Wyoming
In 2007, Wyoming-based federal agencies and laboratories received a federal R&D investment of $37 million. They leveraged that investment via their technology transfer efforts to address societal needs, promote economic development and growth, and enhance U.S. competitiveness. From defense to life sciences to energy to agriculture, Wyoming-based federal agencies and labs are meeting the technology transfer mission envisioned by Congress.
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Federal Obligations for R&D in Wyoming, 2007 ($ thousands)
|
| Agency |
Total |
| All Agencies |
36,583 |
| Dept. of Agriculture |
11,056 |
| Dept. of Commerce |
317 |
| Dept. of Defense |
5,070 |
| Dept. of Energy |
719 |
| Dept. of Health and Human Services |
8,158 |
| Dept. of Homeland Security |
7 |
| Dept. of Interior |
2,833 |
| Dept. of Transportation |
97 |
| NASA |
1,289 |
| National Science Foundation |
7,037 |
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Source: NSF Science and Engineering Profiles
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Technology Transfer Success Stories
CRADA Transfers Low-Frequency Drill-bit to Oil and Gas Industry
Technology International, Inc., and the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC) jointly tested a prototype tool that generated low-frequency seismic sources at the drill bit in a downhole environment. The test was performed at the RMOTC field site utilizing RMOTC Rig No. 1, a full-service drilling rig. The prototype tool, which was deployed downhole on a drill pipe, consisted of two high-frequency sparkers that generated a low-frequency seismic pulse. The project demonstrated that the technology did indeed generate seismic pulses that were detected at the surface. This proved that the SeismicPULSER™ system could be used for drill-bit "seismic while drilling," an elusive technology that had not been previously achievable using polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bits. A CRADA was the vehicle used to transfer this technology to the oil and gas industry.
A final report of the project has been generated, and results of the test were published in the July 2009 industry publication World Oil. The results have also been presented at scientific and industry conferences, including the 2009 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas. As a direct result of the technology transfer effort, contracts have been signed with major petroleum service companies to diagnose seismic events from the low-frequency borehole signals. In addition, several license agreements to fully commercialize the technology are pending the execution of field demonstrations with advanced prototype tools.
Connect with Wyoming Laboratories
To learn more about, and connect with, Wyoming's FLC member laboratories, visit the Wyoming Laboratories web page. The web-based, searchable database displays laboratory profiles with information such as contacts, areas of expertise, laboratory history, website links, and more.
Contact an FLC Representative in Your Region
J. Susan Sprake
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Phone: 505-665-3613
Email:
sprake@lanl.gov
