No.1 // 2026

Accurate prediction of dew point pressure (Pd) is critical for managing gas condensate reservoirs, as liquid dropout near the wellbore creates condensate banking that reduces permeability and well productivity. This study proposes a data-driven approach using a Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm to predict Pd based on reservoir temperature and fluid composition. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 375 records, the model incorporates 13 predictors, including hydrocarbon fractions (C1 through C7+), non-hydrocarbons (N2, CO2, H2S), and heavy fraction properties (MC7+, γC7+). The proposed RF model exhibits highly competitive accuracy, outperforming most traditional empirical correlations by achieving a superior overall data variance capture with a Coefficient of Determination (R2) of 0.8790 and an Average Absolute Percent Relative Error (APE) of 8.17%. While the Ahmadi-Elsharkawy model shows a marginally lower APE (7.90%), the RF framework avoids complex genetic programming equations and delivers superior global consistency across the entire pressure envelope. By capturing complex, non-linear thermodynamic interactions, the RF model provides a robust, fast, and cost-effective alternative to expensive laboratory PVT tests and complex equations of state, optimizing fluid characterization and production system design.

Well design in oil drilling requires a thorough analysis of geological conditions, formation pressures, and technical risks. The Vatyoganskoye field (Russia) features a complex sedimentary structure with potentially problematic carbonate intervals. This study presents a systematic application of pressure compatibility analysis for integrated well design optimization in the Vatyoganskoye oil field. The contribution lies in combining geological characterization, pressure analysis, drilling-fluid design, casing selection, cementing planning, and drilling-parameter optimization within a unified engineering workflow. The design is based on a combined coefficient plot (formation pressure anomaly coefficient k_a, lost circulation index k_loss, fracture pressure index k_frac, and mud relative density ρ_rel) to define compatibility zones. The novelty of this work lies in the integrated framework that links these dimensionless pressure coefficients directly to engineering decisions (casing depths, mud density, bit selection, cementing), providing a reproducible template for well design in mature fields. Casing and bit diameters are calculated from the bottom upward. Drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotary speed, flow rate) are determined per interval. Cementing operations are dimensioned with volume calculations, equipment count, and pressure estimates. The selected architecture comprises four strings: conductor (30 m), surface casing (1110 m), intermediate casing (1880 m), and production casing (2000 m). Bit diameters range from 558.8 mm to 187.3 mm. Roller-cone bits are selected according to rock categories (II to VII). Drilling fluids consist of a low-clay polymer mud (0–420 m) followed by a non-dispersed polymer mud (420–2000 m). Cementing requires two mixing units and two pumping units. The BU-2000/125 EBM rig is selected. Fractured carbonate reservoirs, analyzed from experience in analogous fields (Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye), present major risks of lost circulation and kicks. The proposed design incorporates safety margins but lacks specific features to manage such complications in real time. The coefficient-based compatibility analysis reveals a narrowing operational window with depth, justifying the selected casing depths. This study provides a reproducible framework for well design in similar geological settings and highlights the need to integrate risk anticipation for carbonate heterogeneities into conventional design workflows.

The transportation and storage of petroleum products via multi-product pipelines constitute a strategic link in energy supply. However, these systems remain exposed to significant losses and spills. This study analyses the physical and economic losses associated with the transportation and storage of petroleum products, focusing on the phenomena of leaks, evaporation, corrosion, loosening of connections, sabotage and batch contamination. The methodological approach is based on a descriptive and comparative statistical analysis, supplemented by a cause analysis using the FMEA method (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis). The results indicate that physical losses can account for between 0.5% and 2% of transported volumes, while the volumes of contaminated products in multi-product pipelines can reach 1% to 3% of the total flow, leading to downgrades as well as additional costs related to storage and reprocessing. Beyond the economic impacts, petroleum product spills cause major environmental consequences, including soil and water resource pollution, as well as an increased risk of fire and explosion.

