#China #Beijing #Sinopec #Heavy Oil #ISO Approval

Sinopec Secures ISO Approval for Innovative Heavy Oil Specifications

On December 11, 2024, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, widely known as Sinopec, made a significant advancement in the field of heavy oil development by obtaining ISO approval for the Technical Specifications meant for Multi-element Thermal Composite Flooding of Heavy Oil. This achievement marks a historic first in China’s heavy oil sector, spearheaded by the esteemed team under academician Sun Huanquan.

Heavy oil stands as a crucial component of the global petroleum landscape, constituting approximately 36% of the world’s proven oil reserves. This type of crude oil, characterized by its high density and viscosity, plays an essential role in the production of specialty oils, asphalt, and transformer oil. Sinopec has been at the forefront of heavy oil production in China, consistently exceeding an annual output of 15 million tons for over a decade.

However, the extraction of heavy oil is not without challenges. In China, reserves of heavy oil are often buried deep underground and are complicated by geological hurdles, which lead to difficulties in managing the flow rates and travel distances associated with crude oil extraction. In response to these challenges, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Sinopec themselves have invested heavily into scientific research to overcome these barriers.

Under the guidance of Sun Huanquan, the research team focused on developing a multi-element thermal composite technology, specifically designed to tackle the complexities of heavy oil extraction. This innovative technique has already seen successful applications at the Shengli and Henan oilfields, contributing to a remarkable output of over 4.8 million tons annually for Sinopec.

As the next step following the ISO approval, Sun Huanquan’s team plans to establish an international working group. This group will comprise technical experts from various countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, to expedite the creation of an international standard in heavy oil development. This collaborative effort is set to foster global technical cooperation and further amplify advancements in heavy oil extraction techniques worldwide.

Sinopec's achievement heralds a new era in China's approach to heavy oil development, reinforcing its position at the forefront of oil recovery techniques and cementing its commitment to enhancing both the domestic and international oil sectors. With their innovative solutions and collaborative spirit, Sinopec is poised to shape the future of heavy oil development significantly, promoting sustainability and efficiency across the industry.

In conclusion, Sinopec's ISO approval represents not only a remarkable milestone but also a platform for international cooperation in the often challenging field of heavy oil recovery. Their commitment to advancing technology while overcoming inherent geological challenges is crucial for meeting the global energy demands of the future.