Natural bitumen, also known as asphalt, has been used for thousands of years, mainly in the construction and road construction industries. However, its use in the oil and gas industry has only recently been recognized. Natural bitumen is a viscous and black substance that is found at the bottom of sands and oil reservoirs. In this article, we will examine different methods of using natural bitumen in oil and gas industries.
First, natural bitumen is used in the production of drilling mud. Drilling mud is essential in drilling operations because it cools the drill bits and brings the drill cuttings to the surface. Natural bitumen is used as a stabilizer in drilling mud, which helps prevent the mud from breaking and losing its effectiveness.
Second, natural bitumen is used in the production of hydrocarbon resistant coatings. These coatings are used to protect pipes, tanks and other equipment against the corrosive effects of hydrocarbons. Natural bitumen has a high adhesive property, which makes it an effective component in hydrocarbon resistant coatings. Coatings made of natural bitumen are also resistant to high temperature and pressure.
Thirdly, bitumen is used in the production of asphaltene inhibitors. Asphaltene is a substance found in crude oil that can clog pipelines and production equipment. Natural bitumen is used as an inhibitor in pipelines and equipment to prevent asphaltene deposits and thus clogging of pipelines.
Fourth, natural bitumen is used in the production of fracturing fluids. Fracturing fluids are used in hydraulic fracturing, which is the process of extracting oil and gas from shale formations. Natural bitumen is used in fracturing fluids because it is a viscosifying agent. It improves the transport of materials used in the fracturing process and prevents clogging of fractures.
Fifth, natural bitumen is used as a sealant in borehole completion operations. A borehole is a drilling hole created in the ground to extract oil and gas. In this process, natural bitumen is used as a sealant that prevents fluid migration in the borehole.
Sixth, bitumen is used to upgrade heavy crude oil. Heavy crude oil is difficult to produce and transport due to its high viscosity and density. Natural bitumen is used to upgrade heavy crude oil by breaking it down into lighter components. This process makes heavy crude oil more portable, more economically viable, and easier to convert into high-quality products.
Seventh, natural bitumen is used in the production of bitumen emulsion. Bitumen emulsions are used in the production of asphalt pavements and roads. Natural bitumen is used in bitumen emulsions as a binder that holds the aggregates together.
Eighth, natural bitumen is used in the production of lubricants. Lubricants are used to reduce friction and wear between two surfaces. Natural bitumen is used as a component in lubricants because it has high adhesive properties and can protect surfaces from wear and tear.
Ninth, natural bitumen is used in the production of roof materials. Natural bitumen is the main component in roofing materials, which provides thermal insulation and moisture insulation.
Finally, natural bitumen is also used in the cosmetic industry. Natural bitumen is used as an ingredient in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and ointments. The high adhesive properties of natural bitumen make it an effective emollient that helps moisturize and protect the skin.
In conclusion, natural bitumen has many applications in oil and gas industries. From drilling mud to cosmetics, bitumen has proven to be a versatile material that has greatly contributed to operations and processes in the sector. As the sector continues to evolve, it is expected that the use of natural bitumen will increase and new fields of application will be discovered.
The use and application of natural bitumen in insulation industries, especially in oil and gas industries, is one of its most important features. Oil and gas transmission pipes are subject to corrosion and decay more than any other pipe.
To protect the base material of steel pipes from corrosion caused by contact with fluids or corrosive environment, it is quite common and common to use internal or external coatings in piping systems.
In the meantime, natural bitumen helps these pipes to be well insulated and less exposed to corrosion damage. The use of natural bitumen has a special place in the oil and gas industry. The coating of oil and gas pipes is possible with the help of natural bitumen.
One of the most important concerns of oil and gas industry engineers is the constant wear and corrosion of pipes carrying these materials and their connections. It is interesting to know that in Iran, corrosion costs in oil and gas industries are estimated to be around 3-5% of the gross domestic income.
Therefore, we are facing a very large and important number, the reduction of which can create huge savings in the oil and gas industry. The method of covering the pipes can be very different and diverse based on the need; But one of the most used materials in this field is Gilsonite.
One of the basic features of the use of natural bitumen (in both natural and refined types) is its suitability for creating a cover against all types of moisture. From this point of view, one of the common uses of Gilsonite and natural bitumen powder is its use in insulation industries and to create moisture coatings.
Moisture coatings are produced in various types and each one has its own application, which has led to the acceptance of the sale of mineral bitumen powder. As a simple example, Isogam sheets are one of the products of the insulation industry, which have small and large applications in construction and industrial applications.
Finally, natural bitumen is also used in the cosmetic industry. Natural bitumen is used as an ingredient in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and ointments. The high adhesive properties of natural bitumen make it an effective emollient that helps moisturize and protect the skin.
In conclusion, natural bitumen has many applications in oil and gas industries. From drilling mud to cosmetics, bitumen has proven to be a versatile material that has greatly contributed to operations and processes in the sector. As the sector continues to evolve, it is expected that the use of natural bitumen will increase and new fields of application will be discovered.
