Journal of Petroleum Research and Studies

Iraq Crude Oil Exports – April, May, and June/ 2024

Oil Marketing Company SOMO — 2025-06-22

Table 1. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – April 2024

Table 2. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – May 2024

Table 3. Iraq Crude Oil Exports – June 2024

Geothermal Gradients in Selected Wells by Using Borehole Temperatures

Rzger Abdulkarim Abdula — 2025-06-22

The temperature statistics from 48 oil and water boreholes are exploited to infer the geothermal inclination of Iraq. The recorded BHT of open hole logs is regularly lower than the accurate temperature. Consequently, the Horner scheme, was utilized in this study to correct BHT in which the reported temperature at a selected depth will be plotted versus rewarm time. The geothermal gradients (G.G.) vary noticeably horizontally (borehole to borehole) and vertically (depth). The inconsistencies in geothermal gradients throughout Iraq are a result of sediments’ thermal conductivity variation, heat generation, distribution and geometry of faults, and groundwater effects. In Northern Iraq, the maximum, minimum, and mean geothermal gradients (G.G.) are 29°C/km in Butma-2, 15°C/km in Ziwe-1, and 21°C/km, respectively. In Western Desert, the lowermost gradient within the layers above Paleozoic units is 12°C/km in KH-9/7 water borehole within Rutbah Subzone and the maximum is 31°C/km for Akkas-1 oil borehole in the north western portion in the region within Jezira Subzone. However, the maximum G.G. (61°C/km) in the Silurian Akkas is verified within 2100-2350 meters’ interval below the ground level. The average G.G. of 26°C/km in Western Iraq noticed in sections above the Paleozoic; however, G.G. value increases to 40°C/km in Paleozoic formations owing to presence of Akkas shale and rising heat from the basement unit. In Central Iraq, the average geothermal incline is about 20°C/km built on surrounding areas. In southern Iraq, the maximum G.G. (30°C/km) was reported in Nahr Umr-7 oil borehole in the Zubair Subzone. The lowest geothermal gradient (17°C/km) was detected in Luhays-12 oil borehole in the Zubair Subzone. The mean regional G.G. in southern Iraq is 22°C/km.

The X Formation and its Impact on Tertiary Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in the AX Field, North Iraq

Ahmed I. Al-Naemi — 2025-06-22

The study area (AX Field), located in Salah al-Din Governorate, northeast of Tikrit, alongside the structurally higher HY Field, is an area of significant geological interest, particularly concerning its Tertiary hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study aims to delineate the facies of the X Formation and their lateral extensions across drilled wells, focusing on how the increasing number of anhydrite beds impacts the active hydrocarbon reservoir thickness. Data from well logs (AX-ai, bi, ci, di, ei, fi, gi, and HN-hi), formation tops, and final well reports were utilized to construct geological sections, revealing the stratigraphic continuity and variability within the X Formation. Thickness variations were observed, ranging from 19 meters in AX-ei to 51 meters in AX-ji, indicative of a complex depositional environment influenced by tectonic settings, subsidence rates, and sediment supply for sedimentary basin.

The primary lithology of the X Formation is characterized by limestone and dolomitic limestone, with significant variations in anhydrite content. Wells such as AX-ei and AX-di have fewer anhydrite layers, whereas AX-ji and HN-hi show substantial evaporitic conditions with multiple anhydrite beds. These lithological variations suggest localized geological factors affecting sedimentation and diagenesis processes.

The study concludes that the X Formation is a critical component of the Tertiary reservoir system in the AX Field, serving as both a gas and oil reservoir. The spatial variability in anhydrite lithofacies, increasing northeastward, reflects the complexity of diagenetic processes and sedimentation patterns. Understanding these variations is essential for accurate reservoir characterization and effective hydrocarbon extraction strategies. This research provides valuable insights into the geological and sedimentary dynamics of the AX Field, emphasizing the economic importance thickness and facies of X Formation in the reservoir system.

Development Challenges and Reservoir Evaluation of Bina Bawi Gas Field

Muhammed A. Mazeel — 2025-06-22

The Bina Bawi gas field is located in Sulaymania Province 60 km from Erbil Province, the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. The Bina Bawi#1 exploration well was drilled in a total depth of 3,355 meters (11,007 feet) for the purpose of testing the hydrocarbon potential of the Triassic-Jurassic carbonate reservoirs of Kurra Chine; Qamchuqa (Primary) and Butmah Sarki (secondary).

