Experts from Rosneft’s Tyumen Research Institute, in collaboration with Tyumen State University, have developed a method for evaluating gel formulations designed to enhance oil recovery from reservoirs.

The essence of the innovation lies in the visual study of the behaviour of gel particles on microchips – plates that have a pore space structure of an oil reservoir recreated on them via high-precision 3D photopolymer printing. In this way, scientists obtain detailed information about the processes of gel particle filtration at the pore scale.

Microchip-based research makes it possible to rapidly test a large number of agents for injection into the reservoir and to identify the best formulations for specific geological conditions. The use of microfluidic studies will help accelerate the commercial implementation of new formulations and improve the effectiveness of existing enhanced oil recovery methods.

In addition to its research activities, Rosneft’s Tyumen Research Institute works with a partner university to provide professional training. Since 2024, a specialised department of ‘Geophysics’ has been operating at Tyumen State University. Under the guidance of expert practitioners from the research institute, master’s students learn the fundamentals of the oil and gas industry and mathematical modelling of hydrocarbon extraction processes, working with specialised, including corporate, software.

Developing technological capabilities is one of the key elements of the ‘Rosneft 2030’ corporate strategy. The company puts a big emphasis on innovation, seeing technological leadership as a key factor in its competitiveness in the oil market.

Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
April 13, 2026