MIMT Annual Report 2013 Centre for Research-based Innovation CMR-14-A11300-RA-01

Transcription

1 MIMT Annual Report 2013 Centre for Research-based Innovation CMR-14-A11300-RA-01

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3 Table of Contents 1... Summary Vision / Goal /Strategy Post Vision Goal Strategy Post-2014 ARENA Research Strategy Background Organisation Background Organisational Structure International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) Partners and Partner Cooperation Persons and Personnel Funding situation Innovation Activities, Results Flow Measurement Fluid Quality: Fiscal Flow Metering ( ) Fluid Quality: Epsilon Multiphase Flow Metering ( ) Viscosity effects on measurement systems ( ) Downhole Instrumentation Downhole Ultrasonic Camera ( ) HPHT Transducer technology ( ) Spin-offs Monitoring CO2 gas-in-water sensor technology ( ) Fish Welfare and Quality ( ) Seabed Reservoir Monitoring: Sensors and Instrumentation for EM Resistivity Mapping ( ) Seabed Reservoir Monitoring: Seismic Sensor Coupling ( ) Water quality monitoring ( ) Emerging Technologies Optics ( ) Pre-studies Nanotechnology International Cooperation

4 Background Various Actions and Initiatives at UoB International Professorship in Experimental Acoustics International Professor II Positions at UoB EU cooperation European Micro Nano Broker Platform European collaboration on batteries International solar cell activity at BUC Recruitment PhDs / Postdocs MSc and BSc students Communication / Dissemination Scientific Publishing MIMT Industry courses / Seminars / Workshops / Guest Lectures / Newsletters / Dissemination / etc References

5 1 Summary This public report summarises the seventh year of the Michelsen Centre for Industrial Measurement Science and Technology (MIMT), a Centre of Researchbased Innovation (CRI) granted by the Research Council of Norway (RCN). The Centre has reached a new phase of maturity where innovative knowledge and results are delivered to industry and where new innovation needs can be supported by the Centre. Delivering innovation and re-entering the innovation cycle A thorough renewal of the project portfolio was initiated in , then strongly encouraged by the expert report from RCN s mid-life evaluation in 2010 and again supported by the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) evaluations in 2011 and This has made it possible to: Spin out mature parts of the original innovation projects to industry as a fulfilment of the Centre s primary research-based innovation purpose Continue immature parts and new ideas as part of new generic projects with multiple industry partners, thereby bringing the MIMT partners closer to each other and strengthening the partner integration Integrate new innovation needs identified by industry into new innovation projects so that the Centre has kept its vitality Launch seed activities with a time horizon beyond the Centre s life length Soaring interest for industry courses MIMT's industry course programme has since the first three-days course was given in November 2010 trained more than 100 employees from more than 20 companies in multiphase metering and in uncertainty calculations according to the ISO GUM. Strategy 2015 Creating and implementing a successful exit strategy from the eight years with CRI-status is challenging. The Board has therefore engaged in a thorough process involving an external facilitator where the conclusion is to transform the relatively small partnership of MIMT into a wider ARENA cluster Details on personnel, publishing, and accounts can be found in [8]. 5 5

6 2 Vision / Goal /Strategy Post Vision The Michelsen Centre for Industrial Measurement Science and Technology (MIMT) is an interdisciplinary resource centre for petroleum, fisheries and environmental monitoring. It is developing into a key player in the expansion of the industrial partners' technologies, and participates actively in the development of innovative solutions. MIMT exploits technological synergies between petroleum, fisheries and the environment that will lead to better economic performance and better use of natural resources as well as mutual understanding in environmentally sensitive areas, ref. the schematics of the Centre in Figure 2-1 below where the sensor technologies is the common denominator creating technological synergy: Figure 2-1: MIMT exploits technological synergies between petroleum, fisheries and the environment that will lead to better economic performance and better use of natural resources as well as mutual understanding in environmentally sensitive areas. The sensor technologies are the common denominator creating technological synergy. 2.2 Goal MIMT shall enable the already strong scientific and industrial groups at international level in the Bergen region to work together within advanced measurement science and technology in the development of innovative solutions within the petroleum, fisheries and environmental sectors. 6 6

