#China #Beijing #ISO Certification #Sinopec #Heavy Oil

Sinopec Achieves ISO Approval for Heavy Oil Development

China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (commonly known as Sinopec) has made groundbreaking progress in the field of heavy oil extraction by obtaining ISO certification for the first-ever technical specification dedicated to heavy oil development in China. The certification underlines Sinopec's commitment to enhancing its technological capabilities, particularly related to the innovative thermal injection methods proposed by the academic team led by Sun Huanquan.

Heavy oil, characterized by its high density and viscosity, constitutes a significant portion of global oil reserves, accounting for approximately 36%. It is also a crucial raw material for producing specialty oils. Notably, naphthenic heavy oil, often dubbed the "rare earth" of oil, serves as a premium input for asphalt production and transformer oils.

For over 13 consecutive years, China's heavy oil production has exceeded 15 million tons annually, demonstrating the resource's importance to the nation's energy landscape. However, the overall development of heavy oil reserves in China faces significant challenges due to geological conditions and complexities, necessitating advanced technologies for extraction and processing.

The successful development and approval of this specification can be attributed to extensive research and development efforts backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Sinopec's key scientific projects. Sun Huanquan's team has tirelessly targeted the challenges associated with heavy oil exploitation, focusing on bypassing bottlenecks in production techniques. They developed a cutting-edge multi-component thermal injection technology, which has been effectively implemented at large scales within the Shengli and Henan oil fields. As a result, Sinopec's heavy oil production has surged to over 4.8 million tons annually, showcasing the practical implications of their research.

Looking ahead, Sun Huanquan's team is poised to establish an international working group that will involve technical experts from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and several other nations. This initiative aims to accelerate the creation of international standards and publication processes for heavy oil extraction technologies, further promoting Sinopec's leadership in this sector. With ISO certification in hand, Sinopec anticipates enhanced opportunities for international technical cooperation, ultimately contributing to the global development of heavy oil production technologies.

This landmark achievement not only improves Sinopec’s operational protocols but also positions the company as an influential player in the global oil industry, willing to share expertise and collaborate internationally. As the energy sector continues to evolve, Sinopec’s proactive approach in addressing heavy oil production challenges serves as a blueprint for integrating innovative technologies while adhering to international standards, all while meeting global energy demands effectively.