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Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-10-04
  • Date accepted
    2024-03-05
  • Date published
    2024-08-26

Localization and involvement in development of residual recoverable reserves of a multilayer oil field

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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.

How to cite: Burkhanov R.N., Lutfullin A.A., Raupov I.R., Maksyutin A.V., Valiullin I.V., Farrakhov I.M., Shvydenko M.V. Localization and involvement in development of residual recoverable reserves of a multilayer oil field // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 268 . p. 599-612. EDN DKXZSP
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-04-08
  • Date accepted
    2024-06-13
  • Date published
    2024-12-25

Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals

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The results of studying the scarcity of strategic minerals in the Russian Federation are presented, domestic consumption of which is largely provided by forced imports and/or stored reserves. Relevance of the work is due to aggravation of the geopolitical situation and a growing necessity to meet the demand of national economy for raw materials from own sources. Analysis of the state of mineral resource base of scarce minerals in the Russian Federation was accomplished, problems were identified and prospects for its development were outlined taking into account the domestic demand for scarce minerals, their application areas and the main consumers. Reducing the deficit through the import of foreign raw materials and the development of foreign deposits does not ensure the reproduction of the domestic mineral resource base, independence of the country from imported raw materials as well as additional competitive advantages, economic stability and security. It was ascertained that a major factor holding back the development of the mineral resource base is insufficient implementation of new technological solutions for the use of low-quality ore. Improving the technologies in the industry is relevant for all types of scarce minerals to solve the problem of reproducing their resource base. Taking into account the prospects for the development of the resource base for the minerals under consideration (manganese, uranium, chromium, fluorspar, zirconium, titanium, graphite) requires a set of legal and economic measures aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of geological exploration for subsoil users at their own expense without attracting public funding. The proposed measures, taking into account the analysis of positive experience of foreign countries, include the development of junior businesses with expansion of the “declarative” principle, the venture capital market, various tax incentives, preferential loans as well as conditions for the development of infrastructure in remote regions. The proposed solution to the problem of scarcity of strategic minerals will make it possible in future to present measures to eliminate the scarcity of certain types of strategic minerals taking into account their specificity.

How to cite: Pashkevich N.V., Khloponina V.S., Pozdnyakov N.A., Avericheva A.A. Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 270 . p. 1004-1023. EDN HNTQBF
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-08-02
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-04-25

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

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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.

How to cite: Tsupkina M.V., Kirkov A.E., Klebanov D.A., Radchenko D.N. 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 // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 266 . p. 316-325. EDN JOLUPJ
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-11-27
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-02-29

Physico-chemical aspects and carbon footprint of hydrogen production from water and hydrocarbons

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Physico-chemical aspects determine the efficiency and competitiveness of hydrogen production technologies. The indicator of water consumption is especially relevant, since water is one of the main sources of hydrogen in almost all methods of its production. The article analyzes comparative water consumption indicators for various technologies based on published research and actual data from production plants. The volume of water consumption depends on the quality of the source water, which should be taken into account when implementing hydrogen projects in order to minimize the negative impact on the environment. Based on the operating industrial plant, the material balance of hydrogen production by steam reforming was demonstrated, which made it possible to determine the proportion of hydrogen (48.88 %) obtained from water. Currently, the carbon footprint indicator is becoming more important, reflecting greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production chain. According to the results of the total greenhouse gas emissions assessment for hydrogen production by steam reforming (about 10.03 kg CO2-eq/kg H2), the carbon footprint of hydrogen from water (4.2-4.5 kg CO2-eq/kg H2) and hydrogen from methane (15.4-15.7 kg CO2-eq/kg H2) has been determined. Consequently, almost half of the hydrogen produced by steam reforming is produced from water, corresponds to the indicators of “low-carbon” hydrogen and can be considered as “renewable” hydrogen. To make management decisions, an objective assessment in terms of energy and water costs is necessary based on a system analysis by the development of hydrogen energy and the growth of global hydrogen production. The impact of these indicators on the water cycle and global water resources will increase.

