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Department of
Petroleum and Energy Studies

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Department of
Petroleum and Energy Studies

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Research

Petroleum Data Science

Petroleum Data Science

The research focuses on extracting valuable insights from vast and complex datasets within the petroleum industry. Through advanced data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling, the researchers aim to optimize exploration and production processes, enhance reservoir management, and streamline decision-making. The team strives to unlock new avenues for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of petroleum exploration and extraction by harnessing the power of data.

Some of the research outcomes:
  • R. K. Pandey, A. Kumar, A. Mandal, and B. Vaferi, “Genetic algorithm optimization of deep structured classifier-predictor models for pressure transient analysis,” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, vol. 145, no. 2, 2023, doi: 10.1115/1.4054896.
  • R. K. Pandey, A. Gandomkar, B. Vaferi, A. Kumar, and F. Torabi “Supervised deep learning-based paradigm to screen the enhanced oil recovery scenarios,” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-32187-2.
  • R. Purbey, H. Parijat, D. Agarwal, D. Mitra, R. Agarwal, R. K. Pandey, and A. K. Dahiya, “Machine learning and data mining assisted petroleum reservoir engineering: a comprehensive review,” International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, vol. 30, no. 4, 2022, doi: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2021.10043807.
  • R. K. Pandey, S. Aggarwal, G. Nath, A. Kumar, and B. Vaferi, “Metaheuristic algorithm integrated neural networks for well-test analyses of petroleum reservoirs,” Scientific Reports, vol. 12, 2022, doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-21075-w.
  • R. K. Pandey, A. Kumar, A. Mandal, and B. Vaferi, “Employing deep learning neural networks for characterizing dual-porosity reservoirs based on pressure transient tests,” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, vol. 144, no. 11, 2022, doi: 10.1115/1.4054227.
  • R. K. Pandey, A. K. Dahiya, A. K. Pandey, and A. Mandal, “Optimized deep learning model assisted pressure transient analysis for automatic reservoir characterization,” Petroleum Science and Technology, vol. 40, no. 6, 2022, doi: 10.1080/10916466.2021.2007122.

Waste to Wealth

The group is working on synthesizing novel materials “Aerogel” using various abundantly available household, societal, and industrial wastages viz. wastepaper, Agro-waste, plastic waste, electronics waste, etc. through novel cross-linkers. The synthesized novel material can be used for various Engineering applications viz. CO2 capture, acoustic and thermal applications, and oil spill cleaning applications. The group is also working on converting agricultural waste to biochar to synthesize a low-cost and portable water filter to remove heavy metals from wastewater. 

Waste to Wealth
Some of the research outcomes: 
  • Kumar G, Dora DTK, Jadav D et al (2021) Utilization and regeneration of waste sugarcane bagasse as a novel robust aerogel as an effective thermal, acoustic insulator, and oil adsorbent. J Clean Prod 298:126744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.
  • Kumar G, Dora DTK, Devarapu SR. Hydrophobicized cum amine-grafted robust cellulose-based aerogel for CO2 capture. Biomass Convers Biorefinery. Published online 2022:1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-03346-8.
  • Gopal Kumar, Dr. Tapas Kumar Dora, Dr. Srinivas Reddy (2021) An Indian Patent entitled "Amine grafted agricultural waste-based aerogel with in-situ hydrophobic characteristic for CO2 capture" with application number 202141057075, Journal number 51/2021, dated 17/12/2021.
Development of Nano catalysts for environmentally-friendly chemical processes

Development of Nano catalysts for environmentally-friendly chemical processes

The research work of this group works on the development of nanocatalayst for various chemical reactions, that achieve enahnced conversion and selectivity via modified environmentally-friendly pathway. Nanocatalysts provide distinct activity which can be enhanced by controlling their size, shape, surface composition, and electronic structure, but suffers from sintering or deactivation during any chemical recation. Towards this goal, the research work focuses on the feasibility of structured encapsulants with well defined pores to suppress sintering of encapsulated nanoparticles.

