Application of nuclear technology in oil and gas exploitation

The Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute has succeeded in developing a number of techniques for surveying using radioactive isotopes to serve the oil exploitation technology in mines on the continental shelf of Vietnam.

Previously, oil and gas exploitation technology with traditional methods pumped water into the mine to maintain reservoir pressure and push oil to the mining area. Controlling water injection and limiting flooding in exploitation wells is very difficult for mining companies.

Laboratory of applying nuclear technology in industry (Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute) applied radioactive isotope method to mark industrial process survey, ie, screening and using radioactive techniques through image filling, some techniques of direct analysis on sample objects .

Recently, radioisotope marking method has been applied in petroleum exploitation to monitor the movement of injection water in mines, to optimize the process of technology to contribute to quality assurance, safety in production and life.

The above technology is used by Vietnam and international Oil and Gas Exploitation Company on the continental shelf of Vietnam at Bach Ho and Rang Dong mines . to enhance the exploitation efficiency.

Next, the Lab of the Institute won an international bid, the contract value of more than US $ 0.5 million on the Black Lion mine in front of many large survey companies from the UK, US and Norway. That is a proof of the scientific significance and economic value of this new technology.

Since then, the Institute has participated in the "big playgrounds" in the world such as the International Research Cooperation Program of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Association of Petroleum Engineers SPE, Hiep Asia Pacific Technical Cooperation, Cooperation with Tracer Technoiogies International of the United States.

In order to get that result, the staff in the department had to spend their own money to study abroad, invite experts from other countries to provide professional help, buy research equipment, pay salaries for the staff themselves. Out-of-staff science.

So far, with successful research and application, scientists have signed many contracts worth up to 13 billion VND, contributing billions of VND to the State, contributing over 70% of the Institute's total revenue. Nuclear research.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Quang - Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute - said: With the motto "Creative labor, striving tirelessly, using funding sources, actively researching science", Applied Lab Nuclear engineering has improved the level and equipment of the laboratory according to world standards, participated in international technical services, expanded markets, applied on mines outside the territory of Vietnam.

"Sampling machine on well oil" is a newly designed and manufactured product with international certification which is highly appreciated by many oil and gas companies and planned to be installed on offshore rigs.

In addition to applications in oil and gas, scientists also research and develop applications in the mining industry: chemicals, construction, materials, energy . cooperating with universities and organizations training to spread knowledge about nuclear science and technology to create a long-term application market. At the same time, the Department will also open more research directions "Nuclear geophysics" to serve the oil and gas exploration and mining industry and mining.

Nguyen Hong Diep