Reservoir connectivity remains a major source of uncertainty in structurally complex deltaic petroleum systems, where fault segmentation and stratigraphic heterogeneity may obscure fluid communication. This study evaluates basin-scale reservoir connectivity across the major depobelts of the Niger Delta Basin using integrated oil geochemical fingerprinting and multivariate statistical analysis. Twenty-five crude oil samples from producing reservoirs in the Northern Delta, Greater Ughelli, Central Swamp, Coastal Swamp, and Shallow Offshore depobelts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Diagnostic biomarker parameters were statistically evaluated using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and radar plot visualization. Biomarker distributions indicate strong compositional similarity among the oils, characterized by mixed terrestrial–marine organic matter input, deltaic depositional conditions, and comparable thermal maturity. HCA results reveal tight clustering of samples at low linkage distances, with extensive intermixing of oils from different depobelts. PCA shows that 79.48% of total variance is explained by five principal components, dominated by terrestrial input and redox-sensitive biomarker ratios, while maturity-related parameters contribute secondary variability. The absence of discrete clustering in multivariate space demonstrates that the oils belong to a single dominant genetic family. The integrated geochemical and statistical evidence indicates basin-scale charge system continuity and extensive migration across structurally distinct depobelts. These findings demonstrate that structural compartmentalization in the Niger Delta does not necessarily equate to geochemical isolation.

The accelerating global demand for energy, coupled with stringent climate targets, has intensified interest in innovative strategies that simultaneously enhance gas infrastructure performance and reduce carbon emissions. This review critically examines the technical feasibility, operational synergies, and environmental implications of co-deploying Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Gas Recovery (CO₂-EGR) and Geothermal Heat Extraction (GHE) within existing natural gas infrastructure. However, studies addressing their combined deployment as a unified and integrated system remain limited. CO₂-EGR is increasingly recognized as a dual-purpose approach that enhances gas production while sequestering carbon dioxide, thus mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, the high compressibility of CO₂ and associated thermodynamic behavior pose challenges to reservoir integrity, wellbore efficiency, and pipeline operations. Conversely, geothermal heat extraction harnesses subsurface heat resources to provide sustainable thermal energy that can optimize gas processing, reduce energy consumption in compression cycles, and improve overall system efficiency. This review synthesizes recent advances in both technologies, highlighting successful pilot implementations, reservoir modeling developments, and engineering designs that support integrated operations. Key synergies between CO₂-EGR and geothermal systems are identified, including improved fluid mobility through temperature modulation, reduced gas viscosity via heat extraction, and enhanced thermomechanical stability of the reservoir. Critical technical barriers are also analyzed, such as CO₂ phase behavior under geothermal gradients, corrosion and scaling risks in multiphase flow, as well as economic considerations related to capital expenditure and energy pricing. Finally, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers aiming to unlock the combined benefits of CO₂-EGR and geothermal heat extraction in the transition toward low-carbon energy systems.

A temperature control system is one of the most widely used control systems nowadays. It is used in many environments, including people’s houses. The advantages of such a system in a house are plenty, a couple of them being an increased comfort and long-term energy savings comparing to other temperature control systems. Another technology which is really gaining traction in the last years is the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology aims to connect every device to another one through the internet. The present paper aims to present a temperature control system, designed for home use, which can be controlled remotely, by a mobile phone app and using the Internet of Things technology. The main advantage is that the heating system can be turned on or off pre-emptively, so that the user reaps immediately the benefits. As an example, the user can turn on the heating system in his home long before he comes home, thus having from the start the desired temperature. The proposed solution can be adapted and customized, according to the user’s wishes.