7 MIMT shall focus on innovations for the following main application areas[2]: Oil & gas o Fiscal flow measurement o Multiphase flow measurement o Process monitoring and fluid analysis o Reservoir monitoring Fisheries & aquaculture o Measurement of fish catches, products and quality and marine instrumentation for environmentally friendly and efficient fishing and fish farming Environmental monitoring o Oceanographic and meteorological instrumentation, including online monitoring in polar and deep sea areas and monitoring of water and air quality o Environmental pollution management 2.3 Strategy Post-2014 ARENA 2015 The strategy process initiated by the Board has been running since 2011 with the assistance of an external organizational consultant. Some highlights are referred below with a focus on the development in This material has been discussed, commented upon, and approved in its presented form by the Board and General Assembly in 2012 and A large part of the background material was collected through an interview round with key persons in selected industries in order to explore their requirements and expectations from a future Centre. RCN was also a part of this hearing. Positioning the Centre post-2014 The strategy post-2014 targets the future Centre as a bridge between Science and Industry, offering research-based competency of interest to a whole industry rather than a single, application-oriented customer, see Figure 2-2 below. Figure 2-2: Possible future positioning of the Centre post

8 The other logos in the figure do not represent competitors, but are put there in order to demonstrate that other clusters have made other choices based on discipline and cluster type. There have been several cooperative activities between CRI FACE and CRI MIMT, and also meetings between NCE Instrumentation and MIMT as well as common activities between NCE Subsea and MIMT. The Board and General Assembly agreed upon that MIMT has a good potential for linking R&D groups and industry within measurement technology especially within the Bergen area. Functions A future Centre needs to fulfil the three functions identified in Figure 2-3 below in order to be attractive for both industry and R&D groups: Figure 2-3: The Strategy 2015 outlines three main function of the future Centre Project development (the salesman, the door opener): Establish project consortia and agreements facilitating joint technology development If desired, lead joint projects Networking (the missionary, the facilitator): Meeting fora Seminars, conferences, etc. Courses Developing competencies and long-term competivity (the ambassador) Technology scouting and surveying, also in other industries Development of new competencies Post-2014 Target, Key Strategic Issues (KSIs) A post-2014 target definition together with four KSIs were identified as shown by Figure 2-4 below: 8 8

9 Target Post-2014 MIMT contributes to increased competivity by development of innovative and game-changing measurement technology and instrumentation. The focus has changed from funded projects to facilitating projects. MIMT links industry and R&D more efficient than the industry can manage on its own MIMT levers the level of ambition, identifies technology gaps, facilitates projects, point out possibilities, and challenges weaknesses. The MIMT network provides the partners with knowledge, relations, ways of finding funding, and project supervision if desired MIMT is a network developer, a project developer, and an ambassador for growing long-term competency MIMT is recognised as an international leader. STRENGTHEN IDENTITY STRENGTHEN RESOURCES STRENGTHEN RESEARCH STRENGTHEN BUSINESS ORIENTATION Communicate the future MIMT Unique profile relative to CMR and UoB Communicate successes Anchor the target post Capacity to attract partners and long-term funding Focus on leadership, relation building Competency on funding and Horizon 2020 Industry must prioritise research Link industry and R&D Recruit new partners with the right attitude Segment and prioritise the markets Networking Focussed on results and deliverables Joint technology development, joint industry projects Facilitate consortium building, applications for public funding Identify possible projects Figure 2-4: Post-2014 target and four Key Strategic Issues A key issue is the industries that should be served by the Centre post A possible, but not exhaustive example is given by Figure 2-5below where the horizontal axis may be a time line which will be defined during the ARENA process led by industry: Figure 2-5: A possible, but not completed or exhaustive example of MIMT s industry orientation post 2014 Non-excluding alternatives post-2014 The Board and General Assembly have agreed upon an action plan that will pursue two non-excluding paths: 9 9

