Ukrnafta patented the method of fracturing using the Fly Ash Frac technology using dry ash from the TPP

Ukrnafta PJSC received a patent for hydraulic fracturing using the Fly Ash Frac technology using dry fly ash from Ukrainian thermal power plants as a wedging agent. This was reported by the head of Ukrnafta, Sergiy Koretskyi.

Hydraulic fracturing makes it possible to intensify production in depleted fields and produce hydrocarbons from dense rocks. Proppant is pumped into the rock - a fixative of the crack created in the process of breaking. The proppant carrier is a liquid thickened to a gel-like state. This mixture "pushes" the hydrocarbons inside this rock towards the production well through the created fracture.

The Ukrnafta Oil Industry Service Department initiated the development and implementation of its own fracturing process. The company's patented technology allows using dry fly ash from Ukrainian thermal power plants on injection wells instead of conventional proppant.

Ash is a secondary product of the generation of coal-fired power plants. Fly Ash Frac allows Ukrnafta to make secondary use of what is, in fact, a by-product of the TPP, Koretskyi notes.

"Adhering to the principles of a cyclical economy, we are reducing the carbon footprint of the Ukrainian energy industry and the state in general," Koretskyi noted.

This technology does not require the preparation of gelling systems: formation water is used. Compared to the standard method, hydraulic fracturing with the use of dry ash from Ukrainian thermal power plants allows optimizing the company's costs. According to Koretskyi, the savings are about UAH 2 million per well/operation.

Ukrnafta conducted all the necessary research and received proof of the safety and reliability of the new technology.

"We are working and laying the foundation for the optimization of production - which is directly related to ensuring defense capability and strengthening Ukraine on the path of energy security," concluded the head of Ukrnafta.