How to cite: Maksimov A.L., Ishkov A.G., Pimenov A.A., Romanov K.V., Mikhailov A.M., Koloshkin E.A. Physico-chemical aspects and carbon footprint of hydrogen production from water and hydrocarbons // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 265 . p. 87-94. EDN HWCPDC
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-02-09
  • Date accepted
    2023-09-20
  • Date published
    2024-02-29

Analysis of experience in the use of preformed particle polymer gels in the development of high-water-cut production facilities in low-temperature oil reservoirs

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Foreign practice of oil production in high-water-cut conditions suggests using the technology of injection of preformed particle gel (PPG) suspension into injection wells. After swelling, the polymer particles become elastic and are able to penetrate through highly permeable watered intervals into the remote reservoir zone, forming a polymer “plug”. Thus far, the domestic experience of application of this technology boiled down to testing foreign compounds. We have looked into the possibilities of PPG technology application in geological and technological conditions of high-water-cut fields of Perm Krai. The paper proposes PPG reagents effective in low-temperature reservoirs (20-35 °С) and at relatively high salinity of formation water (more than 200 g/l). The world experience of PPG technology application was analyzed to identify the principal scheme of reagent injection, to establish variants of sequence of injection of PPG particles of different sizes, as well as the possibility of regulating the morphological characteristics of polymer gel particles during synthesis depending on the porosity and permeability of the reservoir. A prerequisite for the technology is the ability to remove PPG particles after treatment from the bottom-hole zone of the formation; for this purpose, tests were carried out on a breaker compound based on sodium persulfate with synergizing additives. PPG technology is effective in reservoirs with high permeability heterogeneity. Two types of high-water-cut production facilities potentially promising for PPG realization have been identified for oil fields of Perm Krai. The first type includes carbonate Tournaisian-Famennian reservoirs with pronounced macrofracturing, in which the PPGs are used for colmatation of flushed large fractures. The second type is terrigenous Visean deposits with increased oil viscosity from 5 to 100 mPa∙s and high permeability of reservoirs (> 0.5 μm2). For both types of reservoirs, areas have been selected that are promising for the implementation of PPG technology.

How to cite: Galkin S.V., Rozhkova Y.A. Analysis of experience in the use of preformed particle polymer gels in the development of high-water-cut production facilities in low-temperature oil reservoirs // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 265 . p. 55-64. EDN CNCFIW
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-04-04
  • Date accepted
    2023-09-20
  • Date published
    2024-08-26

Association of quartz, Cr-pyrope and Cr-diopside in mantle xenolith in V.Grib kimberlite pipe (northern East European Platform): genetic models

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The first results of mineralogical and geochemical studies of a unique xenolith of lithospheric mantle are presented illustrating the earlier non-described mineral association of quartz, Cr-pyrope and Cr-diopside. Structural and textural features of the sample suggest a joint formation of these minerals. The calculated P-T-parameters of the formation of Cr-diopside indicate the capture of xenolith from the depth interval ~ 95-105 km (31-35 kbar) corresponding to the stability field of coesite. This suggests that quartz in the studied xenolith can represent paramorphs after coesite. It was shown that quartz in this rock is not a product of postmagmatic processes. The transformation stage of the source lherzolite into garnet- and clinopyroxene-enriched rock/garnet pyroxenite as a result of exposure to a high-temperature silicate melt was reconstructed. Subsequent stages of the influence of metasomatic agents were identified by the presence of a negative Eu-anomaly in some garnet grains, which could result from the impact of subduction-related fluid and the enrichment of rock-forming minerals with light rare earth elements, Sr, Th, U, Nb and Ta as a consequence of fluid saturated with these incompatible elements. Several models for the formation of SiO2 phase (quartz/coesite) in association with high-chromium mantle minerals are considered including carbonatization of mantle peridotites/eclogites and melting of carbonate-containing eclogites at the stage of subduction and the impact of SiO2-enriched melt/fluid of subduction genesis with peridotites of the lithospheric mantle.

How to cite: Agasheva E.V., Mikhailenko D.S., Korsakov A.V. Association of quartz, Cr-pyrope and Cr-diopside in mantle xenolith in V.Grib kimberlite pipe (northern East European Platform): genetic models // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 268 . p. 503-519. EDN HLLHDR
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-05-08
  • Date accepted
    2022-07-21
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Technologies of intensive development of potash seams by longwall faces at great depths: current problems, areas of improvement