Block 9 is one of thirty-one blocks of the Central Basin cut out during oil prospecting from 1952 to 1988 using geological studies, geochemical and geophysical carried out in this largest basin among the three in the DRC. Certainly, the analysis and interpretation of gravimetric and magnetic anomaly data for the quest for oil potential in this block of the Central Basin of the DRC remains a major challenge. The current article highlights the possible oil traps from the processing of gravity and magnetic anomaly maps, also the extension of these structures through analyzes based on oil geology generally. Considering the oil blocks of the Central Cuvette of the DRC, the gravimetric and magnetometric studies for Block 9 remain an important element for the knowledge of the areas of petroleum interest on the structural level and the geological formations, between the Busira, Lokoro and Lomami sub-basins. The results of the investigations confirm that Block 9 presents a complex structural architecture dominated by zones of deep subsidence and local basement uplifts, offering conditions favorable to the accumulation and preservation of hydrocarbons.

The Maduky Field, situated within the Coastal Swamp depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, represents a structurally complex and geologically heterogeneous marginal field with untapped hydrocarbon potential. This study integrates 3D seismic interpretation, well log correlation, sequence stratigraphy, and petrophysical analysis to characterize its reservoir architecture and evaluate hydrocarbon volumes. Structural mapping reveals prominent listric growth faults and rollover anticlines that define three main field compartments, each with distinct depositional and trapping characteristics. Sequence stratigraphic analysis, guided by five regionally correlated Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFSs), delineates Genetic Sequences and system tracts (HST, TST, LST), each with unique parasequence stacking patterns and reservoir geometries. The highstand and lowstand system tracts host the most prolific reservoirs, characterized by clean, coarsening-upward sand bodies with high net-to-gross ratios and favorable porosity-permeability relationships. Petrophysical evaluation across five wells indicates effective porosity values of 20–34%, permeability ranging from 2.50 to 18 mD, and low water saturation (8–35%), confirming reservoir quality suitable for commercial exploitation. Crossplots further demonstrate the controls of porosity and depositional environment on fluid distribution and reservoir performance. The study identifies key hydrocarbon-bearing units sealed by marine shales associated with MFSs and quantifies Stock Tank Oil Initially In Place (STOIIP) across fault blocks, highlighting potential development zones. These insights support the redevelopment of Maduky Field and provide a scalable model for optimizing marginal field performance in mature deltaic basins.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of technical and sanitary challenges associated with using groundwater containing high Fe and Mn concentrations in domestic hot water (DHW) systems integrated with geothermal heat pumps. The study documents implementation of an advanced treatment system featuring ozonation (10g/h generator, Thomas 120 l/min medical-grade oil less compressor) combined with magnetic treatment and triple coaxial graduated filtration (0.5mm, 0.15mm, 0.07mm with automatic purging). Through computational simulations and cost-benefit modelling, we have investigated microbiological risks generated by moderate temperatures (28-40°C) in heat pump primary circuits during summer cooling mode, focusing on Legionella pneumophila development. Systematic review of international academic literature identifies validated microbiological control solutions. The study proposes strategic chlorination relocation from basin mixer to thermal plant for optimized final treatment, demonstrating 45-55% reduction in chemical consumption. Quantitative analysis reveals that low winter temperatures (6-8°C) are insufficient for bacterial inactivation, necessitating seasonal circuit separation or thermal disinfection cycles ≥60°C. Economic modelling shows proposed modifications achieve cost recovery within 5-6 years through reduced chemical consumption, decreased monitoring requirements, and elimination of outbreak-related liabilities. The integrated solution combines existing advanced treatment (ozonation + triple filtration) with strategic chlorination relocation and automated seasonal bifurcation, ensuring maximum microbiological safety while maintaining optimal energy efficiency. Results demonstrate 12-15% annual energy savings in summer operation while guaranteeing continuous DHW temperatures ≥60°C for complete Legionella control.

