The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Palawan State University (PalSU) are set to launch the Philippines’ first petroleum engineering R&D laboratory to support the country’s oil and gas exploration efforts amid the continuing global oil crisis.
The P4.9-million Drilling Fluids Research and Innovation (DFRI) Laboratory shall be launched on March 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) said in an announcement on Thursday.
It is anticipated to assist the country develop its own sustainable drilling fluids, specialized liquids crucial to modern oil and gas exploration and operations.
The power is funded through the Institution Development Program (IDP) of DOST-PCIEERD and can house highly specialized equipment.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said developing drilling materials locally has change into strategically necessary amid volatile fuel prices driven by growing tensions within the Middle East. The region accounts for 98% of the country’s crude oil imports, in keeping with the Department of Energy (DOE).
“Given the continuing instability in global oil supply chains and protracted fuel price hikes, the flexibility to develop local substitutes for critical drilling materials becomes strategically necessary to secure our future in sustaining our own petroleum products like drilling fluids,” Mr. Solidum said in an announcement.
Among the many developments at the ability are drilling fluids enhanced with nano iron oxide and nanosilica, developed by PalSU researchers led by Morlie L. Talimbay.
DOST-PCIEERD said these developments are a part of ongoing research to create local alternative drilling fluids which might be lower in cost and more environmentally sustainable than conventional counterparts.
“For now, we’re conducting further studies, including field validation, that are needed to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and overall performance,” Mr. Talimbay said.
He added that the brand new DFRI Laboratory could contribute to the country’s energy and economic needs.
DOST-PCIEERD said outputs from the ability shall be really helpful to the DOE because it seeks to extend oil and natural gas exploration yields.
Looking ahead, DOST-PCIEERD goals for the DFRI Laboratory to change into a national center for petroleum R&D and related research in the approaching years. — Edg Adrian A. Eva