Journal of Petroleum Research and Studies

Iraq Crude Oil Exports – April, May, and June/ 2025

2026-06-21T08:50:40+03:00

Table 1. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – April 2025

Table 2. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – May 2025

Table 3. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – June 2025

Determination of Relative Kinetic Parameters of Middle to Upper Jurassic Petroleum Source Rock Formations of Different Maturity Levels by Means of Elemental Analysis

2025-01-22T12:30:32+03:00

The kinetic parameters of Middle to Upper Jurassic formations rich in organic matter in northern Iraq are examined, with a particular emphasis on sulfur-rich kerogen. The study simulates natural oil generation and ejection utilizing hydrous pyrolysis to evaluate the consequences of sulfur content on activation energy, frequency factors, and thermal maturity. A comparison between both pyrolysis methods (open vs. closed) reveals the effects of system parameters on the quality and content of the petroleum produced. The effects of sulfur levels as indicated by atomic Sorg/C ratios exceed 0.04 and should not rear exceed 0.4%. The findings show that these sulfur intensities are exist in the Type II-S kerogens in the Middle to Upper Jurassic formations; these levels are associated with lower maturation temperatures and early oil generation. The results offer substantial information for assessing the Jurassic petroleum system in carbonate facies that are high in sulfur.

Determining and Estimating Drilling Mud Loss Levels Using the Landmark System in the X Oil Field

2025-04-28T08:52:17+03:00

The X Oil Field oil field, is a giant field facing operational challenges during drilling activities, the most prominent being drilling mud loss in various geological formations. This issue adversely affects drilling efficiency and increases operational costs. This study aims to identify the levels of drilling mud loss in the X Oil Field wells and estimate these levels for new wells to support decision-making related to optimal drilling site selection and risk mitigation associated with mud loss. Data on well locations, formation tops, and mud loss values were analyzed using the Landmark system. A database was created within the OpenWorks platform, and the data were processed with the VIR10 (DSG) program for seismic and geological analysis. The study covered data from 56 wells. Four contour maps were prepared to show the distribution of mud loss levels (low, moderate, and high). Additionally, four representative wells were selected for detailed analysis of mud loss levels: X-53, X-54, X-55, and X-56. The results revealed mud loss in the A, B, C, and D formations, with three levels of occurrence identified across the entire field: low, moderate, and high. Low levels were concentrated in the southern and western parts of the field, moderate levels were distributed in the northern and eastern parts, and high levels were primarily located in the central area. The contour maps showed significant variation in mud loss even among adjacent wells, limiting the ability to generalize spatial data across the whole field. The A formation exhibited the highest drilling mud loss compared to the other formations. Calculation tables developed using Microsoft Excel demonstrated a high capability to estimate mud loss levels for new wells based on data from nearby wells, making them an effective tool for supporting future drilling planning. The study recommends incorporating these results into the geological drilling programs of the X Oil Field, exercising caution when drilling wells at the structural highs of the field where high mud loss occurs. It also advises preparing a lithological distribution map for the A formation correlated with 3D seismic data to better delineate potential mud loss zones. Moreover, acquiring updated 3D seismic data in (Segy-PSTM) format is necessary to improve assessment accuracy. This study serves as a model that can be generalized and applied to other oil fields operated by Basrah Oil Company facing similar mud loss challenges.

Application of A GIS and Geo-Statistical Analysis to Assess the Potential Environmental Risks in Stream Sediments Shwan Sub-Basin, Kirkuk, Northern Iraq (Case Study)

2025-05-22T09:20:50+03:00

Recent stream sediment samples were taken from the Shwan sub-basin, Kirkuk governorate, northern Iraq. In forty-one sediment samples, the heavy metals represented by Cr, Co, Cd, As, and Pb were studied and utilized as an indicator for contamination by employing many parameters, such as the pollution ecological risk (Er), risk index (RI), contamination factor (CF), adverse effect index (AEI), and toxic units (TUs). The value of CF refers to the studied sediments being low contaminated with Pb, while the level of Co contamination was moderate and considerably contaminated with Cd, Cr, and As. Generally, the degree values of contaminations for all sites indicated that the sediment samples had medium levels of contamination. Depending on the values of Er and RI, all of the heavy elements in the sites under study indicate a moderate ecological risk. An increasing trend of RI values is closely linked to the growth of human activities, especially agricultural activities, and pollution from private oil and gas fields and refineries, which negatively impact the region's ecosystem. According to the Adverse Effect Index (AEI) and toxic units (∑TUs), values refer to probable impacts on biota due to the values of Cd and Cr content in most of the studied sediment samples, suggesting that the depositional and behavioural forms of the studied sediments were exposed to moderate toxicity, indicating moderate toxicity to an ecosystem.