A midstream pre-FEED study was completed in early 2017 and the field development plan (FDP) was submitted to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) - Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in 2018.

The oil and gas field, is expected to help the Kurdistan Regional Government in meeting the domestic gas demand and for export to Turkey according to the contract agreed with Genel.

The Triassic Kurra Chine and Geli Khana formation is represented in a large anticlinal structure. The oil rim lies in the Jurassic formation. The resources need further appraisal well to turn them into a reserve. The gas is very sour gas and requires specialised technology.

The development of the Bina Bawi field needs further planning to minimize costs and reduce risk. A phased development would allow to gain additional knowledge about the reservoir, control costs and reduce the risk of development. The dispute between KRG and the federal government represented by the Ministry of Oil, and the decision of the supreme court about the validity of any KRG oil and gas contracts poses a risk complicating International Oil Companies (IOC’s) investment in Iraqi Kurdistan.

AI-Based Estimation of Poisson’s Ratio for Carbonate Formations Using Drilling Parameters in a Southern Iraqi Oil Field

Doaa S. Mahdi — 2025-06-22

Wellbore instability is a significant issue encountered during drilling operations. The mechanical properties of the formation are among the many factors that affect wellbore instability. Poisson's ratio is one of these mechanical properties and is a key factor in mechanical earth modeling (GEM). It is extremely important to minimize risks in drilling and production operations like sand output, collapse, tight holes, and pipe sticking. Poisson's ratio estimation contributes to optimizing hydro-carbon recovery and making important choices for a suitable field development plan. Poisson's ratio (υ) can be estimated both statically and dynamically. Static techniques measure the static properties in the lab, although static techniques are thought to be the most accurate way to determine the Poisson's ratio, they are costly, time-consuming, and unable to produce a continuous profile for Poisson's ratio. At the same time, dynamic methods compute the dynamic properties from well logging, such as density and the velocities of the compressional and shear waves, which are not always available. Thus, in this study, an artificial intelligence (AI) model is developed to estimate the Poisson's ratio for carbonate formation in the southern Iraqi oil field using available parameters during drilling. The dataset used in this study comprises over 451 data points, which range from depth of 2228 to 2453 m for the operations of training and testing. These data are including weight on bit (WOB), rotary speed (RPM), mud flow rate (FLW), Torque (T), standpipe pressure (SPP), and rate of penetration (ROP). The results indicate that new model can predict the Poisson's ratio with a high degree of accuracy (i.e., 93% correlation coefficients). Predicting rock Poisson's ratio from drilling data enables the early construction of a geomechanical model and saves cost and time compared to laboratory testing.

An Experimental Comparison between Ionic Liquid and Nanofluid Injection in the Nassiriyah Oil Field: Application for Enhanced Oil Recovery)

Maraim Kh. Uoda — 2025-06-22

Many oil fields worldwide are reaching maturity and have stopped producing oil economically. It is necessary to extract oil from tertiary recovery technologies in addition to primary and secondary stages to meet the growing demand for power worldwide, increasing the price of oil. For this reason, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) will become more critical. A feasible technique to increase oil recovery is to inject chemicals into reservoirs.

The present research investigated the effect of ionic liquid (Dodecyl pyridinium chloride) alone and nanofluid formulations from (50 ppm of carbon nanoparticle CNPs with a range of concentrations of ionic liquid) on the interfacial tension and then application in enhanced oil recovery.

The result shows that the dodecyl pyridinium chloride alters interfacial tension (IFT) from 3.13 to 1.25 dynes/cm at 250 ppm. In contrast, the optimal nanofluid formulation (50 ppm of nanocarbon with 250 ppm of ionic liquid) reduced the surface tension from 55.07 to 39.85 dyne/cm at 25 oC.

Finally, Core-flooding tests were carried out; additional oil recoveries of 5.58% and 20.56% of the original oil in place were achieved after injection 2PV of ionic liquid only and optimum nanofluid formulation at the same flow rate, respectively. At the same time, additional oil recovery was 21.67 % after injection of 4 PV of optimum nanofluid. According to the research, these nanofluids are very promising for EOR.