10 ARENA-cluster Will conserve MIMT networking competencies and help spreading the good cooperation and synergy lessons to new partners Well defined mandate, guidelines, base funding More likely to be approved than NCE, simpler process External bridge funding of some MIMT projects into 2015 will provide natural succession to MIMT RCN and other public bodies underline the need for cooperation between different clusters (NCE; / GCE, ARENA, SFI.) Suitable level for coordination and joint efforts Associated to existing cluster Complementary to NCE Instrumentering and NCE Subsea Part of a well organised partnership May trigger public funding Branding already done CMR / UiB / MIMT already established relatons to NCE Subsea Less formal process Can be combined with other clusters exit strategy Time line An industry-dominated steering group and a wider group of potential ARENA partners must be developed and allowed to take the ownership of the ARENA process: Vision, goals, strategies, funding, organisation, hosting, action plan. This process will follow the time line in Figure 2-6 below: Figure 2-6: Time line for the chosen ARENA implementation of the exit strategy (MIMT post-2014) 10 10

11 3 Research Strategy 3.1 Background The development of the Centre in 2013 was guided by a framework of evaluations and plans, supported by decisions made by the Board and the General Assembly. The main documents for this are listed here: RCN s CRI criteria [1] The original CRI application from the Michelsen Centre [1] RCN s feedback from Site Visit 2008 [3] RCN s feedback from Site Visit 2009 [6] RCN s international expert panel s reports after MIMT s mid-life evaluation 2010 [9][10] RCN s requirements after MIMT s mid-life evaluation 2010[11] MIMT Action Plan [12] and derived sub-plans RCN feedback from the MIMT Site Visit 2011[13] The International Scientific Advisory Committee s report 2013 [14] MIMT s annual work plans MIMT s annual budgets A more recent priority is to prepare and smooth the transition in From a CRI mainly funded by RCN s programme 2. To a growing network between scientists, engineers, industrialists and students within instrumentation and measurement technology To become a sustainable innovation network also after RCN s CRI status ends (exit strategy), see also section 2.3 above

12 4 Organisation 4.1 Background CMR is the host institution and administratively responsible for MIMT. CMR and UoB have considerable overlap in their roles in MIMT, but UoB is the main responsible for long-term research and education / training, whereas CMR's main responsibility is industrial research and development. The activities within MIMT are regulated by the contract between the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and CMR [4], and agreements between CMR and each of the other partners of MIMT [5]. 4.2 Organisational Structure The current organisational structure was developed during and is described by Figure 4-1 below: Figure 4-1: The organisational and thematic structure after 2012 modifications. The new project portfolio facilitates synergy and closer networking as the majority of the innovation projects have more than one industry partner. This stimulates a gradual renewal of the pool of MIMT activities in order to implement a successful exit strategy post-2014 (see section 2.3 above)

13 The modifications to the Centre administration are: The addition of an International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC, see section 4.3 below) after the mid-life evaluation in First Site Visit was in October 2011, second was in March 2013 (see section 4.3 below) Work Package Coordinators were added in 2010 and had an activity peak in The new project portfolio (see section 3.1 above) settled in and reduced the need for this function as the pre-competitive, more generic projects became more dominant. The main use of the personnel in 2012 was to provide senior advice in preparing work plans 2013 and internal project evaluation prior to the next ISAC Site Visit in March This arrangement was then terminated due to reduced needs. An administrative assistant in 80% position was added in August 2012 in order to let the Centre manager focus more on long-term activities and to support the course activities. This arrangement proved successful (see sections 8.2 and 8.3 below), but was terminated by autumn of 2013 due to budgetary constraints. 4.3 International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) MIMT s International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) visited us for the second time since 2011 on March 11-12, The four ISAC members are acknowledged international experts covering MIMT s main focus areas: 1. Professor Jerker Delsing, Luleå University Sweden Senior Scientist Kenneth Foote, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute USA 3. Professor Victor Humphrey, University of Southampton UK 4. Dr Andrew Hunt, Atout Process Ltd UK (also a member of the Research Council of Norway s expert panel October 2010) The agenda contained the following main elements: The Centre and internal factors: The Centre and external factors Evaluation of 6 innovation projects launched Exit strategy for 2014 when the centre's status as a Centre of Research-based Innovation (CRI) granted by the Research Council if Norway will end The ISAC expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Centre: "All of us (ISAC) wish to convey our compliments to you and your staff for your consummate professionalism in all of our dealings. You have undertaken a most difficult project, establishment of a new institution, for which your host organization, CMR, is superbly qualified and for which there is a genuine industrial 13 13