Possibility to Apply Gas Lift Method for Low Production Wells with High Water Cut in (A) Oil Field

2025-06-08T10:33:44+03:00

Gas lift is one of the oldest methods used to produce hydrocarbon fluids from wells experiencing declining production. It works by aerating the mixture inside production tubing and forcing it to the surface. One of the reasons for declining production in oil wells is an increase in water cut or a drop in reservoir pressure, which requires one of the artificial lift methods to restore production.

(A) oil field suffers from an increase in water cut, which has affected well productivity. The wells under study have a water cut of up to 66%, resulting in very low production rates. In this research, Pipesim software was used to build a physical and fluid model, then design an optimal gas lift system that achieves the highest possible productivity from these wells. The design of the gas lift system depends directly on injection pressure, injection rate, and wellhead pressure, which in turn affect the remaining design variables. The availability of gas in the field is a prerequisite for the system's success, while injection pressure can be provided by suitable compressors. For this reason, optimal injection rates were taken into consideration to avoid excessive gas.

The results showed a significant increase in production for the wells under study, with increases percentage as 238% (from 793 to 2,682 stb/d) and 146% (from 1,100 to 2,706 stb/d). The gas lift system works to lift fluids accumulated in the well, and this does not mean it is a method for treating water cut, as water cut comes into the well from the producing formation. In other words, this increase applies to the fluids as a whole, not just oil production. A prospective study was conducted to simulate the effectiveness of the gas lift system in dealing with changes in well operating conditions, such as increased water cut or decreased reservoir pressure. The results demonstrated the flexibility and success of the gas lift system in dealing with problems and challenges that occur during production, as the simulation procedure was based on an increase in water cut of up to 90 % and a decrease in the reservoir pressure reaching 3200 psi. Despite this, the wells continued to produce at rates of 1549 and 1593 stb/d. Furthermore, this study can be applied to other wells in the field where water cut is high, demonstrating the importance of gas lift in maintaining production and its feasibility in the field.

New Correlations of Dew-Point Pressure for Gas Condensate Reservoirs Using Hybrid Modelling

2026-03-19T11:55:59+03:00

For the development of gas condensate reservoirs and the handling of gas condensate fluids, the dew-point pressure (DPP) is an essential characteristic. Many individual mathematical relationships and intelligent systems were also used to predict this property with a good accuracy, but applying the hybrid models is fewer. For these reasons, nonlinear multiple regression (NLMR) approach and hybrid intelligent models were proposed to predict dew-point pressure accurately. This hybrid technique is Particle Swarm Optimization with Neural Networks (PSONN). Around of 900 collected data points are utilized to develop these hybrid models. The temperature (T), the composition of hydrocarbon, specific gravity (SG) and molecular weight (Mw) of heptane plus were used as inputs to predict the dew-point pressure (DPP).

The performance of the both NLMR approach and PSONN model are compared with performance of the most published empirical correlations and artificial intelligences (AI) models in the literature. Based on the statistical error analysis results, the new hybrid PSONN models outperform the NLMR model and the most published empirical correlations and artificial intelligences (AI) in the literature. The result also confirmed the PSONN hybrid model achieved the best one with APRE (2.45%) and the highest CC (0.997).

Synthesis and Performance of Mo₂C-Modified HY Zeolite Catalysts for Naphtha Reforming

2025-08-04T09:56:10+03:00

Mo₂C-modified HY zeolite catalysts were developed to enhance dehydrogenation and isomerization reactions in naphtha catalytic reforming. Two composite systems, Pt–Ti/HY and Mo₂C–Pt/CeY, were synthesized and characterized using XRD, BET, and FTIR.techniques. Catalytic performance was evaluated in a pilot reforming unit at temperatures of 480–520 °C, pressures of 10–15 bar, LHSV of 2 h⁻¹, and H₂/HC ratio of 4.

