These 9 Companies’ New Nanotechnologies Could Help World Stave Off Peak Oil (Part 2 of 2)
Submitted by EnergyTechStocks.com
It would be momentous news if a giant new oilfield was suddenly discovered, one that raised global output by perhaps 1% to 3%, roughly around one to 2.5 million barrels a day. Such an oilfield would not prevent global oil production from “peaking,” but it would stave off the day when “peak oil” arrived, if it hasn’t already, giving the world more time to get off its oil addiction.
Yesterday in Part 1 of this series, Max Bunger, a nanotechnology expert and research director at Lux Research in San Francisco, detailed the work of four companies around the world whose nanotechnologies should be able to increase output and lower operating costs. Now here are Bunger’s five other companies to watch, beginning with:
NanoDynamics – According to Bunger, this Buffalo, NY-based private company is teaming with Shell to create super-hard surfaces on offshore drilling equipment. These super-hard surfaces would be for any equipment that interfaces with rock, such as drillbits and strings, making the equipment last longer. Bunger said that while this wouldn’t directly increase oil production, reducing time lost for repairs would serve to enhance overall productivity.
Oxane Materials – Describing itself as an energy-focused nanoproducts company, this private Houston-based firm makes engineered ceramic nanoparticle proppants for aging oil and gas wells, Bunger said. Basically, Oxane makes what Bunger described as tiny scaffolds that serve to keep spaces open in aging wells, thereby allowing oil and gas to keep flowing in greater quantities. Bunger said that, as far as he knew, nobody was yet using this nanotechnology.
Integran Technologies – This private Canadian company, which describes itself as a world leader in metallurgical nanotechnologies, is working with Saudi Aramco to develop a material for in situ repairs of corrosion in heat generators, Bunger said. Basically, this is an indirect way to raise output by eliminating the downtime when corrosion forces heat exchangers to be repaired. With Integran’s nanotechnology, repairs can be made on the spot, Bunger said.
Shenzhen Nanotech – According to Bunger, this private Chinese company, which is funded by the Chinese Academy of Science, makes anti-static coating for oilfield equipment. As with NanoDynamics, Shenzhen Nanotech’s products indirectly increase oil output by reducing time lost for repairs, Bunger said.
Sub-One Technology – According to Bunger, this Pleasanton, CA-based private company is partnering with Chevron on the development of pipe coatings for exploration, drilling, completion and production equipment. The coatings are for internal surfaces and are intended to prevent corrosion, thereby maximizing oil flow while lowering operating costs.
