Relevance
The modern oil and gas industry of Kazakhstan is facing challenges related to declining production rates and the depletion of mature fields. Maintaining stable production levels and ensuring efficient resource utilization require the implementation of advanced technologies, particularly Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods.
The establishment of a dedicated research center will enable fundamental and applied studies on chemical, physicochemical, and biotechnological methods of reservoir stimulation. These efforts aim to:
• reduce oil viscosity,
• improve reservoir filtration and storage properties,
• increase the oil recovery factor.
The center will serve as a key link between the university and industrial partners (e.g., KazMunayGas, CNPC, etc.), providing scientific support for projects focused on optimizing the development of carbonate and clastic reservoirs, particularly under conditions of high formation water salinity.
Mission
To advance the university’s scientific capacity in the development and implementation of innovative EOR technologies based on fundamental and experimental research, contributing to sustainable and environmentally responsible reservoir development.
Key Research Areas
1. Chemical EOR Methods:
• Polymer flooding (including amphiphilic and salt-resistant polymers such as KLP, SNF, HPAM);
• Application of surfactants and microemulsions;
• Alkaline–surfactant–polymer (ASP) formulations.
2. Physicochemical Modeling and Digital Technologies:
• Modeling of multiphase fluid flow in porous media (Petrel, ECLIPSE, CMG);
• Development of PVT models and analysis of oil rheological properties;
• Prediction of EOR efficiency using machine learning techniques;
• Optimization of technological parameters.
Objectives
• To develop experimental and modeling research in the field of EOR;
• To train highly qualified specialists (Master’s and PhD students);
• To participate in national and international R&D programs;
• To implement developed technologies in industrial applications;
• To enhance the university’s publication output and innovation capacity.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Submission of at least 3 grant and industry-funded project proposals annually;
• Publication of at least 5 papers per year in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals;
• Annual recruitment of at least 3 Master’s students and 1 PhD student;
• Organization of at least 1 workshop or roundtable per year;
• Implementation of pilot projects at operating oil fields.
Research Laboratories
• International Laboratory for Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery;
• Laboratory for Enhanced Oil Recovery;
• Laboratory for Microemulsion-Based EOR Technologies;
• Laboratory for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR);
• Laboratory for Oilfield Chemical Reagents Development;
• Laboratory for Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids;
• Laboratory for Drilling and Cementing Fluids.