Том 59, № 10 (2019)

The review discusses the achievements of the last 5 years in the field of using mass spectrometry for the analysis of crude oils and some oil refining products. The presented materials are systematized according to properties of the analyzed compounds and ionization techniques used. The capabilities and disadvantages of existing approaches are discussed.

A review of the current state of research in the field of oil rheology is presented as the basis for quantitative characterization of oil flow in the pipeline system. Based on recent publications, a picture is presented of the dependence of the rheological properties of oils of various types on their composition. The features of the flow of waxy oils, including the problem of correct assessment and depression of the pour point, have been analyzed. The flow of crystallizing oil has been considered proceeding from the concept of oil as a viscoplastic thixotropic medium. It has been shown how the results of rheological studies can be used to solve technological problems, including the restart problem. The rheology of heavy oil has been considered on the basis of the strategic objective of reducing viscosity to a level that meets the requirements of its transport in existing pipeline systems. Various existing and promising ways to solve this problem are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the role of asphaltenes and the formation of emulsions and their importance in oil rheology.

The composition and structure of bitumenoid asphaltenes of modern and fossil sediments has been studied using a set of instrumental methods (elemental and X-ray diffraction analyses, visible spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, EPR, electron microscopy), which made it possible to trace the evolution of the asphaltenes from their generation in diagenesis to degradation and transformation into kerogen under high catagenesis conditions. In diagenesis, protoasphaltenes are formed, which turn into asphaltenes as a result of catagenetic transformations. In apocatagenesis under severe thermobaric conditions at great depths, despite an overall decrease in bituminosity, the amount of hydrocarbons increases as a result of degradation of asphaltenes: molecules of organic compounds (occluded hydrocarbons) could be trapped and preserved in large cavities of the macromolecular structure of asphaltenes. Three generations of asphaltenes have been distinguished: early diagenetic (protoasphaltenes of modern sediments), mesocatagenetic (asphaltenes formed in the main catagenesis zone), and late catagenetic (asphaltenes produced under conditions of high temperatures and pressures).

Analysis of distribution of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon markers identified in five condensates of Maloyamal’skoe field (beds Yu_2–3, Yu₄ and Yu₆, Middle Jurassic) leads to the conclusion that their generation is due to lipid components of predominantly terrigenous organic matter (OM) which accumulated under weakly reducing conditions. Values of the isomeric ratios of steranes and homohopanes, Ts/Tm, maturity indicators based on the arene composition suggest the formation of condensates under conditions of the main phase of oil generation. Comparison of compositions of condensates and extractable bitumens of dispersed organic matter (DOM) of rocks showed genetic relation of condensates with the organic matter of Middle Jurassic deposits.

The structural group composition of benzene and alcohol–benzene petroleum resins used as modifying agents has been studied. Benzene resins are characterized by a higher content of naphthenic and aromatic structures and a smaller content of aliphatic moieties. The introduction of resins into a petroleum wax solution in n-decane leads to the suppression of the crystallization of hydrocarbons (HCs) and contributes to a decrease in the structural, mechanical, and energy parameters of the system. The addition of benzene resins more effectively decreases the viscosity–temperature characteristics, i.e., leads to a substantial decrease in the viscosity, the activation energy for viscous flow, the specific energy of degradation of the disperse system, and the pour point.