14 need. We hope that you are successful in securing the future of The Michelsen Centre for the long term." The most important issue that was raised, was the need to disseminate the successful results of the innovation projects in a spectrum of fora: "ISAC strongly recommends that a board-supported campaign be undertaken to publish Centre work over the next 18 months. Such publications should include both peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant industrial conferences, especially at the Offshore Technology Conference in Publication should not be viewed as an additional project task, but one that is essential and confers immediate, high value to the project, its sponsors, and the Centre.The reputation of the Center and its staff will be promoted strongly by such publication, to the benefit of researchers, the Centre, its host institution, and project partners. Publication of results also constitutes a proper acknowledgement of the public money invested by RCN in the Centre over its eight-year lifetime." The ISAC report was discussed in the following Board meeting on June 12, resulting in different actions, amongst others the strong encouragement of publishing project results which resulted in 7 additional peer-review publications in 2013, 4 more were delayed to The innovation projects started in were the most productive ones. 4.4 Partners and Partner Cooperation Five of MIMT's eight industry partners have since 2007 been through in all eight mergers, acquisitions or take-overs of importance to MIMT's application areas. The stability of MIMT's partner group is therefore remarkable although the changing internal industry partner structures have posed a challenge regarding the preservation and development of MIMT's contacts with higher management levels. The partner structure is described by Table 1 below: Research partners Christian Michelsen Research AS (CMR) Host Dep. of Physics and Technology (IFT) University of Bergen Geophysical Institute (GFI) Dep. of Biology (BIO) Dep. of Chemistry (KI) Bergen University College Engineering Faculty Industrial (user) partners AADI Xylem (former Aandera Data Instruments) Environmental monitoring Seabed Geosolutions (former CGG) Oil & Gas FMC Metering Oil & Gas MMC Tendos Fisheries & Aquaculture ProAnalysis (associated) Oil & Gas Roxar Emerson (former Roxar) Oil & Gas Archer (former Seawell, former Smedvig Offshore) Oil & Gas Statoil (former Norsk Hydro) Oil & Gas Table 1: The MIMT partners

15 4.5 Persons and Personnel 2013 Board The Board of the Michelsen Centre was in 2013 as follows: Arvid Nøttvedt, CMR (chairman of the board) Geir Anton Johansen, UoB (co-chairman) Tor Arne Hetland, AADI Arne Rokkan, Seabed Geosolutions (former CGG) Skule Smørgrav, FMC Metering Arne Ulrik Bindingsbø, Statoil The Board has continued its close follow-up of strategic key themes concerning the future direction of MIMT and the exit strategy, see section 2.3 above. Centre Administration Erling Kolltveit has been a full-time MIMT Manager since February 2, 2009, as an employee of CMR with formal status as Department Manager. Professor Lars Egil Helseth (Department of Physics and Technology at UoB) has been Deputy Manager since July 1, Funding situation The funding of the Centre surpasses RCN s minimum requirements as shown by Figure 4-2 below: Figure 4-2: Accumulated funding per funding source. Total accumulated budget is MNOK The accumulated RCN contribution is as low as 44% thanks to the in-kind contributions from industry (9% cash and 19% in-kind) and 28% in-kind contributions from UoB, CMR, and BUC. The envelope is almost MNOK 5 ahead of the nominal budget due to industry funding, industry courses, and U&RI in-kind above budget

