One example is Saudi Aramco. The Company is pursuing nanotechnology applications for use in reservoir agents. "We want single, effective, scalable solutions that we can take to the field as quickly as possible," said Howard Schmidt, nanotechnologist at Saudi Aramco. Fluorescence A. Dots, which are used to map well connectivity and allow Saudi Aramco to know what injector well is contributing water. Magnetic nano-mappers have also been field tested on a small scale, with larger scale field tests to be conducted late in 2012.

 

Another is Baker Hughes Company. Its FracPoint system, a multi-stage completion system that uses openhole packers to isolate multiple stages and ball-activated sleeves to divert frac treatments, now features IN-TALLIC disintegrating frac balls, which are made of a new nanomaterial developed by the company's nanotechnology scientists.

 

Of course, oil and gas companies also must be willing to invest in research and development into new technologies. "We make progress in R&D, but then we eat our own young," said Bell "We need entrepreneurs who are willing to invest and get nanotechnology from the research institutes to commercial application."

 

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