coal mines are the most severe accidents in terms of consequences. A detailed analysis of literature sources showed that in the total number of explosions prevails total share of hybrid mixtures, i.e. with the simultaneous participation of gas (methane) and coal dust, as well as explosions with the possible or partial involvement of coal dust. The main causes contributing to the occurrence and development of dust-air mixture explosions, including irregular monitoring of by mine engineers and technicians of the schedule of dust explosion protective measures; unreliable assessment of the dust situation, etc., are given. The main problem in this case was the difficulty of determining the location and volume of dust deposition zones in not extinguished and difficult to access for instrumental control workings. Determination of the class-shape of coal dust particles is a necessary condition for constructing a model of the dust situation reflecting the aerosol distribution in the workings space. The morphological composition of coal mine dust fractions with dispersion less than 0.1 has been studied. Particle studies conducted using an LEICA DM 4000 optical microscope and IMAGE SCOPE M software made it possible to establish the different class-shapes of dust particles found in operating mines. It was found that the coal dust particles presented in the samples correspond to the parallelepiped shape to the greatest extent. The mathematical model based on the specialized ANSYS FLUENT complex, in which this class-form is incorporated, is used for predicting the distribution of explosive and combustible coal dust in the workings space. The use of the obtained model in production conditions will allow to determine the possible places of dust deposition and to develop measures to prevent the transition of coal dust from the aerogel state to the aerosol state and thereby prevent the formation of an explosive dust-air mixture.