Students and faculty of the School of Physical Sciences and Nanotechnology attended the event.

The School of Physical Sciences and Nanotechnology of Yachay Tech University organized a Rheology workshop in collaboration with Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE). The event was the continuation of the Symposium on Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques that Yachay Tech organized in November 2018. The purpose of the workshop was for students to learn how to perform rheological tests in different fluids. It took place in the Rheology laboratory at ESPE, in Quito, on December 20, 2018.

Rheological tests determine the level of viscosity, surface tension and different physical properties of a fluid. These properties can help to determine if the material or the fluid can serve as a lubricant for drilling wells. As soon as the fluid comes in contact with the walls of the well, it needs enough viscosity to remove the sand or earth residues. In addition, it must be hydrophobic so that it does not allow water to pass through the walls of the well.

ESPE is one of the first universities of Ecuador that has rheology equipment, which has led to scientific collaboration between both institutions. Julio Chacón, PhD, and Camilo Zamora, PhD, Professors of the School of Physical Sciences and Nanotechnology, have collaborated with Luis Carrión and Christian Narváez, from ESPE, to conduct studies in this field, particularly in research for the development of nanostructured drilling fluids. In this sense, they hope to do a complete research that analyzes different types of fluids and how they change their density and viscosity properties when carbon nanotubes or other nanomaterials are added. With this information, they could determine whether the fluid is more efficient than those currently used in well drilling. The ultimate goal is to have more efficiency in oil extraction.

Students who are about to begin their graduation process atended the event and learned the technique used in laboratories to conduct rheological tests. Another goal of the workshop was for students to have a better idea of the fields in which they can specialize. In addition, Julio and Camilo hope to get students who are interested involved in the studies they’ll conduct.