M-I SWACO, Rice University to unlock nanotechnology potential
Nov. 2, 2009
M-I SWACO has signed an agreement with Rice University to fund a two-year joint research program to investigate the potential uses of nanotechnology in the oilfield and drilling fluids industry.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- M-I SWACO has signed an agreement with Rice University to fund a two-year joint research program to investigate the potential uses of nanotechnology in the oilfield and drilling fluids industry.
M-I SWACO will invest $460,000 over two years. The money will go toward the sponsorship of graduate and post-doctoral students, and collaborative research with Dr. James Tour, Rice’s Chao professor of chemistry, mechanical engineering, materials science, and computer science, who will lead the Rice team. Dr. Jim Friedheim, director of corporate fluids, will lead the M-I SWACO R&D group.
“It is pure research at this point, but the potential for applying nanotechnology to drilling and completions field is great,” says James Bruton, M-I SWACO VP for research and engineering. “The opportunity to work with Rice University, the world leader in carbon nanotechnology research, sustains our continuing commitment to be a technology leader in the drilling and oilfield services industry.”