Some of the research outcomes:
  • Saxena, S.; Singh, R.; Pala, R. G. S.; Sivakumar, S. "Sinter-Resistant Gold Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Zeolite Nanoshell for Oxidation of Cyclohexane." RSC Adv. 2016, 6 (10). https://doi.org/10.1039/c5ra20734g.
  • Saxena, S.; Yadaw, D.; Tiwari, K.; Venkatesh, V.; Verma, S.; Pala, R. G. S.; Sivakumar, S. "Hollow Zeolites Encapsulating Ultra-Low Noble Metal Nanoparticles for HMF Oxidation." Catal. Letters 2021, 151 (4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-020-03361-2.

Modelling Fluid Flow in Fractured and Unconventional Reservoirs

The research focuses on numerical modelling of fluid flow in fractured and unconventional reservoirs, with particular emphasis on stress-sensitive formations and shale gas reservoirs. By developing and refining dual-porosity and multi-continuum models, we aim to address the complexities of fluid behaviour in these challenging environments, where factors like fracture networks, adsorption, and desorption play crucial roles. Our work not only enhances the understanding of fluid dynamics in low-permeability reservoirs but also provides practical tools for optimizing reservoir management and improving production efficiency in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Modelling Fluid Flow in Fractured and Unconventional Reservoirs
Some of the research outcomes:
  • Kumar, A., & Govindarajan, S. K. (2020). Numerical investigations on compressible non-linear fluid flow associated with a stress-sensitive fractured reservoir. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects. DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2020.1777224.
  • Govindarajan, S. K., Kumar, A., & Mishra, A. (2020). Fluid Flow through Shale Gas Reservoirs: Simplified Conceptual and Mathematical Models. Petroleum and Coal, 62(3), 776-791.
  • Govindarajan, S. K., Kumar, A., Mishra, A., & Pavan, T. N. (2020). Conceptual Modelling of Low Salinity Water Flooding in a Fractured Reservoir. Petroleum & Coal, 62(4), 1435-1448.
Fracturing Fluids for High Temperature Applications

Fracturing Fluids for High Temperature Applications

The research area mainly focuses on the development of viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluids specifically for high-temperature applications. This involved the use of various commercially available surfactant and the synthesis and characterization of novel surfactants derived from natural source- a crucial aspect in pushing the boundaries of VES fluid technology. Additionally, the investigations on the effect of different nanoparticles and their concentrations on the microstructure and rheological properties of VES fluids, contributing valuable insights to optimize fluid performance. Apart from experimental work, the research area also focuses on analysis of fracture parameters through Mini-frac tests, employing decline curve analysis for precise determination. Furthermore, it also focuses on the use of FracPro software for hydraulic fracturing design, simulation, and optimization of fracture parameters.

Some of the research outcomes:
  • Kumar Abhijeet Raj and Keka Ojha, 2023, Determination of fracture parameters using viscoelastic surfactant fracturing fluid through Mini-frac test, 84th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition, Jun 2023, Volume 2023, p.1 - 5 DOI: 10.3997/2214-4609.2023101216.
  • Kumar Abhijeet Raj, Archana Balikram, Keka Ojha, 2022. “Impact assessment of nanoparticles on microstructure and rheological behavior of VES fracturing fluid formulated with mixed surfactant system”. Journal of Molecular Liquid. 345, 118241. 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118241.
  • Kumar Abhijeet Raj, Keka Ojha, 2019, “Development and characterization of nanoparticles-enhanced viscoelastic fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing, 81st EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition, Jun 2019, Volume 2019, p.1 – 5 DOI: 10.3997/2214-4609.201901442.

Heat Transfer characteristics of nano-fluids 

The research work of this group works on the enhancement of thermo-physical properties using various nanofluids. Nano particles significantly influence the fluid’s thermophysical properties resulting in improvement of heat transfer performance. Nanofluids exhibits remarkably higher thermal conductivity, increased heat capacity, improved heat transfer coefficients and thermal stability of fluids. 

