Theoretical chemistry to preserve the path of oil

2002/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

Offshore platforms use seawater to extract oil from the dens below the bottom. Water injection increases local pressure and oil is above water. Seawater is considered suitable for this work because of its high availability and because it is a non-polluting substance without risks.

However, sea water creates a problem. The concentration of sulfates is high and the bottom limestone has a large presence of bariums, which when coming into contact form barium sulphates. This compound is extracted together with the oil and crystallized in the transport pipes. Consequently, there is a serious physical barrier to oil.

To solve this problem, theoretical chemistry aims to design substances that prevent barium sulfate from crystallizing. Being a very geometric process, molecules adapted to this geometry have been designed. Among them, the best possible molecules have been selected through the computer, which will considerably reduce experimental tests. Theoretical chemistry saves a lot of time compared to laboratory research.