Young professionals (YPs) are at the forefront of research worldwide. Universities and research institutes provide ideal environments for the agile and inquisitive minds of YPs and students passionate about the advancement of science and technology.
In this interview, we reach out to universities and meet the teams of students and YPs who contribute to this cutting-edge work. We will explore their areas of interest, equipment, technology, and research methodology to introduce the world of energy research. We start with the Well Construction Technology Center (WCTC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU).
WCTC was established in 1993 to aid the oil and gas industry by using advanced technology and field and lab-scale equipment to investigate and provide solutions to industry problems in the areas of drilling fluids, wellbore hydraulics, hole cleaning, coiled tubing, wellbore integrity, degradation of tubulars, cement, and other sealing elements, development and testing of downhole tools, multiphase flow, surface, and downhole separation techniques.
Ramadan Ahmed, SPE, OU professor and Mewbourne Chair of Petroleum Engineering, and director of WCTC, explains:
"The WCTC significantly impacts the oil and gas industry in terms of safety, economics, and well performance. In the realm of drilling fluids, wellbore hydraulics, and hole-cleaning, WCTC's research focuses on optimizing these processes to stabilize wellbores and reduce blowout risks which enhances operational safety and improves drilling efficiency and reduces costs by minimizing nonproductive time.
"Research on wellbore integrity addresses the prevention of failures in cement, tubulars, and other sealing elements, ensuring the long-term integrity and reliability of wells. This is crucial for maintaining continuous and economical production and extending the life of oil and gas assets.
"Multiphase flow and flow assurance are vital for preventing pipeline blockages and ensuring the efficient transport of hydrocarbons. Collectively, WCTC's research leads to safer operations, cost savings, and the development of wells that produce sooner and perform better, driving innovation and efficiency in the oil and gas industry."
YP contributions and unwavering dedication drive innovation and ensure the continuity of cutting-edge research. Their involvement not only accelerates the pace of research but also prepares them to become future leaders in the oil and gas industry, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Catalin Teodoriu, OU professor and Mewbourne Chair in Petroleum Engineering, adds, “My research at WCTC is dedicated to full- and large-scale experimental testing of oilfield equipment and processes. From conventional oil and gas to geothermal, experimental testing is the only way to validate and optimize new concepts. I work closely with Ramadan Ahmed in well integrity. I would like to mention the most unique cement repository database that I have built beginning in 2015, which currently is the only oil well cement repository worldwide with a focus on long-term cement performance. This unique database will help the industry to better predict well integrity and optimize cement recipes.
"OU also houses a geothermal testing facility, which is the hottest experimental testing setup in the nation, capable of testing full-size downhole equipment under simulated geothermal conditions (10,000 psi and 500°F). This facility was possible thanks to FORGE/DOE funding for the past 3 years, and soon as our current project will be completed, the facility will be opened to anyone interested to test and validate their downhole products.”
Most of the extensive and tedious testing and reporting would not have been possible without the hard work of my students and postdocs.
Hamidreza Karami, OU associate professor, explains his role at WCTC.
"I primarily focus on research topics in the general field of fluid dynamics and its applications in the oil and gas industry. This includes projects in the areas of multiphase flow, flow assurance, and artificial lift. Over the recent years, I have been involved in the following research projects involving downhole separation, liquid loading, downward flow in carbon storage and injection wells, leak detection in natural gas and hydrogen transportation pipelines, multiphase flow measurement in high-temperature geothermal wells, and geothermal well energy production optimization."
YPs, including undergraduate and graduate students, are the backbone of any research work. The fresh mindset of a young talented professional often leads to innovative ways of looking at the existing problems and finding new solutions. We hope to be able to teach and develop these raw talents.
The Young Professionals of WCTC
Khizar Abid, SPE, OU postdoctoral research associate, reflects on his time at WCTC.
"I have been working at OU under the supervision of Catalin Teodoriu for the past 2.5 years. I have more than 7 years’ experience in research and 2 years as an academic professional. I hold a PhD from Curtin University, Australia, with a specialization in well cement design for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). I hold more than 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.
"As a postdoc, I try to keep up with proceedings in different research groups and promote ethical and regulatory standards for conducting research. I also mentor and have regular meetings with the students involved in the research project and discuss their progress and problems faced. I assure that all the deadlines of the projects are met and aid my research group in editing and writing the research paper, project presentation, and reports."
AS: What advice do you have for YPs about how they can contribute to the frontiers of energy?
KA: Stay informed and educated as the energy sector is evolving rapidly. For example, geothermal energy has become an important source of renewable energy, as it is the only source of nonconventional energy that is not dependent upon weather conditions. Moreover, hydrogen storage has also become an alternative source of energy, while many countries have invested in CCS projects to achieve net-zero goals. Continue learning through scientific research papers, attend workshops, go through courses, and be open to welcoming new ideas. This will help you to evolve yourself with the changing dynamics of energy sources and will keep you relevant in this industry.
AS: Based on your experience, what is the ideal research methodology?
KA: At the start of any research project, it is necessary to have a well-defined objective. After this, it is of utmost importance to have a thorough literature review, as it helps to understand the research gaps, gives the current state of knowledge, and can help to build a research design based on previous studies. Data collection is another crucial aspect of research, so ensure that the data are systematic and stored in reliable and secure sources (online and offline). The analysis and interpretation of data should be unbiased and rigorous and should be conducted considering the research question and existing literature.
