Import substitution: scientists from AltSU are developing a technology for the production of a new reagent for drilling oil and gas wells and a plant growth stimulator

22 April 2022 Department of Information and Media Communications

Scientists of the Department of Organic Chemistry of Altai State University received a sample of a reagent called "carboxymethylwood" (CMD). It can become a replacement for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), which is widely used today to control the properties of drilling fluids.

The global volume of CMC production is 180-300 thousand tons per year. In Russia, it is produced on a much smaller scale, part of it is imported from China, Turkey and the USA. In case of suspension of import of drilling chemicals and maintenance of existing drilling equipment, the domestic oil and gas industry will face serious problems in drilling oil and gas wells.

Although carboxymethyl cellulose is such a widely used reagent, it is not perfect and is not suitable for all wells. In real drilling conditions, as a rule, various auxiliaries and additives are used. Preliminary studies of samples of carboxymethyl wood obtained by AltSU employees, in comparison with CMC, show that the obtained reagent is not inferior to it in some indicators, but significantly exceeds it in others.

“The object of research and development work on this project is not only the final product, the optimal conditions for its production, but also data for the development of technology for its production. Thus, during the implementation of our project, it is planned to obtain a series of chemicals for flushing fluids with improved performance and environmental indicators compared to the commercially used carboxymethylcellulose. At the same time, the cost of carboxymethyl wood obtained by the proposed methods will be 2–3 times lower compared to CMC. This is also due to the fact that for the production of carboxymethyl wood, wood of low-value species, waste from timber processing, flax fire and other annual plants can be used, which is currently not qualified for use,” said the project manager, Doctor of Chemistry, Professor, Head of Department of Organic Chemistry Natalya Bazarnova.

Carboxymethylated plant products can be applied in another area. They have demonstrated themselves well as plant growth stimulants. Experiments were carried out at the university on various types of plants - vegetables, cereals, conifers - and everywhere the use of the drug showed good results. Thus, carboxymethylated products from vegetable raw materials can also be used in the agro-industrial complex.

To substitute imports, it is necessary to carry out research and development work. Production can be organized on the basis of existing CMC production facilities.

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