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The results of the analysis of practical experience in the development of potash seams using longwall mining systems at the mines of OAO “Belaruskali” are presented. Positive changes in the technical and economic indicators of mines and an increase in the safety of mining operations were noted with the introduction of resource-saving technologies without leaving the pillars between the excavation columns or with leaving the pillars between the columns with dimensions at which they are destroyed by mining pressure in the goaf. It is noted that the use of mechanized stoping complexes characterized by high energy capacity, combined with large depths of development, is the main reason for the temperature increase in longwalls to values exceeding the maximum permissible air temperature regulated by sanitary standards. Based on production studies, it was concluded that the temperature regime along the length of the longwall face is determined by the temperature of rocks in the developed longwall space, heat emissions from the equipment of the power train, and the temperature of the rock mass ahead of the longwall. The conclusion has been drawn about the feasibility of using developed technological schemes in deep mining conditions, which provide a reduction in longwall temperature by 6-9 °C or more through isolated ventilation of longwall and power trains, as well as heat exchange between the airflow entering the longwall and the rocks in the developed space.

How to cite: Zubov V.P., Sokol D.G. Technologies of intensive development of potash seams by longwall faces at great depths: current problems, areas of improvement // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 874-885. EDN YYMIQY
Energy industry
  • Date submitted
    2023-01-12
  • Date accepted
    2023-06-20
  • Date published
    2023-07-19

Improvement of energy efficiency of ore-thermal furnaces in smelting of alumosilicic raw materials

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The issues of energy saving in pyrometallurgical production during processing of mineral raw materials in ore-thermal furnaces are particularly important for the development of new energy-efficient technologies. The reduction of the specific power consumption during melting at different stages of heating and melting of charge materials when modeling is related to obtaining kinetic curves in the process of kyanite concentrate regeneration in polythermal conditions. Based on practical data of carbo-thermal reduction the mathematical modeling of reduction processes from alumosilicic raw materials – kyanite was carried out. In this work, the nonisothermal method based on a constant rate of charge heating (i.e. a linear dependence between time and temperature) was used for the reduction of kyanite charge, which saves electrical energy. The experiments were carried out on a high-temperature unit with a heater placed in a carbon-graphite crucible. Based on the obtained kinetic dependences of nonisothermal heating of enriched kyanite concentrates in plasma heating conditions we obtained a number of kinetic anamorphoses of the linear form which point to the possibility of describing the reaction rate using the modified Kolmogorov – Erofeev equation for given heating conditions and within a narrow temperature range. The complex of mathematical modeling makes it possible to create a control algorithm of technological process of reduction of kyanite concentrate to a metallized state within the specified temperature range for the full flow of reaction exchange and to reduce the specific power consumption by 15-20 %. With the help of the received kinetic dependences, taking into account the thermodynamics of processes and current state of the art it is possible to create a universal thermal unit for the optimal carbothermal reduction of charge to a metallized state (alloy) with minimum power inputs compared to existing technologies.

How to cite: Bazhin V.Y., Ustinova Y.V., Fedorov S.N., Shalabi M.E.K. Improvement of energy efficiency of ore-thermal furnaces in smelting of alumosilicic raw materials // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 261 . p. 384-391. EDN RTQXSE
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-09-30
  • Date accepted
    2023-04-03
  • Date published
    2024-02-29

Optimization of the location of a multilateral well in a thin oil rim, complicated by the presence of an extensive gas cap

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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.

How to cite: Тomskii К.О., Ivanova M.S. Optimization of the location of a multilateral well in a thin oil rim, complicated by the presence of an extensive gas cap // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 265 . p. 140-146. EDN XOVEYF
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-12-01
  • Date accepted
    2023-01-19
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Inclusions of diamond crystals in the tourmaline of the schorl-uvite series: problems of genesis

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The mineralogical and geochemical features of diamond-bearing tourmaline crystals (schorl-uvite series) from garnet-clinopyroxene rocks of the Kumdy-Kol deposit (Northern Kazakhstan) have been studied in detail. The formation of the main rock-forming minerals (garnet + K-bearing clinopyroxene) occurred in the diamond stability field at 4-6 GPa and 950-1000 °C. Crystallization of K-bearing clinopyroxene at these parameters is possible in the presence of an ultra-potassic fluid or melt formed because of crustal material melting in subduction zones. Tourmaline crystals (up to 1 cm) containing diamond inclusions perform veins crosscutting high-pressure associations. The composition of individual zones varies from schorl to uvite within both a single grain and the sample as a whole. The potassium content in this tourmaline does not exceed 0.1 wt.% K2O, and the isotopic composition of boron δ11B varies from –10 to –15.5 ‰, which significantly differs from the previously established isotopic composition of boron in maruyamaite crystals (δ11B 7.7 ‰ in the core and –1.2 ‰ in the rim) of the same deposit. Analysis of the obtained data on δ11B in the tourmalines from the diamond-grade metamorphic rocks within the Kumdy-Kol deposit suggests the existence of two boron sources that resulted in crystallization of K-bearing tourmaline crystals (maruyamaite-dravite series) and potassium-free tourmalines of the schorl-uvite series.

