Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Donates $2.4
Million Mobile Laboratory to OU
A state-of-the-art
transportable research facility that is expected to significantly advance
research in petroleum and gas core characterization has a new home at the
University of Oklahoma.
The $2.4 million Anadarko Mobile Core Laboratory was donated to OU’s Mewbourne
School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. of
Houston. Plans for the lab include interdisciplinary research and instruction
with participation from OU’s College of Geosciences and Sarkeys Energy Center.
Because the lab is mobile, scientists and engineers will be able to conduct
real-time analysis of rock samples at the well sites at which the samples are
extracted. “Traditionally, the samples are sent off-site for analysis and
results are not available for months,” said petroleum and geological
engineering professor Chandra Rai. “But with the mobile lab, researchers can
have their questions answered in a matter of hours.”
In addition, Rai said, some rocks simply cannot be easily transported without
being compromised. “They need to be kept at a certain temperature and can’t be
shipped – they must be transported by special truck. With the mobile lab, these
rocks don’t have to be transported at all.”
“The College of Engineering is committed to teaching students how to deal with
real-world challenges. This facility will provide those who plan to pursue
careers in the oil and gas industry with invaluable hands-on opportunities that
will better prepare them for the workplace,” said W. Arthur Porter, dean of the
College of Engineering.
Anadarko CEO James Hackett said, “The University of Oklahoma has produced some
of the finest professionals in our industry and we are fortunate to count many
of its alumni as part of our talented workforce at Anadarko. The donation of
this mobile core lab will help OU continue its efforts to provide our country
with a new generation of petroleum professionals.”
For more information, contact Debra Levy Martinelli with the College of
Engineering at (405) 325-1185 or drlevy@ou.edu.