Nanocomposite materials development for progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) used in crude oil extraction

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Through this NSERC CRD project, the research team at the University of Alberta working with researchers at Weatherford Canada Partnership will develop novel multifunctional elastomer nanocomposites. These novel nanocomposites will comprise high temperature elastomers mixed with commercially available nanofillers and custom functionalized nanoclays, yielding strong, high-performance, wear-resistant, high-temperature, materials that have application in specialty oilfield extraction technology like steam assisted operations, or in high-wear applications such as high sand content oil formations. In addition to high temperature and wear resistance, these materials will target improvements in hysteresis, gas permeation, flammability resistance, thermal conductivity, rheology and explosive-decompression resistance. These improved properties will lead to increased pump life and use of progessive cavity pumps (PCPs) in these applications will provide for more energy-efficient and higher percentage oil recovery.