Make sure to present the limitations of your research, as this will give the opportunity for other researchers to work on it and complete the research gap that was not covered in your studies. Finally, publish and present your results in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. This will give the validation of the research conducted by you and will give you confidence.
Stay informed and educated as the energy sector is evolving rapidly.
Nayem Ahmed, SPE, OU graduate research assistant and PhD student, shares his experience at WCTC.
AS: What is the most exciting part of your research?
NA: The most exciting part of my research is working on the feasibility study of hydrogen transportation in natural gas pipelines, a pioneering and rapidly developing field. Each day, I learn new concepts and develop innovative ideas about hydrogen, which keeps me engaged and motivated. The potential impact of this research on creating sustainable and cleaner energy solutions is particularly thrilling. Being at the forefront of such an innovative field, I can contribute to groundbreaking advancements that could significantly influence the future of energy transportation.
AS: Visiting and presenting in conferences is an important aspect of being a researcher. What has been your experience with it?
NA: Attending and presenting at conferences is crucial for a researcher and very exciting. Recently, I attended the SPE Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition (ATCE) and the US Department of Transportation Forum, which provided a valuable opportunity to interact with researchers from various universities and organizations. I had a great experience sharing my ideas and gaining new insights from brilliant minds.
AS: How do you stay motivated?
NA: Staying motivated as a PhD student can be challenging yet crucial due to the long-term commitment involved. To maintain my motivation, I make it a point to travel to beautiful places on weekends, which helps me relax and recharge. Additionally, I plan road trips during vacations to explore new destinations and gain fresh perspectives. Engaging in outdoor activities and exploring new environments not only provides a mental break but also inspires creativity and renewed focus in my research.
Zainab Iyiola, SPE, OU graduate research assistant and MS student.
“My journey in this field began with a BSc in petroleum engineering from the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana. As a first-generation graduate student born to Nigerian parents, I have always been driven by a passion for energy and a deep commitment to contributing to advancements in this sector.
"In my role as a research assistant at WCTC, I focus on developing predictive models for hydrogen embrittlement using machine learning. This work is a part of my broader research efforts in the compatibility and sensitivity assessment of pipelines for hydrogen transport.
"I am also actively applying my knowledge to real-world projects, such as researching large-scale onshore LNG export project liquefaction technologies for my LNG course. These experiences have equipped me with a robust analytical skill set and a practical understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
"Beyond my academic and research endeavors, I am actively involved in various organizations that support my professional development. Overall, my goal is to leverage my technical expertise and leadership skills to drive innovation in the energy sector, particularly in sustainable and clean energy solutions.”
AS: What is the most exciting part of your research?
ZI: The most exciting part of my research is the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in energy sustainability through innovative problem-solving. Engaging in interdisciplinary work that combines materials science, engineering, and machine learning is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
The challenge of developing predictive models and solving complex problems keeps me engaged and motivated. Seeing how theoretical research can translate into practical applications, improving industry practices and contributing to a cleaner energy future, provides a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Moreover, collaborating with experts and applying my findings to real-world scenarios not only enhances my learning but also ensures that my work has a tangible, positive impact on the energy sector. This combination of intellectual challenge, innovation, and real-world relevance is what makes my research truly exciting.
Md Samin Rhythm, SPE, OU graduate research assistant and MS student.
"I completed my bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in my home country, Bangladesh. In the spring of 2024, I joined OU and the WCTC lab. At the WCTC lab, I am working on a project titled 'Development of Compatibility Assessment Model for Existing Pipelines for Handling Hydrogen-Containing Natural Gas'."
AS: Publishing in peer-reviewed journals is an integral aspect which helps establish authenticity and credible information. What has been your experience with peer-reviewed papers?
MR: Publishing in peer-reviewed journals is essential for validating and sharing research findings with the scientific community. Although I haven't published any articles from my current project yet, I am in the process of writing one. This experience has been incredibly educational. I've learned how important it is to be clear and precise in my writing so that others can understand and reproduce my work. The process has also taught me the value of thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring that all my findings are well-supported and accurately reported. This journey has been challenging but rewarding, as it helps ensure that the research is credible and beneficial to others in the field.
AS: How do you stay motivated?
MR: Staying motivated in research comes from a mix of curiosity, passion for the subject, and the desire to make a positive impact. Setting clear goals and milestones before starting each part of the research helps keep me focused. Celebrating small victories and breakthroughs, no matter how minor, also helps keep my enthusiasm high. Additionally, the excitement of discovering new things during the research process keeps me motivated.
AS: Can you walk us through some of the equipment built and how it helps with the research?
MR: For conducting our research in hydrogen-containing environments, we needed an autoclave. We built a custom pressure vessel (autoclave), which allows concurrent mechanical loading and hydrogen gas exposure of the test specimens. The autoclave is equipped with an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and two vent lines: one that directly leads to the atmosphere and another that connects to an oxygen analyzer. The pressure vessel is designed with an airtight seal to ensure there are no leakages, and it has a design pressure of 5,000 psi. However, for safety reasons, the test is performed below this pressure. It is equipped with a pressure safety valve that actuates in the event of overpressure to prevent rupture of the equipment. In the event of overheating, a chiller system is employed to circulate cold fluid, effectively reducing the temperature to safe levels. This ensures a consistent and controlled operational environment.
Additionally, we developed a setup that pre-cracks specimens for fracture toughness tests. All this equipment is an integral part of our research.
