IIT(ISM), Dhanbad has inked an agreement with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for joint study and research in a wide range of areas.
These include coalbed methane, shell gas, reservoir characterisation and carbonate reservoirs.
A memorandum of collaboration was signed on Sunday by Durga Charan Panigrahi , director of IIT(ISM), Dhanbad, and Siddharth Sur, executive director and head of Institute of Reservoir Studies, Ahmedabad, of ONGC.
A study on reservoir characterisation integrates available data to define the geometry, physical parameters and flow properties of an oil reservoir. Research on carbonate reservoirs involves identification of new tools and techniques to address the challenges of drilling and producing from these reservoirs optimally.
It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of the world's oil and 40 per cent of gas reserves are held in carbonate reservoirs.
Associate professor of the petroleum engineering department Rajeev Upadhyay said the pact would be valid for five years with the option of extension. The agreement is part of the mine cradle's industry institute collaboration initiative, which entails an exchange of faculty and students and joint sharing of resources.
ONGC officials can use the labs and other resources of IIT(ISM), including the high-end equipment at the central research facility. Students and faculty members of IIT(ISM) can use the ONGC infrastructure, including its labs and exploration sites. "The students and research scholars of the institute will also get the opportunity to work on live industrial projects to enhance their knowledge and experience," Upadhyay said.
Research would cover petroleum engineering, applied geology and applied geophysics. The projects will be based on the exploration and production hurdles faced by ONGC and would be entirely funded by the PSU.
Among others present during the event were V.P. Sharma, head of petroleum engineering department of IIT(ISM) and S.P. Singh, general manager (reservoir) of ONGC.
The day also marked the launch of a 12-week training on competency development of 20 executives of ONGC at the executive development centre of IIT(ISM). Under it, ONGC employees will be apprised about issues related to reservoirs by IIT(ISM) faculty.
