Newpark Drilling Fluids celebrated the opening of its Technology Center in Katy, Texas on Oct. 30, located close to corporate headquarters. The project has been under development for nine months.
Newpark President Bruce Smith said he hopes this facility helped to “push beyond traditional technical boundaries," and be a place where people from around the world gather to discuss industry challenges.
“The center represents the collective soul and energy of Newpark’s talent,” he said. “I believe the most important breakthroughs in the drilling industry will be made here.”
Located on an 11-acre tract of land, the Newpark Technology Center is 102,685sq ft, with 37,000sq ft of research and development space. The lobby of the facility features a two-story living water wall, which the company said symbolizes its “commitment to environmentally-conscious technology.” The company described it as the fourth-largest wall of its kind in the world, with more than 700 plants. Recycled water sustains its plant life, and the hydroponic structure produces clean air within the facility.
Among the highlights of the facility is the field testing and services lab, which is designed to simulate issues reported during operations. This lab has both high-pressure and high-temperature cells, a key differentiator. Technicians work in shifts and the testing lab has 13-hr/day coverage. Other new labs at the facility include a shale lab, a product development lab, and a quality assurance lab.
Also located within the facility is a drilling simulator to replicate downhole conditions, said to be entirely unique to the company.
“This brick and mortar building represents … a giant leap for Newpark,” Smith said.
Photo of living wall at Newpark Tech Center courtesy of Newpark Drilling Fluids.
Subscribe