How to cite: Korsakov A.V., Mikhailenko D.S., Zhang L., Xu Y.-G. Inclusions of diamond crystals in the tourmaline of the schorl-uvite series: problems of genesis // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 833-841. EDN UMQOXK
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-20
  • Date accepted
    2023-01-10
  • Date published
    2023-08-28

Laboratory, numerical and field assessment of the effectiveness of cyclic geomechanical treatment on a tournaisian carbonate reservoir

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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.

How to cite: Indrupskiy I.M., Ibragimov I.I., Tsagan-Mandzhiev T.N., Lutfullin A.A., Chirkunov A.P., Shakirov R.I., Alekseeva Y.V. Laboratory, numerical and field assessment of the effectiveness of cyclic geomechanical treatment on a tournaisian carbonate reservoir // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 262 . p. 581-593. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.5
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-11-11
  • Date accepted
    2023-01-19
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Evaluation of the efficiency of sorbents for accidental oil spill response in the Arctic waters

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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.

How to cite: Vasileva Z.V., Vasekha M.V., Tyulyaev V.S. Evaluation of the efficiency of sorbents for accidental oil spill response in the Arctic waters // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 856-864. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.14
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-01-21
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-14
  • Date published
    2023-08-28

Strategy of mine ventilation control in optimal mode using fuzzy logic controllers

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The issues related to improving the efficiency of automatic ventilation control systems of mines that regulate the air supply to the mine in accordance with the need are considered. During the tests of such a system in the 3RU mine of OAO Belaruskali, the shortcomings of its existing, implementation, associated with the incorrect choice of the most difficult-to-ventilate direction, were revealed. The possibilities of implementing a control strategy, in which the system automatically determines the optimal configuration of the operating modes of fans and regulators, are demonstrated. As an alternative to the implemented algorithms, it is proposed to use a fuzzy control device to account for the nonlinearity of the dependence of the input and output parameters of ventilation equipment and to set the conditions for the optimal operating mode of the system in a declarative form. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the data of simulation modeling of the current ventilation mode and the transition from one ventilation mode to another are analyzed with comparison with the actual data of the system operation. The simulation results show that the use of an upgraded control scheme for the main ventilation fan based on fuzzy logic in the implementation of automatic ventilation control systems makes it possible to eliminate the possibility of a shortage of fresh air in the regulated directions of its movement, as well as excessive power consumption of the main ventilation fan.

How to cite: Kashnikov A.V., Kruglov Y.V. Strategy of mine ventilation control in optimal mode using fuzzy logic controllers // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 262 . p. 594-605. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.75
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-05-12
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Microbiological remediation of oil-contaminated soils

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Microbiological remediation is a promising technology for the elimination of environmental contamination by oil and petroleum products, based on the use of the metabolic potential of microorganisms. The issue of environmental contamination by crude oil and its refined products is relevant in the Russian Federation since the oil industry is one of the leading sectors of the country. Mechanical and physico-chemical methods of treatment are widely used to clean oil-contaminated soils. However, the methods belonging to these groups have a number of significant drawbacks, which actualizes the development of new methods (mainly biological), since they are more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, less labor-intensive, and do not require the use of technical capacities. Various bio-based products based on strains and consortia of microorganisms have been developed that have proven effectiveness. They include certain genera of bacteria, microscopic fungi, and microalgae, substances or materials acting as sorbents of biological agents and designed to retain them in the soil and increase the efficiency of bioremediation, as well as some nutrients. Statistical data, the most effective methods, and technologies, as well as cases of using microorganisms to restore oil-contaminated soils in various climatic conditions are presented.

