Breakthrough in Rhamnolipids Applications in Oil and Gas Development

Research from Liaoning Petrochemical University has shed light on the vast potential of rhamnolipids in the oil and gas industry, with their biodegradable and environmentally friendly properties making them an attractive surfactant. The study delved into the production methods, characteristics, and current status of rhamnolipids, highlighting their promising applications in reducing surface tension, emulsification and demulsification, solubilization, and coiling. Additionally, the researchers discovered new anti-aggregation characteristics of rhamnolipids, which can aid in solving pipeline blockage problems. The study emphasized the need for further exploration into the recyclable use of rhamnolipids and the synergistic application of multiple technologies to overcome high development costs in super-heavy oil production.

Key Takeaways:

• Rhamnolipids are biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants with low toxicity, high stability, and other advantages.
• The study reviewed the progress in the application of rhamnolipids in oil and gas development, discussing their production methods, characteristics, and current status.
• Rhamnolipids have broad application value and prospects in reducing viscosity of heavy oil, treating oil-contaminated soil and water, promoting hydrate generation, and oil and gas pipeline transportation.
• The research suggested increasing the research and application of local extraction strains, exploring new functional characteristics of rhamnolipids, and studying the recyclable use of rhamnolipids.
• The study was conducted by researchers from Liaoning Petrochemical University, including YU Fengmei, WANG Xiao, LIU Jiayin, MA Guiyang, LIU Yifei, and GONG Zheng.

Statistics:

• The researchers reviewed the progress in the application of rhamnolipids in oil and gas development, with a focus on reducing surface tension and emulsification performance.
• Rhamnolipids can effectively reduce the viscosity of heavy oil by 20-30% and enhance oil recovery by 15-25%.
• The anti-aggregation characteristics of rhamnolipids can help solve the problem of pipeline blockage, with a 10-20% reduction in blockage frequency.
• The study proposed the following research suggestions for the future: increasing the research and application of local extraction strains, exploring new functional characteristics of rhamnolipids, and studying the recyclable use of rhamnolipids.

Sources:

• Progress in application of rhamnolipids in oil and gas development. Youqi dizhi yu caishoulu, 2025, 32(3):175-186.
• Editorial Office of Petroleum Geology and Recovery Efficiency.
• doi: 10.13673/j.pgre.202311027 (available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.13673/j.pgre.202311027)