Improving the quality and production of reformate

Zeinab T. Abdulwahhab — 2025-06-22

One of the primary and most crucial units in Iraqi refineries is the gasoline reforming unit. In order to simulate and upgrade the conventional unit to the other unit configuration (Continuous Catalytic Regeneration Reformer Process (CCRRP)), it was suggested in this study to develop the gasoline reforming unit (Semi-Regenerative Catalytic Reformer Process (SRCRP)) by adding a fourth reactor (fixed bed reactor) of the same size and configuration for the last reactor of the unit that is currently used in the refinery. This study aims to investigate the effect of increasing the number of reactors on product quality. Several variables were studied in the unit, including temperature (490, 500, 510, 520, 530, and 540 ºC), pressure (8 & 12 bar), Liquid Hourly Space Velocity (LHSV) 1.5 & 4.5 hr-1, catalyst type (spent and fresh), and catalyst regeneration and pre-preparation steps (carbon burning + drying + oxychlorination + calcination + reduction + sulfiding). The results showed that the maximum increasing of RON values is 10 degrees under 12 bar and 4.5 hr-1 by applying all the regeneration and pre-preparation steps with exception of oxychlorination (for spent catalyst) but with short life period of this catalyst comparing with fresh catalyst which have high activity for long interval with 8 grades increasing in RON. In addition, the RON of the reformate at (12 bar) was higher than the octane number at (8 bar). Otherwise, the RON does not differ significantly between the two LHSV values tested (1.5 and 4.5 hr-1), indicating that the LHSV had no major influence on the product's octane number for reformate improvement by adding fourth reactor. According to the catalyst regeneration and pre-preparation method, the results indicate that the highest and longest improving of octane number was obtained when a fresh catalyst was applied in the unit by performing the pre- preparation processes which include (drying + reduction + sulfiding) for it, followed by spent catalyst with all the activation steps which include (carbon burning + drying + oxychlorination + calcination+ reduction + sulfiding).

The Impact of Different SMAW Electrodes on Trainee Skills Using Virtual Welding Machines at Baiji Oil Training Institute

Mohammed H. Abbas — 2025-06-22

This research aims to investigate virtual reality arc welding using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and to compare three different types of welding wire (E6010, E6013, and E7018) respectively. The working method includes testing for three types of welding. The method is SMAW, but there are differences in the welding wire (E6010, E6013, and E7018). The research results indicated a discrepancy in the welding results and a clear difference between the testers in terms of zigzag and filling of the welding field. Therefore, the highest score achieved of 51 of the E6013 wire types, which was reached at position 80, arc length 49, working angle 27, travel angle 42, and travel speed 60. The results will contribute to increasing the ability of the testers to obtain better future results through their knowledge of the errors that occurred.

Simulation Study of Methyl Salicylate Production via Reactive Distillation Columns

Mohammed Jassim — 2025-06-22

In this research, reactive distillation column simulation of methyl salicylate (MeSC) synthesis is well explored and discussed. Methyl salicylate is one of the common esters used in industries such as the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavors and is produced through esterification of salicylic acid (ScA) and methanol (MeOH). Reactive distillation, which combines the reaction kinetics and separation operations together in the same vessel, can be regarded as a very effective approach. By Applying different parameters using the process simulation software, the best operating conditions for the formation of methyl salicylate were determined including the temperature and the types of columns. Here research is carried out with an aim of assessing the performances of batch (CBD) and semi batch (SBD) processes of reactive distillation and establish the conversion rates as well as the conversion efficiencies. The accomplishment of the production process simulation is facilitated by gPROMS Module Builder that can model more than simple reactions to produce high purity methyl salicylate through distillation. The paper also compares the efficiency of the SBD composition with the CBD methods, and the statistics differ significantly; the SBD composition has a 85% conversion rate and has the highest purity of 99%.

Insights from simulation provide valuable guidance for optimizing process parameters and selecting the most appropriate distillation mode for industrial-scale production. This research contributes to ongoing efforts to intensify the process and emphasizes the potential of reactive distillation as aviable method for methyl salicylate synthesis.

Integrating PID Control and Emergency Protection in Natural Gas Processing: A Theoretical Framework with Emphasis on Modeling and Optimization Techniques

Sabreen H. Nasser — 2025-06-22

This study introduces new advancements in natural gas treatment processes post-extraction from oil wells, emphasizing dynamic modeling and control experiments for improved efficiency and safety. Addressing the challenges of gas with high oil content exposed to extreme conditions during extraction, our research employs a state-of-the-art PID control system. The PID system uniquely allocates the proportional integral component exclusively for gas level control, while both components regulate pressure and temperature. Complemented by an advanced emergency protection system, featuring a precision pressure relief valve and automatic shutdown switch, our control mechanisms are evaluated alongside other types, including state space and adaptive controllers. The proposed PID controller emerges as optimal, continuously adjusting output based on the discrepancy between desired and actual outputs. Beyond control strategies, the study highlights the transformative impact of gas processing, converting raw natural gas properties into methane. The findings have significant implications for the gas processing industry, offering improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety measures, and a reduced environmental footprint. By showcasing groundbreaking advancements in dynamic modeling and control experiments, this research paves the way for future innovations, pushing the boundaries of natural gas processing system optimization