This study focuses on determining sedimentary thickness to evaluate the hydrocarbon source rock potential using the gravimetric method, applied at Mount Bangu in the West Congolese sub-basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The main objective is to accurately estimate the thickness of sedimentary formations and their burial depth, parameters that are essential for understanding the thermal maturation conditions of potential source rocks. To achieve this objective, we applied the method developed by J. Goguel, whose approach is well adapted to environments composed of fine-grained rocks, typical of our study area. The gravimetric data were processed using a gravity profile superimposed on the topography of Mount Bangu, which is considered, from a geophysical perspective, as a graben-like collapse structure. The classical steps of gravimetric processing were carried out: calculation of the Bouguer anomaly, separation of residual and regional anomalies, and derivations along the X, Y, and Z axes. The results obtained show a sedimentary thickness of approximately 5 km, with a lateral extension estimated at 13 km. Considering the regional geothermal gradient as studied in the Central Cuvette – to which the West Congolese sub-basin is attached – this depth places the sediments within the window of full maturity for liquid hydrocarbons. This suggests significant petroleum potential, further supported by surface hydrocarbon indicators such as dysmigration phenomena observed in nearby regions including Kimpese, Kisantu, and their surroundings. Thus, the gravimetric results reinforce the hypothesis of an active petroleum system within the West Congolese sub-basin and open perspectives for more detailed geological and geophysical investigations.

This study takes us to the heart of the Central Basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a sedimentary giant still shrouded in geological mystery. To uncover its oil potential, we carefully examined seismic profile L59. Over 180 km, cross-analysis of key attributes such as envelope, RMS amplitude, and sweetness enabled us to redraw the subsurface architecture. We identified six major sedimentary sequences that tell the story of the basin: an alternation of promising sandstone reservoirs and clay layers acting as natural caps. The discovery of “bright spots” is particularly encouraging, as these anomalies often indicate the presence of hydrocarbons trapped by the movements of salt and crystalline bedrock. To transform these acoustic images into concrete data, we used Wyllie's formula to estimate a porosity of approximately 13.4% at the Gilson well. Based on Tarantola's theories (2005), we then extrapolated these properties to the entire reservoir using an exponential decay model. This approach led us to an initial estimate of the original oil in place (OOIP). Although these calculations are based on mathematical models, they confirm that the L59 profile area is a prime target for future exploration drilling.

The economic sustainability of mature assets depends on maximizing reservoir drainage by repurposing existing infrastructure. This study evaluates the mechanical feasibility of converting a highly deviated J-shape well into an Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) profile to access stranded hydrocarbon volumes. Using Torque and Drag (T&D) simulations as the primary technical metric, the research benchmarks the mechanical loads of a conventional Positive Displacement Motor (PDM) against a modern Rotary Steerable System (RSS). Operational constraints, including surface torque, hoisting capacity, and helical buckling limits, were modeled across various friction factors. Results demonstrate that while the conversion is technically viable, the RSS BHA is essential to mitigate torque and drag compared to PDM configurations. By establishing a decision-making framework based on precise modeling, this research underscores advanced simulation as a requirement for safe well conversions in mature fields.

Thick successions of fluvial, deltaic, marginal-marine, and shallow-marine clastic deposits make up the Late Cretaceous Anambra Basin in southeast Nigeria. These deposits contain significant hydrocarbon, coal, and groundwater resources. It takes methods beyond descriptive sedimentology to comprehend the stratigraphic architecture, sediment dispersal, and depositional evolution of these successions. With a focus on their combined use for reconstructing ancient depositional systems, this paper examines the principles, techniques, and applications of quantitative paleo-hydrodynamic modeling and sequence stratigraphy. By utilizing sedimentary structures, grain-size distributions, hydraulic geometry, and transport equations, paleo-hydrodynamic analysis offers quantitative constraints on paleoflow velocity, discharge, shear stress, sediment transport capacity, and bedform formation. Sequence stratigraphy places hydrodynamic interpretations within a temporal and basin-scale framework that is impacted by tectonics, accommodation, sediment supply, and eustatic sea-level fluctuations. It does this by grouping sediments into genetically related packages that are surrounded by important stratigraphic surfaces. The combined method enhances the interpretation of facies correlations, stacking patterns, paleogeographic evolution, and reservoir heterogeneity in the Campanian–Maastrichtian successions. A review of previous research shows that there is a lack of quantitative flow reconstruction and uncertainty analysis and a greater reliance on qualitative, facies-based interpretations. The study emphasizes the necessity of probabilistic paleo-hydrodynamic frameworks, forward and inverse modeling, and integrated sediment budget estimation. Sequence stratigraphy and quantitative paleo-hydrodynamics work together to offer a potent, predictive toolkit for improving reservoir characterization, lowering geological uncertainty, and reconstructing basin evolution. In addition to improving knowledge of the Anambra Basin, these techniques provide generalizable strategies for comparable clastic sedimentary systems across the globe.

