Scientists at the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed and patented two technologies for the oil and gas industry: a biological method for cleaning soil contaminated with petroleum products and a construction material made from gas-cleaning waste, the state-owned Türkmennebit website reported.
The first method involves isolating and cultivating local microorganisms capable of breaking down heavy hydrocarbons under high-temperature and saline soil conditions. The technology can be used to clean up contamination at oil and gas facilities and eliminates the need for chemical reagents in soil restoration.
The second development is a patented formula for organomineral sulfur-polymer concrete, a material made using excess elemental sulfur generated as a waste product during natural gas purification at oil and gas fields. The material is characterized by high strength and density and resistance to aggressive chemicals and moisture.
Sulfur-polymer concrete can be used to build hydraulic structures, irrigation canals, saline-water drainage systems and port facilities, where conventional cement concrete can deteriorate rapidly under exposure to salts. The material also provides a way to recycle sulfur waste generated during gas purification.
