Summary

This initiative was conducted in collaboration with Daleel Petroleum and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) through the EJAAD platform.

The Natih B Formation, an ultra-tight carbonate reservoir with high total organic content (TOC up to 13%), presents significant challenges for conventional hydrocarbon recovery. This formation contains a clean carbonate matrix interbedded with organic-rich layers, which potentially hold bituminous substances locked within the rock fabric.

To address this, the project aimed to develop and pilot a thermal-chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) solution—primarily through in-situ combustion (ISC) and chemical injection techniques, possibly following mechanical fracturing. These methods target the release and in-situ upgrading of hydrocarbons from bitumen-rich zones, leveraging air/steam injection combined with nano-catalysts to enhance oil mobilization and thermal efficiency.

This applied research directly supports Oman Vision 2040 by optimizing national resource utilization, advancing cost-effective and environmentally conscious EOR methods, and reducing reliance on high-cost surface treatment or diluents. The collaboration between SQU’s Oil & Gas Research Centre (OGRC) and Kazan Federal University (KFU) provided a unique knowledge exchange opportunity, combining local reservoir expertise with international combustion and catalyst development experience.

Research Team Members:

Principal Investigator:

• Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi - Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)

Collaborations:

• National Collaboration: SQU’s Oil & Gas Research Centre (OGRC)
• International Collaboration: Oil and Gas Research Center, Kazan Federal University (KFU), Russia