The Research and Development Center (R&DC) is working on a new generation of materials that can address Saudi Aramco's production and operational challenges. “We are pioneering research on advanced and nano-structured materials for specific oil and gas applications,” said R&DC Upstream Program director Abdullah M. Al-Houtan. “We want to develop materials that will enhance reliability and improve efficiency safely and cost-effectively.” Al-Houtan said materials science has been an ongoing human endeavor for thousands of years. “It has a long history under the name metallurgy, which is essentially material science for metals,” he said. “Most recently, material science has focused on nano-materials and nano-technology and how it can be used in new ways.” Al-Houtan said R&DC's newly formed Advanced Materials Group is working on a variety of projects. “We are looking at nano-structured nickel coatings combined with carbon nano-tubes to be used for erosion and corrosion protection,” he said. “This project will be developed in collaboration among R&DC, Dammam College for Girls, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. “We're also developing ionic liquids for separation applications in areas such as desulphurization, salt removal and nano-particle conductivity.” --MORE