Depleted gas reservoirs have attracted increasing interest as potential candidates for geological CO2 storage, particularly in mature gas provinces where subsurface conditions are well constrained by long-term exploration and production activities. The Transylvanian Basin represents such a setting, hosting numerous gas accumulations developed mainly within suprasalt systems and characterized by a long production history. This paper presents a screening-level geological assessment of depleted gas reservoirs in the Transylvanian Basin. It focuses on geological conditions relevant to containment in the context of potential CO2 storage. The assessment is based on an integrated analysis of the basin-scale geological framework, including tectonic evolution, structural configuration, reservoir characteristics, and sealing conditions associated with the widespread Badenian salt. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of salt as a regional seal, the structural and stratigraphic compartmentalization of reservoirs, and the proven ability of these systems to retain gas over geological time. These aspects are considered essential for evaluating containment potential from a geological perspective. As a representative case example, the DepoMures underground gas storage facility, developed within a former gas reservoir, is discussed to illustrate how these geological conditions manifest at site scale and to highlight its relevance as an analogue for CO2 storage. The results indicate that selected depleted gas reservoirs in the Transylvanian Basin exhibit several favourable geological features, including effective sealing conditions, well-defined structural traps, and documented gas retention, which support their consideration as potential candidates for CO2 storage. This study is intentionally limited to geological screening of containment-related factors and does not assess storage capacity, injectivity, pressure build-up/management, or geochemical and geomechanical behaviour. The results therefore provide a preliminary geological basis for selecting candidates for subsequent site-specific characterization and quantitative feasibility studies.

In the context of the accelerated development of industrial automation and the increasing requirements for flexibility and efficiency of production processes, flexible manufacturing systems represent a modern solution for integrating machine tools, transport systems, and assembly equipment, supporting digital twin and real-time monitoring approaches [29-30]. This paper presents the design and implementation of a control system based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) for a flexible manufacturing cell comprising two CNC machines and a subsystem dedicated to the assembly of finished products. In the first part of the paper, the general structure of the system is presented, identifying and describing the component subsystems: the raw material transport subsystem, the parts reception, processing and evacuation subsystem, the semi-finished product transport subsystem and the assembly subsystem. For each of these, the functional role, the hardware elements used and the interactions between the subsystems are analysed. The manufacturing process is detailed in stages, from sorting and feeding CNC machines to assembling and counting finished products. A central aspect of the work is the modelling of the system's operating logic in the form of a finite automaton, by defining the inputs, outputs and states corresponding to each subsystem. State transition graphs are presented and how they ensure process synchronization, deadlock prevention and safe operation of the manufacturing cell. The simulation of the system's operation was performed using the Factory I/O software, through the Control I/O driver, which allows the development of control logic using functional blocks specific to real PLCs. The simulation allowed testing the system's behaviour in various operating scenarios and validating the proposed solution, without the risks associated with physical implementation. The results obtained confirm the correct and stable operation of the designed control system, highlighting the advantages of using industrial simulation in the design and training process. The presented solution can constitute a basis for further extensions, such as the integration of advanced control strategies, monitoring systems or manufacturing process optimization functions.

