Current Issue

Scientific Petroleum 2026, 1

GEOLOGY, GEOPHYSICS & FORMATION EVALUATION

Geochemical characteristics of oils from the Garabagly field in Azerbaijan based on hydrocarbon and biomarker compositions

Martynova G.S., Mukimov R.A., Maksakova O.P., Nanajanova R.G.,Zeynalov S.G.

Institute of Geology, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan

The article presents the results of a geochemical study of oils from the Garabagly field , sampled from different wells. The study was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the determination of the group hydrocarbon composition, distribution of n- alkanes, isoprenoids and a number of biomarker parameters. It was found that the studied oils are generally characterized by a similar group composition: the content of alkanes is about 57-70%, naphthenic hydrocarbons - 21-30%, arenes - 7-11%. Most samples are characterized by the predominance of low-molecular n- alkanes with maxima in the C ₁₅– C ₁₇range, while the sample from well 228 is distinguished by a shift in the maximum to the C ₁₉– C ₂₃ range. Pr / Ph values, sterane distribution C₂₇ – C₂₉ and terpane characteristics indicate a combination of marine and mixed characteristics of the original organic matter, as well as heterogeneity of sedimentation conditions. The combination of geochemical parameters reveals a high degree of correlation between oils from different wells and suggests their genetic similarity based on key genetic traits, but they are not completely homogeneous in molecular composition. The results obtained can be used to refine our understanding of the origin of oils and their spatial correlation within the field.

Key words: Garabagly oil, chromatography-mass spectrometry, biomarkers, hydrocarbon composition, genetic correlation.

Organic matter enrichment in the Cenozoic shale-bearing succession of the South Caspian Basin: Selected depositional indicators and mineral associations

Orhan R. Abbasov^1,
*, Elnur E. Baloglanov¹, Ulviyya J. Yolchuyeva^2,3,4,

¹Institute of Geology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan

²Institute of Petrochemical Processes of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan

³Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan

⁴Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku, Azerbaijan

^∗ Corresponding author.

Organic matter enrichment and implications for its preservation in Cenozoic sediments of the Azerbaijani sector of the South Caspian Basin were evaluated across the Middle Koun (Middle Eocene), Maikop (Lower Miocene), and Diatom (Middle–Upper Miocene) formations. The Maikop shows a stronger terrigenous background and lower P₂O₅/TiO₂, whereas the Middle Eocene shows the opposite pattern and the highest total organic carbon (TOC). The Diatom is intermediate in Al₂O₃, Rb, P₂O₅/TiO₂, and TOC. Clinoptilolite and tridymite in the Middle Eocene suggest possible volcanogenic nutrient input. Strong Sr/Ba–CaO relationships in the Middle Eocene and Diatom limit the use of Sr/Ba as an independent paleosalinity proxy. V/Cr and V/(V+Ni) indicate relatively more reducing conditions in the Maikop despite its lowest TOC. Montmorillonite, illite, carbonate minerals, and pyrite show that mineral composition alone does not consistently explain TOC distribution. Overall, higher TOC coincides with a weaker siliciclastic background and greater relative P enrichment.

Keywords: organic matter enrichment and preservation, terrigenous input, phosphorus enrichment, redox conditions, mineral associations with organic matter, South Caspian Basin.

E-mail address: ortal80@bk.ru (Orhan R. Abbasov).

RESERVOIR ENGINEERING

APPLICATION OF HYDRODYNAMIC AND EMPIRICAL MODELS FOR WATER BREAKTHROUGH PREDICTION IN AZERBAIJANI OIL FIELDS

Ahmed Fariz Fikret¹, Musayev Yasin Ramazan²

¹«OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan

²Azerbaijan State Oil and İndustry University, Baku, Azerbaijan

This research investigates the mechanisms governing the development of water cut in oil fields and the main hydrodynamic and empirical models used for its prediction. Water cut is characterized by an increase in the proportion of water produced from production wells as a result of water movement within the reservoir and has a direct impact on the efficiency of oil production. In Azerbaijani oil fields, particularly the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli, Neft Dashlari, Balakhani, and Pirallahi fields, the intensity of water cut has increased further as a result of long-term production and the application of water injection systems.

The study analyzes filtration processes based on Darcy’s law, the mechanism of multiphase displacement using the Buckley–Leverett model, and the temporal variation of water cut using a logistic growth model. The correlation analysis conducted in the study demonstrated a very strong linear relationship between reservoir permeability and the rate of water-cut increase (R² = 0.997). In addition, a composite water-cut index was proposed, on the basis of which the risk levels of the fields were assessed.

The results indicate that early water breakthrough occurs more rapidly in highly permeable reservoirs, which reduces the economic efficiency of oil production. The proposed models provide an important scientific basis for predicting water cut, optimizing water injection systems, and achieving more efficient recovery of remaining oil reserves.