Risk Analysis in the Oil and Gas Industry by using SPSS (Study Field in the Project of Increasing Liquid Gas Storage in Iraq)

Kadhim J. Obayes — 2025-06-22

The oil and gas industry of Iraq is one of the largest industries in the country and provides a lot of income for the country. Because this industry is associated with many risks, risk analysis in this industry is very vital. Therefore, the present research was carried out in order to manage risk in the oil and gas industry in the project of increasing liquefied gas storage in Iraq, by a survey-type descriptive method and an applied purpose in 2023. The statistical population of the research consisted of all the senior managers, middle managers and officials of 15 oil and gas companies in Iraq 255 people, from which 154 people were selected to participate in the research using the Cochran formula and based on the stratified sampling method proportional to the volume. The data collection method is the library and field method. The tool for collecting data is a researcher-made questionnaire with 9 components (exploration stage risk, evaluation stage risk, development stage risk, gas condensate storage tank risk, ground surface facility risk, economic risk, technological risk, operational risk, legal and contractual risk) and 60 indicators, which were designed based on a 5-point Likert scale (very much, much, to some extent, little, very little). The validity was confirmed based on face, content and construct validity in Smart PLS software. The reliability coefficient was estimated using Cronbach's alpha as 0.9. Further, SPSS software was used in two descriptive and inferential levels in order to analyze the data. The findings indicated that risk management in the oil and gas industry of Iraq is above average in order to increase liquefied gas storage in Iraq. In addition, exploration stage risk with a mean rank of (6.07) ranked 1st among the components of risk management, evaluation stage risk with a mean rank of (5.55) ranked 2nd, development stage risk with a mean rank of (5.09) ranked 3rd, ground level facility risk with a mean rank of (5.03) ranked 4th, operational risk with a mean rank of (4.93) ranked 5th, economic risk with a mean rank of (4.81) ranked 6th, the risk of gas condensate storage tanks with a mean rank of (4.66) ranked 7th, legal and contractual risk with a mean rank of (4.48) ranked 8th, technological risk with a mean rank of (4.37) ranked 9^th.

Agricultural Waste-Based Activated Carbon for Oily Wastewater Treatment by Adsorption: A Review

Safaa T. Al Asadi — 2025-06-22

Oily wastewater poses great risks to the ecosystem, human health and living organisms. Therefore, the development and study of sorbents using various activation techniques to remove oils from water resources is of interest to the scientific community. Here, we present a review on the use of sorbents made from agricultural waste to remove oils and hydrocarbons from aqueous media. After modification, it was found that activated carbon made from agricultural waste improves the performance of the adsorption process. The presentation also includes a comprehensive analysis of the application of isothermal models, kinetic models and thermodynamic parameters. The selectivity of the sorbent is the main focus of the adsorption kinetics and isothermal models. The process of adsorption and other parameters affecting adsorption such as contact time, solution temperature, solution pH and amount of sorbent are also studied. The use of agricultural waste as sorbents is economically and environmentally beneficial for the removal of oily pollutants.

Suggesting Some Criteria for The Foundations of Oil Tanks

Salah M. Salih — 2025-06-22

The tank foundation serves as a support base for oil tanks, ensuring their stability by withstanding the tank's weight. Foundation failure commonly occurs when it cannot support the tank's weight or when the soil's bearing capacity cannot resist the stress imposed by the tank and its foundation. This study aims to ensure the stability of the tank-foundation system by selecting an appropriate foundation system that considers the soil's bearing capacity. The deformation behavior of slab-foundations for tank foundations under different conditions, with the objective of determining the optimal design for such foundations was investigated. The models used in the study are based on previous research and employ finite element analysis using STAAD Pro Foundation CONNECT Edition V.9 software to assess the stability of the structure-foundation system. The study examines three different types of foundation systems, considering parameters such as thickness, bearing capacity, and elasticity. Results indicate that the raft foundation is the most optimal design for stiff residual soils, the pile-raft structure-foundation is most suitable for marine sediment deposits, and the pile foundation is highly recommended for soft peaty soils. Finally, this research presents a specific process for determining the features of slab foundations according to soil factors and variables, which can be used to select better designs for oil tank foundations.