GEOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF GAS FIELDS IN THE USTYURT REGION AND WAYS TO ELIMINATE THEM THROUGH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The article analyzes the geological and technological problems of gas fields in the Ustyurt region, as well as ways to overcome them using innovative technologies. The main objective of the study is to identify the geological features of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Ustyurt Plateau, determine the technical and technological challenges encountered during the extraction process, and develop effective solutions using modern digital technologies. The paper provides precise numerical data on the geological structure of the Ustyurt Plateau, hydrocarbon formation processes, and the physical-geological parameters of reservoir layers. According to the research findings, reservoir pressure ranges from 28 to 36 MPa, temperature from 65 to 90°C, while porosity varies between 8% and 15%.

The main issues observed in the gas fields include reservoir heterogeneity, fracturing, seismogeological activity, pressure decline, and technological losses during gas purification (3.5-4.2%). It has been proven that these factors reduce extraction efficiency by up to 15-20%. As innovative approaches to solve these problems, the study proposes the implementation of 3D and 4D seismic modeling, the “Smart Field” (digital field) concept, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and AI-based monitoring systems. According to pilot tests conducted in Ustyurt fields in 2022-2024, production efficiency increased by 18-20%, energy savings by 11-13%, while emergency incidents decreased by up to 40%.[1]

In addition, the application of environmentally safe technologies makes it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions from 150,000 tons to 100,000 tons per year and decrease water consumption by 2.5 times. Based on the research results, the article proposes an integrated digital management model for the Ustyurt region, which aims to enhance gas production efficiency, minimize technological losses, and ensure environmental sustainability.