Keywords: water cut, oil fields, Darcy’s law, Buckley–Leverett model, logistic model, water injection, reservoir permeability, heterogeneity, water fraction, hydrodynamic modeling, empirical models, Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli.

email: fariz.ehmed@socar.az

METHOD FOR THE APPROXIMATE EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR GAS FIELDS DEVELOPED USING INCLINED WELLS, ACCOUNTING FOR FORMATION ANISOTROPY

B.Z.Kazymov, A.A.Mammadov

Institute of Geology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the

Republic of Azerbaijan

Modern practices in hydrocarbon field development have necessitated the advancement of the theoretical and practical foundations of oil and gas extraction based on new scientific principles. This need arises primarily from the challenges involved in making decisions regarding the development of hydrocarbon fields characterized by complex geological-physical and operational properties, where reserves are difficult to extract. Indeed, the proportion of such fields both those currently under development and those newly brought into production is steadily increasing. In light of this, the article presents calculation methods for determining the performance indicators of a gas field exploited via deviated wells, accounting for rock relaxation and creep deformation, as well as formation anisotropy. Using the proposed solution, it is possible to calculate the patterns of change in reservoir pressure, porosity, and permeability under conditions of rock relaxation and creep while factoring in formation anisotropy and to conduct relevant project assessments.

Keywords: Gas field, inclined well, relaxation and creep deformation of rocks, development indicators

PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS

Development and Laboratory Evaluation of a Multifunctional Reagent for Hydrogen Sulfide Neutralization and Scale Control in Mature Oilfield Produced Water

A.F. Akbarova

«OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan

High water cut in mature oilfields can couple mineral precipitation with sour-water and solids-handling problems. This study assesses ADI-1, a water-soluble formulation containing sodium hypochlorite, ammophos, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, for combined hydrogen sulfide neutralization and scale control. Produced waters from eight wells were characterized, and the reagent was tested in carbonate model brine and oil-bearing field samples over a dosage range of 10-300 g/t. The field waters represented calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate types, contained 10-15 to 306 mg/l hydrogen sulfide, and had an average water cut of 98.5%. In model water containing 600 mg/l hydrogen sulfide, scale inhibition became complete at 200 g/t, whereas full sulfide neutralization required 300 g/t. The field samples required 25-300 g/t for complete neutralization; at 300 g/t, scale-inhibition efficiency ranged from 90.0% to 99.0%. The results show that the treatment dose must be matched to the initial sulfide concentration and water chemistry. ADI-1 is therefore a credible candidate for integrated produced-water treatment, subject to confirmation by replicated testing and a controlled field trial.

Keywords: produced water; hydrogen sulfide; scale inhibition; iron sulfide; sulfate-reducing bacteria; sodium hypochlorite; mature oilfield

email: aygun.f.ekberova@socar.az

OVERVIEW OF MEASURES AGAINST SAND PRODUCTION IN AZERBAIJANI OIL AND GAS FIELDS

Ahmed Fariz Fikret¹, Mammadli Kamran Jahid oglu²

¹«OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan

²Azerbaijan State Oil and İndustry University, Baku, Azerbaijan

This study examines the causes of sand production in Azerbaijani oil and gas fields, particularly in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, as well as the technical and economic problems associated with this phenomenon and the methods used for its prevention and management. It has been established that sand production mainly occurs in weakly cemented terrigenous reservoir rocks as a result of declining reservoir pressure, increasing effective stress, and high production rates. The influx of sand into wells accelerates the wear of production equipment, causes blockages in the wellbore and pipelines, reduces production rates, and increases operating costs. The study systematizes the main sand-control measures applied in Azerbaijani practice. The importance of using screen systems, gravel packs, and corrosion-resistant equipment in offshore fields, as well as redevelopment, water injection, well restoration, and isolation of high-risk intervals in mature fields, is highlighted. In addition, the important role of geological and geomechanical modeling in the early prediction of sand-production risks, identification of risk zones, and optimization of well placement is emphasized.

Keywords: sand production, sand control, oil and gas fields, Caspian Sea, Azerbaijani oil industry, geomechanical modeling, safe pressure drawdown, gravel pack, screen systems, production optimization, well monitoring.

email: fariz.ehmed@socar.az

ENVİRONMENT PROTECTİON

EFFECTİVE POLİCİES AND STRATEGİES FOR ENVİRONMENTAL PROTECTİON İN THE OİL AND GAS INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES, INNOVATİONS, AND GLOBAL PRACTİCES

F.N.Rzayeva

Nakhchivan State University, Institute of Natural Resources, Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

The oil and gas sector is one of the most vital sectors of the global economy. Still, it is also responsible for significant environmental degradation, including air pollution, water contamination, and soil degradation. Given sustainability's prominence today, it's important to evaluate and implement policies that limit the industry's ecological impact. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of existing environmental protection measures, including those for oil and gas extraction, transport, and processing, with an emphasis on carbon emissions, ecosystem disruption, and waste. Drawing on international and national guidelines, it examines best practices from Norway, Canada, and the Netherlands, all of which implemented effective policies to minimize environmental damage. The focus of the paper is on new technologies, namely carbon capture and storage (CCS) and green energy adoption, that may provide a good solution to the same. It is essential to note that these measures have paved the way to date and that more sustainable measures are still being integrated, and that the enforcement of regulations is crucial for sustainability. The article concludes with suggestions for companies in the industry on sustainable practices, emphasising that cooperation among government, industry, and environmental organisations is a key issue.

Keywords: oil and gas industry, environmental protection, sustainability, carbon capture and storage (CCS), regulatory frameworks

email: rzayevafatma11@gmail.com

Scientific Petroleum 2026, 1