Results indicate that titanium incorporation improves metal–acid balance and promotes hydrogenation–dehydrogenation functionality through the formation of tetrahedrally coordinated Ti species. Among the tested catalysts, Pt–Ti/HY exhibited superior performance, achieving a research octane number of 86.2 and aromatics yield of 27.2 wt% at 520 °C and 15 bar. These findings demonstrate that metal modification of HY zeolite significantly enhances catalytic activity and selectivity in naphtha reforming.

Improvements and Limits in the Search for Lead-Free Aviation Fuel in Iraq: A Mini Review

2025-06-19T12:23:30+03:00

The continued emission of leaded aviation fuel has raised serious public health concerns among aviation companies. This study emphasizes the pressing need to identify alternative fuel options, highlighting how Aviation gasoline AVGAS has historically influenced engine performance and emission levels. As a high-octane gasoline critical to piston-engine aircraft, AVGAS has been linked to significant human health risks due to its lead content. Regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have advocated for transitioning from analog to digital systems to address these concerns. This shift requires thorough investigation and adherence to safety standards. Recent advancements, such as the use of high-octane mogas with a RON-98 rating, demonstrate promising outcomes in maintaining aircraft performance while mitigating environmental harm. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including engine compatibility, vapor lock risks, and regulatory compliance, underscoring the necessity for continued collaboration between fuel developers and aircraft manufacturers. This review explores the environmental impact of AVGAS, its effects on emissions and engine function, and sets the groundwork for future sustainable aviation practices.

Hematite Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Tribological and Rheological Performance as a Lubricating Oil

2025-10-09T10:21:55+03:00

Friction refers to the resistive forces generated between surfaces in relative motion. In engines, the primary sources of frictional losses are sliding and rotating components. The addition of nanoparticles to lubricating oils at an optimal concentration can effectively reduce the coefficient of friction and enhance overall lubrication performance. This research aims to synthesize hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method and evaluate their tribological and rheological performance as additives in 40-stock base oil to enhance its lubricating properties. Ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and ammonia solution were used as precursor and precipitating agents, respectively. The effect of the cationic surfactant CTAB on particle size and distribution was also studied. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nitrogen adsorption (BET), and the Timken tester for load-carrying capacity.

The results confirmed the successful formation of uniform nanoparticles with sizes 25 nm. The use of CTAB increased the surface area and reduced the particle size. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior. When added at an optimal concentration of 0.01 wt.%, the nano-hematite significantly improved the base oil’s load-carrying capacity by 92% and reduced wear. However, at higher concentrations, particle agglomeration negatively affected the performance. The findings demonstrate the potential of nano-hematite as an efficient and sustainable additive for lubricating oils, contributing to improved mechanical performance and energy efficiency.

Nano Pt-W/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst is Used for Reforming Sweet Heavy Naphtha

2025-08-02T07:13:19+03:00

Catalytic reforming process of sweet heavy naphtha to produce high octane number gasoline (reformate) using bimetallic platinum (Pt) and tungsten (W) loaded on Nano γ-Al₂O₃ as support, prepared by wet impregnation method and characterization by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area BET and crushing strength. Results showed high surface area 340.1m²/mg, pore volume 0.326 cm³/gm, pore size is 6.139 nm and average particle size 64.64 nm when loading 0.3wt%Pt and 0.3wt%W, on Nano γ-Al₂O₃. The activity of the prepared Pt-W/γ-Al₂O₃ Nano catalyst was investigated using sweet heavy naphtha at the temperature range (470 to 520°C), pressure of 15 bar and H₂/ HC ratio = 6 in a packed bed reactor for catalytic reforming pilot unit. The best result was obtained research octane number equal 88.5 for product gasoline at temperature 500ºC. Last but not least, the results of adding tungsten to the Nano-catalyst gave an improvement in the chemical reactions.

