Josip Sečen, DSc
Editor-in-Chief
"Nafta" journal

Message to the Readers

Diplomatic dispute between Argentina and Great Britain about British plans on exploration of hydrocarbon reservoirs in Falkland Islands area is getting more intense. Older readers probably remember the armed conflict between the two countries in 1982 which had lasted 73 days. Already then, the dispute was about potential hydrocarbon reserves in the Falkland Islands offshore area and they were stated as a reason for conflicts. Spain was the owner of the islands until 1833 and they were named Islas Malvinas, the name still used by Argentineans who consider them as a part of their continental shelf. However the British, who have had the control over the islands since the mentioned 1833, claim without any doubt the sovereignty over this area. In any case the preparations for exploration have been completed and the beginning of operations is expected this year regardless of the mentioned territorial pretences.

This was about world topics.

This issue of our journal brings you useful information; two papers with interesting and also, for a part of our readers, useful content.

The first paper "Influence of Engine Oils Dilution by Fuels on their Viscosity, Flash Point and Fire Point" was prepared by Damir Ljubas and associates. In this paper, the influence of dilution of synthetic and mineral engine oils with two commercial fuels - gasoline (Eurosuper 95 type) and diesel (Eurodiesel type) was studied. The situation that could really occur in the automotive engine was simulated - a breakthrough of unburned fuel to engine oil and its mixing and dissolution. Viscosity, fire point and flash point were chosen as the most important parameters to follow the changes in oil-fuel mixture.

The second paper was prepared by Nigerian author Amosa, M.K. and associates titled "Sulphide Scavengers in Oil and Gas Industry - A Review". Sulphide scavengers are often used in oil and gas production, processing and refining processes. Especially demanding is research and development of new chemical ingredients which are environmentally acceptable and aimed to employees' health protection and efficient protection of materials under various conditions. This paper also includes the updated review of the efforts made by industry so far to minimize, by the use of certain chemical substances, and eliminate different problems caused by hydrogen sulphide during the drilling of oil and gas wells. The advantages and disadvantages of using the various chemicals for scavenging hydrogen sulphide drilling fluids and produced fluids are compared.
Finally, we would like to point out the forthcoming SEC's change of regulation for estimation of hydrocarbon reserves which should bring us more reliable insight in the long term potential of oil and gas companies.