Some of the research outcomes: 
  • R. Saxena, D. Gangacharyulu, V.K. Bulasara, 2016, “Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics of Dilute Alumina–Water Nanofluids at Different Power Inputs”, Heat Transfer Engineering, 37:18, 1554-1565.
Heat Transfer characteristics of nano-fluids
RESEARCH

Group: Waste To Wealth

Group Leader: Dr. D. Tapas Kumar Dora

The group is working on the synthesis of novel materials “aerogel” using various abundantly available household, societal and industrial wastages viz. waste paper, agro-waste, plastic waste, fly-ash etc. through novel cross-linkers. The synthesized novel material can be used for various Engineering application viz. CO2 capture, acoustic and thermal applications, and oil spill cleaning haemostatic applications. The group is also working on the conversion of agricultural waste to biochar for the synthesis of a low cost and portable water filter for the removal of heavy metals from the waste water.

Group: SELF-HEALING CEMENT

Group Leader: Mr. Gaurav Richhariya

The group is working on the development of self-healing, autogenous cement for decrease the water formation in the oil well. The self-healing cement is synthesized through the impregnation of the super absorbent polymers with multilayer encapsulation of the cross-linked chemicals. The synthesized cement core will possess higher compressive strength, less water permeable owing to the absorption of water by the super absorbent polymers, higher swelling ratio in normal and saline conditions and higher stagnant period so as to increase its sustainability during pumping of the cement slurry into the oil well.

Group: DRILLING FLUID

Group Leader: Mr. Gopal Kumar

The group is working on the modification of the conventional drilling fluid to a type of fluid which modifies its properties according to downhole condition through introduction of novel synthesized polymers. By using novel drilling fluids drilling time, treatment time, drilling fluid cost, hole problems can be reduced significantly that could help in efficient drilling operation. novel drilling fluids may also be useful not only in drilling operation but also in well completion phase.

Group: PETROLEUM DATA ANALYTICS

Group Leader: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Pandey

The research focuses on developing and implementing predictive models and analytic tools to the oil and gas field operations including well test analysis, reservoir simulation, reservoir performance analysis and enhanced oil recovery with the applications of data analytics, data mining, data automation and machine learning to meet the specific requirements and challenges of increasing the recovery efficiency in the petroleum industry.

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Group1: Waste To Wealth

Group Leader: Mr. Gopal Kumar

The group is working on the synthesis of novel materials “aerogel” using various abundantly available household, societal and industrial wastages viz. waste paper, agro-waste, plastic waste, fly-ash etc. through novel cross-linkers. The synthesized novel material can be used for various Engineering application viz. CO2 capture, acoustic and thermal applications, and oil spill cleaning haemostatic applications. The group is also working on the conversion of agricultural waste to biochar for the synthesis of a low cost and portable water filter for the removal of heavy metals from the waste water.

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Group2: Self-healing Cement

Group Leader: Dr. Gaurav Richhariya

The group is working on the development of self-healing, autogenous cement for decrease the water formation in the oil well. The self-healing cement is synthesized through the impregnation of the super absorbent polymers with multilayer encapsulation of the cross-linked chemicals. The synthesized cement core will possess higher compressive strength, less water permeable owing to the absorption of water by the super absorbent polymers, higher swelling ratio in normal and saline conditions and higher stagnant period so as to increase its sustainability during pumping of the cement slurry into the oil well.

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Group3: Petroleum Data Analytics

Group Leader: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Pandey

The research focuses on developing and implementing predictive models and analytic tools to the oil and gas field operations including well test analysis, reservoir simulation, reservoir performance analysis and enhanced oil recovery with the applications of data analytics, data mining, data automation and machine learning to meet the specific requirements and challenges of increasing the recovery efficiency in the petroleum industry.

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Group4: Nanofluids Preparation, Characterization, Heating & Cooling applications

Group Leader: Ms. Richa Saxena

This group is working on preparation of nanofluids using various nano particles their characterization and applications. Investigation of thermo physical properties of nanofluids. Heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of carbon nanotubes nanofluid. Optimization of refining technologies, use of catalyst in petroleum refining and petrochemical industries.