Engineered Materials

Reaction pathways for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane facilitated by the molten carbonate shell modified perovskite redox catalyst. Courtesy: North Carolina State University

Energy Efficiency April 28, 2020

Ethylene catalyst for manufacturing, shale gas developed

North Carolina State University researchers engineered a catalyst that can more efficiently convert ethane into ethylene, which is used in a variety of manufacturing processes including plastics and shale gas.

By Matt Shipman

Oil and Gas March 31, 2020

Technology provides greater insight into produced water

Multiphase fraction and conductivity meter offers a commercially viable alternative to traditional well testing

By Finn Erik Mohn Berge

PPE March 27, 2020

Eliminate arc flash hazards upfront

Safe work practices and PPE has significantly decreased U.S. workplace electrical fatalities.

By Tim Howd

Rice University engineers studied the mechanism that allows low-salinity brine to emulsify with oil. The effect could aid enhanced oil recovery from reservoirs. Clockwise from left: Wenhua Guo, George Hirasaki, Jin Song, Sibani Lisa Biswal and Maura Puerto. Courtesy: Rice University

Oil and Gas March 5, 2020

Microscopic saltwater droplets enhance oil recovery

Rice University researchers have found microscopic saltwater droplets emulsify crude oil when each has the right composition, which can enhance oil recovery.

By Mike Williams

Illustration of carbon dioxide movement through a shale reservoir. Courtesy: Texas A&M Engineering

Oil and Gas March 4, 2020

Overcoming small organic barriers could reap larger oil recoveries in shale reservoirs

Texas A&M University researchers have found the presence of kerogen plays a vital role in how easily carbon dioxide can travel through shale reservoirs, which could help oil and gas companies reap larger oil recoveries.

By Nancy Luedke

Figure 3: The new control center was created quickly. Courtesy: Inductive Automation

System Integrators December 17, 2019

Short timeline for automation infrastructure

System integrator assembled a diverse collection of technologies to meet an aggressive schedule.

By Jim Meyers

Simcoa used ABB’s submersible inspection robot service, TXplore, to perform an internal inspection for one of their power transformers that was leaking oil. Courtesy: ABB

Oil and Gas December 10, 2019

Swimming robots used for oil and gas operations

Simcoa used ABB’s submersible inspection robot service, TXplore, to perform an internal inspection for one of their power transformers that was leaking oil.

By ABB

Figure 2: Although traditional transmissions in Oil & gas applications require use of hydraulic torque converters, today’s transmissions have a master clutch that eliminates the need for a converter and reduces the transmission’s footprint. Courtesy: Twin Disc

Hydraulics November 28, 2019

Pumps that thrive under pressure

The evolution of hydraulic transmission technology in the pressure pumping market.

By Dean Bratel

SwRI applies the LotusFlo superhydrophobic coating, which prevents materials from occluding the flow of oil, to a series of offshore drilling pipes. Courtesy: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Oil and Gas November 19, 2019

Superhydrophobic coating developed for offshore drilling pipes

The Southwest Research Institute's (SwRI) LotusFlo, is a superhydrophobic coating to keep offshore drilling pipes from being clogged by various substances.

By Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Figure 6: “The architecture of the RCS allows you to achieve very high safety and reliability,” said Dr. Angela Summers. “And by designing it into the manifold, you also can eliminate many sources of maintenance errors, which further improves the reliability of your installation.” Courtesy: Emerson

Sensors, Actuators November 15, 2019

Double up on solenoid safety

Adding two solenoid valves to a safety instrumented system keeps equipment, facility and personnel safe and the system online.

By Joseph D. McHugh II