Supercritical Fluid Application in the Oil and Gas Industry: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The unique properties of supercritical fluid technology have found wide application in various industry sectors. Supercritical fluids allow for the obtainment of new types of products with special characteristics, or development and design of technological processes that are cost-effective and friendly to the environment. One of the promising areas where supercritical fluids, especially carbon dioxide, can be used is the oil industry. In this regard, the present review article summarizes the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the use of supercritical fluids in the oil and gas industry for supercritical extraction in the course of oil refining, increasing oil recovery in the production of heavy oil, hydraulic fracturing, as well as processing and disposal of oil sludge and asphaltenes. At the end of the present review, the issue of the impact of supercritical fluid on the corrosion of oil and gas equipment is considered. It is found that supercritical fluid technologies are very promising for the oil industry, but supercritical fluids also have disadvantages, such as expansion or incompatibility with materials (for example, rubber).