extraraskasöljyiksi

Extraraskasöljyiksi is a Finnish term that translates to "extra heavy oil" or "ultra-heavy oil" in English. This classification refers to crude oil with an extremely high viscosity and density, making it significantly more challenging to extract and process compared to lighter crude oil grades. Typically, extra heavy oil has a specific gravity of 10° API or lower, and often exhibits a viscosity exceeding 10,000 centipoise at reservoir temperatures.

The extraction of extraraskasöljyiksi often requires specialized techniques such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) or in-situ combustion, as conventional pumping methods are insufficient. These methods aim to reduce the viscosity of the oil, allowing it to flow more readily to production wells. The processing of extraraskasöljyiksi also presents challenges, as it contains a higher proportion of heavier hydrocarbons, sulfur, and other contaminants that necessitate more extensive refining.

Major deposits of extraraskasöljyiksi are found in various parts of the world, with the Orinoco Belt in Venezuela being one of the most significant. Other notable regions include the Athabasca oil sands in Canada. The development of technologies to efficiently extract and upgrade extraraskasöljyiksi has been crucial in unlocking these vast hydrocarbon reserves, although it comes with environmental considerations related to energy consumption and land use.