A Review of High-Viscosity Oil Production Technologies: From Shaft Mining to Acoustic Methods

This work aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the methods used to extract high-viscosity oil (HVO), which have become increasingly important in recent years due to the depletion of traditional hydrocarbon reserves. High-viscosity oil is characterized by its extremely low mobility in reservoir conditions, which makes its extraction using conventional methods unprofitable or technically impossible. This paper systematizes existing research, identifies promising technological approaches for developing HVO fields and provides the reader with an overview of the latest findings and techniques for extracting high-viscosity oil. The article examines the history of methods for extracting HVO, with a particular focus on the development of screw and centrifugal pump technologies, as well as thermal, chemical, and combined extraction methods. In the context of this scrutiny, acoustic technologies are highlighted as one of the most promising approaches for HVO recovery. Based on the analysis conducted, the paper concludes with recommendations for the further development of ultrasonic technology, which, over time, will enable the widespread implementation of this extraction method in production.