How to cite: Sozina I.D., Danilov A.S. Microbiological remediation of oil-contaminated soils // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260 . p. 297-312. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.8
Modern Trends in Hydrocarbon Resources Development
  • Date submitted
    2021-07-05
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2022-12-29

Determination of suitable distance between methane drainage stations in Tabas mechanized coal mine (Iran) based on theoretical calculations and field investigation

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A large amount of gas is emitted during underground mining processes, so mining productivity decreases and safety risks increase. Efficient methane drainage from the coal seam and surrounding rocks in underground mines not only improves safety but also leads to higher productivity. Methane drainage must be performed when the ventilation air cannot dilute the methane emissions in the mine to a level below the allowed limits. The cross-measure borehole method is one of the methane drainage methods that involves drilling boreholes from the tailgate roadway to an un-stressed zone in the roof or floor stratum of a mined seam. This is the main method used in Tabas coal mine N 1. One of the effective parameters in this method is the distance between methane drainage stations, which has a direct effect on the length of boreholes required for drainage. This study was based on the measurement of ventilation air methane by methane sensors and anemometers placed at the longwall panel as well as measuring the amount of methane drainage. Moreover, in this study, the obtained and analyzed data were used to determine the suitable distance between methane drainage stations based on the cross-measure borehole method. In a field test, three borehole arrangements with different station distances in Panel E4 of Tabas coal mine N 1 were investigated. Then, the amounts of gas drained from these arrangements were compared with each other. The highest methane drainage efficiency was achieved for distances in the range of 9-12 m between methane drainage stations.

How to cite: Hosseini A., Najafi M., Morshedy A.H. Determination of suitable distance between methane drainage stations in Tabas mechanized coal mine (Iran) based on theoretical calculations and field investigation // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 258 . p. 1050-1060. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.106
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-31
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-26
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Features of obtaining metallurgical products in the solid-state hydride synthesis conditions

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A scientific substantiation of solid-phase feedstock choice and preparation has been carried out, and the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of solid-state hydride synthesis (SHS) of metal products have been analyzed using the nickel dichloride reduction as an example. The preliminary dehydration modes and methods for controlling the complete removal of crystalline water from chloride raw materials and Olenegorsk superconcentrate, which is natural oxide raw material, are described. Conditions, including initial solid chloride particle sizes, are established under which diffusion complications of reduction to metal in methyldichlorosilane vapor are minimized. Thermodynamic estimates of nickel chlorides and oxides reduction possibility, iron and copper with ammonia and methane at temperatures of 400-1000 K in equilibrium conditions have been carried out. It has been shown that the stoichiometric coefficients of the nickel dichloride in ammonia overall reduction reaction calculated by thermodynamic modeling are in agreement with experimental data. In contrast to the copper dichloride reduction, for nickel dichloride the formation of metal monochloride at the intermediate stage is uncharacteristic, which is associated with a higher thermal stability of nickel dichloride. The main kinetic regularities of the reduction of nickel, copper, and iron to metal under SHS conditions in ammonia, monosilane, and methane, as well as the nickel dichloride with methyldichlorosilane vapor and methane successive reduction, are considered. Approximation of experimental data by topochemical equations in a linear form showed that for reduction degrees a up to 0.7-0.8, these data are satisfactorily described by the Roginsky – Schultz equation. For a > 0,8 the “shrinking sphere” model works better, which confirms the localization of the solid-state reduction reaction at the interface, moves deep into the crystal with the formation of a of interlocked metal germs. The importance and prospects of the results obtained for the theory development of metallurgical processes, deep complex processing of natural iron oxide raw materials, metal products and new generation materials production, including superhydrophobic ones, are discussed. The relevance of the study from the point of view of applying the method of physical and chemical analysis to the study of complex heterogeneous metallurgical processes is noted.

How to cite: Syrkov A.G., Yachmenova L.A. Features of obtaining metallurgical products in the solid-state hydride synthesis conditions // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 651-662. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.25
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-05-27
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-06
  • Date published
    2022-11-10

Application of resonance functions in estimating the parameters of interwell zones

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It is shown that the use of force resonance leads to the effect of “shaking” the formation, followed by breaking up the film oil and involving it in the further filtration process. For the first time in oilfield geophysics, the concept of passive noise-metering method is justified for monitoring oil and gas deposit development by measuring the quality factor of the contours in the point areas of formation development channels in interwell zones. It is established that determining the depth of modulation for the reactive substitution parameter of the linear FDC chain is crucial not only for determining the parametric excitation in FDC attenuation systems, but also without attenuation in the metrological support for the analysis of petrophysical properties of rock samples from the wells. It is shown that based on the method of complex amplitudes (for formation pressure current, differential flow rates, impedance), different families of resonance curves can be plotted: displacement amplitudes (for differential flow rates on the piezocapacity of the studied formation section), velocities (amplitudes of formation pressure current) and accelerations (amplitudes of differential flow rates on the linear piezoinductivity of the FDC section). The use of predicted permeability and porosity properties of the reservoir with its continuous regulation leads to increased accuracy of isolation in each subsequent sub-cycle of new segment formation in the FDC trajectories, which contributes to a more complete development of productive hydrocarbon deposits and increases the reliability of prediction for development indicators.