From Flare to Power: Flare Gas Recovery in a Central Iraqi Oilfield (Case Study)

2025-09-28T21:03:37+03:00

A central Iraqi oilfield, a significant hydrocarbon resource in Iraq, produces approximately 15 MMSCFD of associated gas from its designated production area, which has been historically flared, contributing to Iraq’s position as the third-largest gas-flaring nation globally. This study investigates the flare gas recovery project at the field’s designated production area, initiated in 2024, to rehabilitate compression and processing units for supplying dry gas to a nearby gas-turbine power station. Gas composition analysis, conducted via gas chromatography in 2018 and 2022, reveals a high methane content of 80.88 mol% and 77.71 mol%, respectively, with low concentrations of CO₂ and H₂S. Following processing through sweetening and dehydration units, the treated export gas achieves a methane content of 80.495 mol% with an HHV of 1276 BTU/SCF and total sulfur below 0.880 ppm, meeting Iraqi marketing specifications for dry gas. The project abates approximately 370,000 tons of CO₂e annually, aligning with Iraq’s Paris Agreement commitments and the World Bank’s Zero Flaring by 2030 initiative. Utilizing the recovered gas in a gas turbine with an efficiency of 35% yields approximately 82 MW of electrical power, thereby enhancing grid resilience. Economic analysis, based on a gas pricing model linked to Brent crude oil at 60 USD/bbl, estimates an annual gross revenue of 46.16 million USD, with net revenues of 29.74 million USD (excluding carbon credits) and 48.24 million USD (including carbon credits at 50 USD/tCO₂e). Carbon credit sensitivity analysis across price scenarios from 10 to 100 USD/tCO2e showed the project is viable on gas revenue alone, with carbon credits providing supplementary income of 3.70 to 37.00 million USD/year depending on market conditions. This initiative reduces emissions, bolsters energy security by offsetting gas imports, and generates significant economic benefits, demonstrating a sustainable model for flare gas utilization in Iraq’s energy sector.

Impact of Dual-Fuel Diesel/Hydrogen on The Performance and Emissions of Internal Combustion Engine

2025-02-03T12:08:34+03:00

This study investigates the effects of hydrogen-assisted combustion of n-heptane on engine performance, combustion behavior, and emission characteristics. The simulation was performed on a diesel engine fueled by n-heptane with 10% and 20% hydrogen injection volumes. The combustion simulation was performed on a three-dimensional cylindrical sector, with the engine speed maintained at 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm) while the crank angle varied from 570° to 833°. A reaction mechanism was utilized to incorporate the phases of n-heptane and H₂ interaction and the CO and NOx formation processes. According to the modeling results, increasing hydrogen induction dramatically improves performance by raising the maximum cylinder pressure, brake thermal efficiency, and heat release rate. The cylinder pressure increases by 4.1% and 15.9% when 10% and 20% hydrogen are added to heptane, respectively. Adding 10% H₂ increases the thermal efficiency by 23.7%, and adding 20% H₂ increases it by 37%. Together with the contours of CO, CO₂, and NOx, the distribution of in-cylinder pressure illustrates the properties of the flow field. Both CO and CO₂ pollution have significantly decreased overall. When a 10% volume of H₂ was added, CO emissions dropped by 57.1%, and when a 20% volume of H₂ was added, they dropped by 64.2%. CO₂ emissions decreased by 25.1% with a 10% volume of H₂ and by 39.1% with a 20% volume of H₂. Moreover, more excellent combustion has resulted in a rise in NOx emissions.

The Effect of Partial Replacement of GGBS on the Rheological Properties of Oil Well Cement Slurries

2025-01-12T12:03:10+03:00

The rheological properties of cement slurries play a crucial role in the identification and mitigation of gas-migration issues in oil field applications. Rheological properties give for more fundamental investigation, more precise phenomenological description of flow properties and serve as datum for numerical simulations. Standard commercially available rheometers are typically utilized to implement those measurements. This work presents the constitutive modelling of cement slurries use cement type G as defined by the API. The categorisation established by the American Petroleum Institute is conducted at varying rates. Ground-grained blast furnace slag (GGBS) at 15% intervals ranging from 15% to 75%. Continued. Cement slurries often display multifaceted non-linear fluid behaviour, including viscoelasticity, yield stress, shear-thinning effects, thixotropy, and other related phenomena. Two crucial rheological properties of cement, the shear viscosity and the yield stress, have been intensively investigated. We found the optimal percentage of partial replacement of cement type G with GGBS, water/cement ratio, mixing methods, temperature, shear rate, pressure, and the thixotropic behavior of cement with GGBS. The result shows that when increase the partial replacement of GGBS the plastic viscosity and yield point increase with increase the percentage of GGBS and the optimal percentage is 45% and then decrease until reaching the percentage 75%.