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

Sinopec Achieves ISO Approval for Heavy Oil Development

In a significant achievement, the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, better known as Sinopec, has officially received ISO certification for its pioneering Technical Specifications aimed at the thermal injection of multi-element compounds in heavy oil development. This milestone, announced on December 12, 2024, marks the first instance of an ISO technical specification for heavy oil recovery from China, reflecting Sinopec's commitment to innovation in the energy sector.

The heavy oil market is crucial, composed of high-density and viscous crude oils that contribute to approximately 36% of the world's proven oil reserves. Moreover, heavy oil is a vital raw material for producing specialty oils and asphalt, often referred to as the 'rare earth' of crude oil due to its unique properties. Notably, Sinopec has maintained an impressive production of over 15 million tons of heavy oil annually for more than a decade, showcasing its leadership in this niche market.

Despite the bright prospects, developing heavy oil in China presents a unique set of challenges. The reserves are often found deeply buried, with complex geological conditions leading to thin layers of oil. These factors can significantly hinder extraction efforts, impacting both the flow rate and distance covered during production. In response, Sinopec has harnessed innovative technological approaches backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, tackling bottlenecks in heavy oil development.

Led by the esteemed academic Sun Huanquan, the Sinopec team has developed an innovative technology for multi-element thermal composition development, which has been implemented successfully in the Shengli and Henan oilfields. As a result, Sinopec's annual production of heavy oil has exceeded 4.8 million tons, solidifying its position in the market.

With the ISO certification secured, the team aims to form an international working group involving prominent technical experts from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other nations. This collaboration will expedite the drafting and publishing of the international standard, promoting global development and cooperation in heavy oil recovery techniques. Sinopec's proactive approach is set to redefine heavy oil development, anticipating not only national benefits but also contribute to international standards in the energy sector.

This achievement illustrates Sinopec's commitment to leveraging its innovative capabilities and technical expertise to propel the evolution of the heavy oil market. With the strategic aim of enhancing international collaboration, Sinopec is not just focusing on meeting current demands but is also looking ahead to shape the future of the heavy oil industry across the globe. As the world grapples with energy transitions and sustainable practices, Sinopec’s advancements present a beacon of progress, blending innovation with essential resource development.