The activity of the petroleum engineer is profoundly influenced by rapid technological developments, the intensification of environmental regulations, and increasing societal expectations regarding corporate responsibility. This paper proposes an original analysis of engineering ethics in the petroleum sector, moving beyond classical descriptive approaches and focusing on the relationship between technological governance, risk management, and the moral responsibility of the technical professional. The methodology combines the analysis of international academic literature, recent regulatory documents, and relevant case studies from the global and regional petroleum industry. The results highlight that modern engineering ethics cannot be reduced to compliance with codes of conduct, but must be understood as an active professional competence, integrated into technical decision-making processes.

This research provides a petrographic and structural characterization of surface rocks in the Mavuma block, located in the terrestrial zone of the coastal basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region analysed exhibits lithological diversity, incorporating both metamorphic and sedimentary rock units. Petrographic examination of nine thin sections revealed various lithological facies, including gneisses, mica schists, amphibolites, quartzites, quartz arenites, mica metaquartzites, siltstones, grainstones, calcite-cemented sandstones, and eyed gneisses. Microscopic analysis revealed mineralogical and textural properties that suggest different rock formation mechanisms. Structural research, in conjunction with thin section examination, reveals that most crystallophyllian rocks are affected by widespread deformation characterised by extensively developed schistosity. However, some gneissic units show evidence of various deformation phases, indicating a more complicated metamorphic history. The reconstructed structure reveals a preferred NNE-SSW direction of tectonic planes. Examination of the stress regime and fault displacement data reveals that the analysed region was mainly influenced by extensional tectonics, manifested by normal faults and associated vulnerable structures. There are also indications of previous compressive deformation, as shown by foliation features.

This study investigates the controls governing the spatial distribution of trace metals (TMs) in soils and coastal sediments of the Moanda-Banana sector within the Congo Coastal Basin. The objective is to discriminate the relative roles of near-surface sedimentary processes and deeper geogenic influences in the development of metal anomalies within an active Atlantic margin context. Eighteen samples were collected along an ~8 km coastal transect during the 2025 dry season and analyzed using ICP-MS and AMA-254. The geochemical dataset was evaluated through enrichment and contamination indices (EF, Igeo, CF, DC and PLI), ecological risk factors (Eri and RI), multivariate statistics, and residual Bouguer gravity data. Physico-chemical parameters show strong spatial contrasts between the estuarine domain of Moanda and the sandy environments of Banana. Fine estuarine sediments display high water contents (up to 76.9%) and total organic matter reaching 28.9%, whereas Banana soils are predominantly sandy (>80%). The highest metal concentrations occur at station M0S2, where Zn, Pb and Cu reach 412.6, 196.7 and 84.2 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, indicating localized enrichment in fine-grained deposits. Zinc frequently exceeds the SQG guideline (123 mg·kg⁻¹) and locally approaches the PEL threshold (315 mg·kg⁻¹), while Pb surpasses the PEL value (91 mg·kg⁻¹) at stations M0S2 and M0S3. At the regional scale, geochemical indices indicate predominantly low-to-moderate contamination despite localized enrichments, particularly for Pb and Zn. Principal Component Analysis explains 88.91% of total variance (F1=74.73%; F2=14.19%) and reveals a coherent Cu-Zn-Pb association mainly controlled by surficial sedimentary conditions. The overall ecological risk remains limited, although Hg and Cd represent the main local contributors. Residual Bouguer anomalies (- 0.69 to +1.97 mGal) indicate basement heterogeneity and show partial spatial correspondence with surface geochemical patterns. This spatial relationship is compatible with a possible halokinetic structural influence but does not demonstrate direct deep metal transfer. Overall, trace metal distribution in the Moanda-Banana coastal zone is dominantly controlled by surficial sedimentary processes, while deep geogenic influences remain secondary and locally plausible.