How to cite: Batalov S.А., Andreev V.Е., Mukhametshin V.V., Lobankov V.М., Kuleshova L.S. Application of resonance functions in estimating the parameters of interwell zones // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 257 . p. 755-763. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.85
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-01
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-06
  • Date published
    2022-11-10

Impact of EU carbon border adjustment mechanism on the economic efficiency of Russian oil refining

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The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) leads not only to the expected environmental changes, but also to the transformation of market environment. The study estimates the losses of the oil refining sector from the introduction of CBAM for the export of oil products from Russia to the countries of the European Union. An approach to assess the impact of CBAM on the cost of oil products has been formed and the mechanisms of its impact on the economy of Russian oil refineries have been identified. The study was carried out on the basis of actual data on the volume of greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the current rules of the European emissions trading system. Decomposition of assessments of the CBAM impact was carried out into direct and indirect effects, as well as the effect of adaptation. It is shown that with the introduction of the CBAM mechanism, the prices of oil products in the domestic market will be determined not only by the logistical factor, but also by the requirements for environmental friendliness of oil refining. The introduction of CBAM will have a significant impact on the economics of oil refining, including refineries that do not export to the EU. The total impact of CBAM on the economy of Russian oil refineries will be about 250 mln dollars.

How to cite: Ulanov V.L., Skorobogatko O.N. Impact of EU carbon border adjustment mechanism on the economic efficiency of Russian oil refining // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 257 . p. 865-876. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.83
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-04-29
  • Date accepted
    2022-07-21
  • Date published
    2022-11-10

Deep structure, tectonics and geodynamics of the Sea of Okhotsk region and structures of its folded frame

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The use of the zonal-block model of the earth's crust for the construction of regional tectonic schemes and sections of the earth's crust based on a complex of geological and geophysical data makes it possible to consider the resulting maps and sections as tectonic models. The main elements of such models are blocks with an ancient continental base and interblock zones formed by complexes of island arcs, an accretionary prism, or oceanic crust. The developed geotectonic model of the Sea of Okhotsk region reflects the features of the deep structure, tectonics, and geodynamics. The Cimmerian Novosibirsk-Chukotka, Verkhoyansk-Kolyma, Kolyma-Omolon, and Amur folded regions and the Alpides of the Koryak-Kamchatka and Sakhalin-Sikhote-Alin folded regions are developed along the northern, western, and southern boundaries of the Sea of Okhotsk megablock with a continental crust type. From the east, the megablock is limited by oceanic basins and island arcs.

How to cite: Egorov A.S., Bolshakova N.V., Kalinin D.F., Ageev A.S. Deep structure, tectonics and geodynamics of the Sea of Okhotsk region and structures of its folded frame // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 257 . p. 703-719. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.63
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-12-19
  • Date accepted
    2022-05-13
  • Date published
    2022-07-13

Development of a pump-ejector system for SWAG injection into reservoir using associated petroleum gas from the annulus space of production wells

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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.

How to cite: Drozdov A.N., Gorelkina Е.I. Development of a pump-ejector system for SWAG injection into reservoir using associated petroleum gas from the annulus space of production wells // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 254 . p. 191-201. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.34
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-12-16
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-07
  • Date published
    2022-07-13

The Upper Kotlin clays of the Saint Petersburg region as a foundation and medium for unique facilities: an engineering-geological and geotechnical analysis

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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.

How to cite: Dashko R.E., Lokhmatikov G.A. The Upper Kotlin clays of the Saint Petersburg region as a foundation and medium for unique facilities: an engineering-geological and geotechnical analysis // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 254 . p. 180-190. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.13
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-02-24
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-06
  • Date published
    2022-07-13

Study of the kinetics of the process of producing pellets from red mud in a hydrogen flow

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The reduction kinetics of serial phase transitions of iron oxides during reduction to a metallized state with different modes of technical hydrogen supply has been studied and substantiated. The results of the pellets formation when 3-5 % molasses is added to the red mud as a binding reagent are presented. The dependences of the reduction rate of iron oxides on the hydrogen flow rate are obtained. Based on the results of the experiments, a kinetic model was constructed, and with the help of X-ray phase and spectral analysis, it was proved that the agglomerates formed after heat treatment received high strength due to the adhesion of reduced iron particles with red mud particles. The use of a new type of charge materials in melting units will reduce the amount of emissions and dust fractions, as well as increase the metal yield.

