Quantum leap

Another potential use, not far removed from the above mentioned Inner Space, is the use of nanosensors for oil and gas exploration. The particles would be designed to transmit information wirelessly on the interior of a reservoir, by essentially changing their structural or conductive nature when coming into contact with a certain substance.

But, according to Nordan, the biggest potential currently is for the use of nanomaterials which have enhanced performances compared to standard materials. This could be either the use of nanostructured metals, which could make aluminium as strong and titanium but still as light, or make the metal more resistant to corrosion; or alternatively, the use of nanostructured insulators for offshore piping.

"Whether it is in the use of metals more resistant to corrosion, say for desalinated water or for high concentration of hydrogen sulphide, or the in the use of insulators that increase the temperature of the oil coming up from a well, and in turn your profitability, there is an enormous amount of use for these nanomaterials," says Nordan.

He stresses that nanotechnologies are the here and now - with the possible exception of nanosensors for reservoirs. It is just a question of convincing companies in the Middle East that adoption of the technology could reap big rewards.

"You find there is interest in nanotechnology in the Middle East where you have a confluence of three things: a significant upstream or downstream component, or both; someone at an executive level with a deep interest in innovation from the top down; and a high tolerance for risk," explains Nordan.

"I think in the oil and gas industry there is an enormous amount of conservatism due to the massive amounts of capital and very long time frames, and because people tend to be specific and concerned about variances in the business plan. It is up to us to persuade them the benefits far outweigh the risk.

Research and development for the nanotechnologies tends to be a ratio of 45% from corporations, 45% from governments - for example the US funded National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) - and finally 5-10% from venture capital spending. According to Nordan, this is the crucial stage, as it gets the technologies out of the lab into a point where they can be deployed.

"If you look at everyday life nanotechnology is hidden ingredient already used in many items. For example, two-thirds of lithium ion batteries found in mobile phones or laptops have nanostructure carbon at the cathode that dramatically increases the conductivity of the electrode. And many new cars have multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the fuel lines to keep electric charges away from the fuel," says Nordan.

Despite these advantages, the issue of nanotechnology safety has been given much media attention of late. Concerns that little is known about nanomaterials and their harmful effects on humans has left many questioning the use of such particles.

A report has been issued in the UK by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, stating the government must begin assessing the risk posed by nanomaterials. "Would we know if nanomaterials were causing harm? The answer is no, we wouldn't. We have no evidence that they cause harm, but a lot of that is because of a lack of evidence," Sir John Lawton, chair of the commission, told a leading British newspaper.

With approximately 600 products available globally that contain nanomaterials - a figure that is expected to grow - the prospect of harmful nanomaterials released into the environment and into the food chain is extremely worrying, according to the report.

The commission has singled out three for particular concern: toxic nanosilvers used in clothing to kill bacteria, carbon nanotubes which if inhaled may have similar properties to asbestos, and finally our cutely named buckyballs, which can be absorbed by simple organisms and contaminate the food chain.

However, according to Nordan most of the fears associated with nanomaterials are at best unsubstantiated and at worst "dramatically overblown".

"These concerns, particularly for applications relevant to the oil and gas industry, are dramatically overblown. If you take multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the car's fuel line; if these somehow got into the air and you can breathed them, then something has gone horribly wrong. There may be a threat by the people working at the factory making the plastics being exposed to these materials, but once they are bonded inside a plastic they are not going anywhere," he asserts.

Perhaps it is just a case of fear of the unknown; often found with the implementation of new technologies. The potential the products could offer to the oil and gas industry should be seen as exciting, but at the same time erring on the side of caution seems sensible. Nordan, regardless, sees nanotechnology as being key to the industry in future years.

"I think in the coming years with depleting reservoirs of oil and gas, increased technology will be paramount as companies look to ensure they are getting the absolute most out of reserves. Yes, drilling, well and seismic technologies have come a long way, but now with nanotechnology the pipes, fittings and infrastructure could, and should, follow suit," says Nordan.

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