Materials Research Lab
Developing and testing advanced materials for downhole completion, drilling, and measurement tools. Our research addresses challenges in corrosion, erosion, abrasion, and extreme HPHT conditions through innovation in dissolvable metals and high-performance coatings.
1. Mechanical & Hardness
Tinius Olsen H50KT
Tensile, compression, shear, and flexural strength for rubbers and thermoplastics: RT to 300°C, up to 50 KN.
Instron 5988 Testing System
High-capacity testing (150KN Tension / 300KN Compression) for rubbers, composites, and metals.
Rockwell Hardness Tester
Standardized macroscale hardness testing for material structural validation.
Micro Hardness Tester
Specialized for coatings or surface-treated materials requiring micro-level validation.
Shore A Hardness Tester
Model: WAH17A/1. Dedicated hardness testing for rubbers and thermoplastics.
Materials Densimeter
High-precision instrument for materials density testing and verification.
NBS Abrasion Tester
Assess the abrasion resistance of polymers used in high-wear downhole tools.
2. Thermal Analysis
DSC (Model Q20)
Glass transition and melting point analysis from –90 °C using RCS90 chiller.
TGA (Model Q50)
Thermal gravimetric analysis for stability testing and material decomposition profiles.
DMA (Model Q800)
Measures modulus, creep, and stress relaxation for precise viscoelastic profiling.
Polymer Curing Rheometer
Model: Premier MDR. Essential for measuring polymer curing rheology and crosslinking timing.
3. Microscopy & Imaging
Auto-polisher
Automated sample preparation to ensure mirror-finish surfaces for microstructural observation.
Keyence Digital Microscope
Model: VHX-6000. 3D mapping of uneven surfaces with a large depth of field.
Low Mag Optical Microscope
Direct viewing of large components without the need for destructive sample preparation.
High Mag Optical Microscope
High-resolution microstructure analysis of opaque metallurgical and composite samples.
4. HPHT Aging & Processing
2L HPHT Aging Fixture
Accelerated aging and Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) testing under downhole conditions.
8L HPHT Aging Fixture
Large-volume accelerated aging system for heavy-duty rubber and composite validation.
500 ml Ofite Autoclaves
HPHT simulation for aging tests in corrosive downhole liquid and gas environments.
Dissolution Water Bath
Specialized for dissolution testing of dissolvable materials and frac plugs.
50-Ton Molding Press
Model: G50H. Platen 18x18", Max Temp 750ºF for composite and rubber processing.
Vacuum Centrifuge Mixer
Model: DAC 600. High-efficiency air-free mixing for thermoset resin formulations.
Metallic Melting Furnace
High-temp melting system for metallic alloying and material mixing.
High Temp Furnace
Dedicated system for thermal stress relief and metallic heat treatment.
Industrial Ball Mill
Mixes metal powders and refines particle morphology for material uniformity.
HT Pellet Press
Compacts and sinters metal powder under heat and pressure conditions.
High Shear Vacuum Mixer
Precision component mixing for advanced energy storage and electrode ink.
Electrode Coater/Dryer
Automated system for coating and moisture removal in electrode processing.
Electrode Calendar
High-pressure system for pressing energy cell electrode materials.
Electrode Disk Cutter
Precision cutting system for energy-dense electrode disks.
Laboratory Contact Info
Expert: Jason Ren
Email: jason.ren@cnpcusa.com
Phone: +1 (713) 972-6530
Address:
22130 Merchants Way, Ste. 190
Katy, TX 77449