How to cite: Khalifa A.A., Bazhin V.Y., Ustinova Y.V., Shalabi M.E. Study of the kinetics of the process of producing pellets from red mud in a hydrogen flow // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 254 . p. 261-270. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.18
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-10-08
  • Date accepted
    2022-01-24
  • Date published
    2022-04-29

Methodology for thermal desorption treatment of local soil pollution by oil products at the facilities of the mineral resource industry

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The analysis of the main environmental consequences of leaks and local spills of petroleum products at the enterprises of the mineral resource complex is presented. It is established that the problem of soil contamination with petroleum products at the facilities of the mineral resource complex and enterprises of other industries is caused by significant volumes of consumption of the main types of oil products. Based on the results of the author's previous field research, a series of experiments was carried out, consisting in modeling artificial soil pollution with petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, highly refined oil, motor oil, and transmission oil, followed by their purification by heat treatment at temperatures of 150, 200, and 250 °C. The 250 °C limit of the heating temperature was set due to the need to partially preserve the structure and quality of the soil after heat treatment to preserve its fertility. When the processing temperature rises to 450 °C, all humates are completely burned out and, as a result, productivity is lost. Confirmation is provided by the results of experiments to determine the humus content in uncontaminated soil and soil treated at different temperatures. It was found that at a maximum processing temperature of 250 °C, about 50 % of the initial organic carbon content is preserved. According to the results of the conducted experimental studies, the dependences of the required processing temperature on the concentration of petroleum products to reduce the concentration of petroleum products to an acceptable level have been established. The methodology of thermal desorption cleaning of soils with varying degrees of contamination at enterprises of the mineral resource complex is presented.

How to cite: Pashkevich M.A., Bykova M.V. Methodology for thermal desorption treatment of local soil pollution by oil products at the facilities of the mineral resource industry // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 253 . p. 49-60. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.6
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-10-14
  • Date accepted
    2022-01-24
  • Date published
    2022-04-29

Monitoring of compressed air losses in branched air flow networks of mining enterprises

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Compressed air as a type of safe technological energy carrier is widely used in many industries. In economically developed countries energy costs for the production and distribution of compressed air reach 10 % of the total energy costs. The analysis of compressed air production and distribution systems in the industrial sector shows that the efficiency of the systems is at a relatively low level. This is due to the fact that insufficient attention is paid to these systems since the compressed air systems energy monitoring has certain difficulties – the presence of complex and branched air pipeline networks with unique characteristics; low sensitivity of the equipment which consumes compressed air; the complexity of auditing pneumatic equipment that is in constant operation. The article analyzes the options for reducing the cost of production and compressed air distribution. One of the promising ways to reduce the compressed air distribution cost is timely detection and elimination of leaks that occur in the external air supply network of the enterprise. The task is solved by hardware-software monitoring of compressed air pressure at key points in the network. The proposed method allows real-time detecting of emerging air leaks in the air duct network and sending commands to maintenance personnel for their timely localization. This technique was tested in the industrial conditions of ALROSA enterprises on the air pipeline network of the Mir mine of the Mirninsky Mining and Processing Plant and showed satisfactory convergence of the calculated leakage values ​​with the actual ones. The practical significance of the obtained results is that the developed method for monitoring air leaks in the air duct network is simple, it requires an uncomplicated software implementation and allows to localize leaks in a timely manner, thereby reducing unproductive energy costs at the enterprises.

How to cite: Gendler S.G., Kopachev V.F., Kovshov S.V. Monitoring of compressed air losses in branched air flow networks of mining enterprises // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 253 . p. 3-11. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.8
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-04-11
  • Date accepted
    2021-10-18
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

Comprehensive assessment and analysis of the oil and gas potential of Meso-Cenozoic sediments in the North Caucasus

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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.

How to cite: Bosikov I.I., Мaier A.V. Comprehensive assessment and analysis of the oil and gas potential of Meso-Cenozoic sediments in the North Caucasus // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251 . p. 648-657. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.4