The use of rubber-polymer composites ELTC (End of Life Tire Compound) for bitumen modification was investigated. ELTC contains not only devulcanized rubber from used car tires, but also used plastics (polymers) such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). ELTC is obtained using the method of rubber devulcanization using a selective catalyst that allows selectively decomposing sulfide bonds at relatively low temperatures, while preserving most of the macromolecular chains. The characteristics of the asphalt binder improved after the modification of ELTC. After modification, the base asphalt binder became more homogeneous, and the thermal stability of the base asphalt binder increased. ELTC is evenly distributed, the compatibility between the components of the modified asphalt binder is good, which proves the uniformity of the modified asphalt binders. The results show that all ELTC formulations improve the softening temperature and increase their resistance to plastic deformation in the summer.
This study examines the influence of virgin polyethylene (vPE), recycled polyethylene (rPE), and Aerosil (A) on the performance of bitumen binders modified with partially devulcanized rubber (DVR). The experimental program included morphology analysis, determination of devulcanization degree, dynamic viscosity measurements, shear stress–shear rate analysis, load–displacement (F–Δl) testing, storage-stability evaluation, ring and ball softening point (R&B), penetration (P), and elastic recovery (ER) testing. The results show that DVR-rPE-modified bitumen binders exhibit 20–35% higher viscosity and up to 25% greater elongation at the break compared to DVR-vPE-modified bitumen systems, indicating more effective interaction with the bitumen matrix. The incorporation of Aerosil increased viscosity ca. 1.5–2 times for DVR-rPE and DVR-vPE-modified systems, respectively. Meanwhile, top and bottom differences in R&B decreased by a factor of 1.6–5 for DVR-rPE and DVR-vPE-containing composites, respectively, demonstrating significant enhancement in structural stability during storage. Mechanical testing further revealed that DVR-rPE + A binders absorbed 10–20% more deformation energy and consistently maintained ER values above 70–80%, corresponding to a higher elastic recovery grade at 25 °C. Overall, the DVR-rPE + A system provided the most balanced improvements in rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties, confirming its potential for use in high-performance, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable bituminous materials for pavement applications.
18 October 2024 in Kazakhstan journal for oil & gas industry
Background: Nowadays, there are few studies focused on the extraction of targeted products from bituminous rocks. Published research on the on the use of ultrasound for bitumen extraction refers to unconventional technologies. A distinctive feature of the bituminous rocks under study is their exposure at the surface, where they are situated in open areas. Due to various technogenic factors and prolonged atmospheric, light fractions are lost, while the heavier components undergo oxidation. These processes lead to the formation of heavy oils and hard bitumens with complex composition. Aim: To study the effect of ultrasonic technology on the bitumen extraction of from bituminous rocks and to determine the physical and chemical properties of the product obtained. Materials and methods: Thу ultrasonic method has many benefits, in particular energy and water savings, high productivity within a short period of time, and possibility of organizing a mobile unit installation at the production site. The main process parameters includes the determination of the required frequency and power depending on the object of ultrasound technology research. The results of the work have demonstrated that ultrasonic cavitation of bituminous rocks in an alkaline medium increases the degree of bitumen extraction. Results: The physical and chemical properties of bitumen obtained as a result of studying the effect of ultrasonic technology on bitumen extraction from oil-bituminous rocks were determined. Conclusion: The study identified the optimal process parameters based on the specific research object. When selecting the ultrasonic power it was found that clay compounds of bituminous rocks have a direct effect on the extraction of natural bitumen. It was demonstrated that ultrasound technology is a promising and industrially applicable technology for extracting bitumen from the bituminous rocks of the Munaily Mola field.
26 September 2025 in Kazakhstan journal for oil & gas industry
Background: With light oil reserves depleting and the demand for lubricants steadily increasing, the development of alternative sources of hydrocarbon feedstock has become a pressing issue. Despite the technological complexity of processing, natural bitumens represent a promising raw material for the production of base oils, particularly in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where domestic industrial lubricant production is currently absent. Aim: To assess the possibility of obtaining base industrial and motor oils from oil fractions derived from the fuel oil of natural bitumen at the Karasaz-Taspas deposit. Materials and methods: on the study object was fuel oil obtained by atmospheric distillation of natural bitumen. Oil fractions with boiling temperature ranges of 350–400 °C and 400–460 °C were separated using vacuum distillation. Purification was carried out using bleaching clay. The physical and chemical characteristics of the fractions were determined before and after purification according to standard ASTM and GOST methods. Results: The obtained oil fractions are characterized by a high kinematic viscosity, a viscosity index of up to 110.7, and low sulfur content (0.45 wt.%). Their physical and chemical properties meet the requirements for base oils of groups I and II according to the American Petroleum Institute classification and are comparable to industrial oils of grades I-40A and I-50A. Dewaxing and the addition of additives are necessary to improve low-temperature performance. Conclusion: Natural bitumen from the Karasyaz-Taspas deposit is a promising raw material for producing high-quality base oils. The study confirms the feasibility of comprehensive processing of natural bitumen fuel oil to produce industrial and motor oils, contributing to the replenishment of the raw material base, the sustainable development of the oil industry, and the enhancement of the country’s energy security.
NKNational Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan
National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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One of the biggest challenges in oil and gas production projects is dealing with the various types of corrosion to which certain parts of field equipment are exposed. Selecting the right corrosion inhibitor for the specific environment is extremely important. Choosing inhibitors for a particular location can be a difficult task because there are many factors to be considered. Understanding the corrosion problems that can arise is important in the oil and gas industry, and knowledge of which inhibitors to use to deal with general and localized corrosion will save time and money in the long run. This article presents the results of studies of various brands of domestic and foreign corrosion inhibitors for use in the Uzen field: physical and chemical characteristics (density, viscosity, freezing temperature, mass fraction of active substance, compatibility with field waters, amine number), efficiency of corrosion inhibitors in laboratory conditions and on a bench simulating field reservoir conditions, taking into account pressure, temperature, fluid flow rate, as well as aggressive components - hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. In addition, studies of corrosion inhibitors' effect on the process of preparation of production are also given. The works were carried out in the center of scientific and laboratory research of KMG Engineering branch " KazNIPImunaygas" LLP.