In the context of optimizing oil production, the accurate evaluation of reservoir quality is a major factor for the profitability of oil fields. The Mibale field, located in the coastal basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo, contains the Pinda reservoir, known for its strong lithological and petrophysical heterogeneity. Although the presence of hydrocarbons is confirmed, productivity remains low, with an average permeability ranging between 2 and 5 mD, raising questions about the distribution of reservoir properties and the impact of alteration on rock behavior. This study aims to determine the dominant sedimentary and lithological facies and their influence on reservoir quality, to understand the role of alteration in modifying petrophysical properties, and to identify favorable zones (sweet spots) based on GR, NPHI, RHOB logs and the Composite Alteration Index (CAI). It is based on the hypothesis that the Pinda reservoir is dominated by carbonate and sandstone facies whose petrophysical properties vary with depth, that the CAI constitutes a reliable indicator of property degradation due to argillization, and that zones with low GR and moderate to low CAI correspond to sweet spots with favorable secondary porosity. The general objective is to evaluate the quality of the Pinda reservoir based on its lithology, level of alteration, and petrophysical characteristics, through the identification of lithological facies from GR, NPHI, and RHOB logs, the calculation and interpretation of CAI, as well as the delineation of optimal reservoir zones according to diagraphic and alteration criteria. The adopted methodology relies on the interpretation of well logs from exploration well 1-X of the Mibale field, with analytical and numerical processing of the data cross-referenced with CAI calculated from vertical variations in lithofacies. The lithological facies were identified using NPHI–RHOB cross-plots, and the favorable zones were mapped using STRATER 5 software, based on the logs and cores provided by Perenco in 2020.

The Upemba Rift, located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, constitutes a sedimentary sub‑basin that remains largely underexplored despite its presumed petroleum potential. Covering an area of approximately 46,519 km², it recently attracted attention during the licensing rounds launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the absence of modern seismic data as well as detailed geological and geochemical surveys significantly constrains the assessment of its hydrocarbon prospectivity. The only available information derives from the magnetic survey conducted by CGG in 1986, which has already been interpreted in various studies. Within this context, the present study – Geophysical characterization of structures in the Upemba Graben and estimation of sedimentary thickness using the Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) method: Reprocessing and integrated analysis of magnetic data – aims to propose a preliminary sedimentary model and to shed light on the morpho‑tectonic evolution of the basin, thereby further highlighting its petroleum potential as well as the maximum sedimentary thicknesses of this intra‑cratonic basin. The results obtained are based on an integrated methodological framework combining a multimodel numerical approach, critical and comparative analysis, and an in‑depth morpho‑tectonic interpretation, together with sediment thicknesses derived from the SPI method, emphasizing their quantitative contribution. Taken together, these elements provide a robust preliminary argument that contributes to a better understanding of the morpho‑tectonic history and sedimentary dynamics of the Upemba Graben and its petroleum system, thereby paving the way for increased interest from potential partners and renewed momentum in future exploration campaigns.

Granulometric analysis conducted on four samples from the same Holocene depth (covering 1363.73 sqm) reveals strong evidence for a braided fluvial environment, consistent with channel bar, levee, and floodplain deposition. Upon analysis, statistics reveal significant spatial heterogeneity: mean grain sizes range from 0.124 to 0.226 mm, while standard deviations (0.161–0.212 mm) reflect variable sorting. Kurtosis spans from 0.717 to 2.99, with higher values indicating well-sorted, peaked distributions from low-energy suspended settling (levee/floodplain) and lower values marking broader, mixed sorting in active channel bars. Positive folk skewness and diverse uniformity coefficients further point to episodic fluctuations in hydraulic flow and rapid sediment pulses. The coexistence of fine and coarse fractions and contrasting sorting regimes – supported by the absence of marine influence in the Holocene – confirms alternating energy and sediment supply typical of a braided river. These textural signatures underpin a gross depositional environment map, highlighting dynamic channel migration and nuanced fluvial architecture.