16 5 Innovation Activities, Results 5.1 Flow Measurement Fluid Quality: Fiscal Flow Metering ( ) Background The relative importance of natural gas is increasing for Norway according to the changing weight between gas and oil production in the North Sea. As gas is sold and allocated on basis of its energy or mass content, accurate and cost-efficient measurement of natural gas and its quality are of increasing interest at sales points, for ownership allocation, as well as in fuel and flare gas metering stations. The main activity in this project addresses the further development of a velocity of sound (VOS) cell for quality measurement of natural gas using ultrasonic flow meters (USM). Active use of VOS in fiscal flow metering provides a potential for quality measurement of natural gas in metering stations, using the USMs already installed in metering stations. Several quality parameters are of interest in this context, such as: Gas density Gas compressibility Gas calorific value CO2 emission factor. Traceable control with the measurement uncertainty is an absolute requirement for fiscal metering. Calibration facilities for the VOS measurements made by USMs operating in natural gas are non-existent today. Other activities in the project include: Ultrasonic flow metering of oil and gas at HPHT conditions, Acoustic signal / fluid flow / elastic structure interaction in ultrasonic fiscal flow metering of oil and gas; 3D modelling and measurements, Non-wetted fiscal ultrasonic flow metering technology for subsea allocation metering. Ultrasonic instrumentation for gas characterization. Nonlinear sound propagation in gas at ultrasonic frequencies, under HPHT conditions; Preliminary investigations in air. Goal The overall goal of the project is to establish an enhanced technology base for precise and cost-effective industrial metering of oil and gas. For the VOS-cell activity, the goal is to establish the technological basis for designing and constructing a VOS cell with capabilities for VOS calibration of USMs in natural gas at high pressures is addressed. A relative measurement uncertainty in the range of ppm (95 % c.l.) is required. Project organisation The following partners participate in the programme: 16 16

17 FMC Metering University of Bergen (UoB), Dept. of Physics and Technology (DPT) / Acoustics Group Christian Michelsen Research AS (CMR) Progress and results Related to this program, the work in 2013 has included: Under the project Velocity of sound (VOS) cell for quality measurement of natural gas using ultrasonic flow meters (USMs), the activity has been concentrated on: Further development of the precision VOS cell which has previously been tested with air and argon, connected to improved control with the sound propagation in the cell. This includes necessary corrections for systematic effects in the precision VOS call. The largest and most significant systematic effect is due to diffraction effects for real transducers, such as diffraction phase correction of the direct-propagated signal, and diffraction phase correction for the signals reflected from the transducers (single and double reflection) in the cell. These topics are addressed under a PhD study, to investigate, improve on and establish control with the uncertainty of the measurement method being used in the VOS cell, including improved control with the systematic effects being corrected for. Precision experimental measurements combined with theoretical finite element modelling are key elements in this work, combined with development and use of dedicated ultrasonic gas transducers for low pressure conditions. The in-house (UoB and CMR) developed FEMP 5.0 finite element model is used in the work under this project, and in projects described below. The diffraction topic has also been investigated using a more analytical approach by CMR. This has led to a common conference publication and plans for peer-reviewed publications. Figure 5-1: From left, professor Per Lunde (UoB-DPT / Acoustics Group) and PhD candidate Espen Storheim, with a prototype of a precision sound velocity cell (VOS) for quality measurement of natural gas. (Photo: MIMT) 17 17

18 The above activities are strongly linked to and interacting with the activity under the project Ultrasonic instrumentation for gas characterization, with education of 2 master candidates who graduated in June This project addresses: Finite element modelling of ultrasonic measurement systems for gas, including comparisons with experiments in air. Reciprocity calibration method for ultrasonic piezoelectric gas transducers in air, including finite element simulations. Through this work, a finite-element-based model for ultrasonic measurement systems is developed, and tested experimentally. The model relates to e.g. a single path in an ultrasonic flow meter, the VOS cell, etc., including 3D description of the piezoelectric sender and receiving transducers in relevant vibration modes, near- and far-field effects of ultrasonic propagation in the fluid medium, diffraction effects, electrical connections, etc. In the autumn of 2013, education of 2 other master candidates was initiated, in a continuation of the above described work, with planned graduation in June Under the associated project Non-wetted fiscal ultrasonic flow metering technology for subsea allocation metering, a subsidiary company, XSENS AS, was established by CMR in January 2013, to further develop and qualify this technology for introduction to the market. Patents in the CMR / UoB research group constitute parts of the basis for the company. Under a 4-year PhD study Acoustic signal / fluid flow / elastic structure interaction in ultrasonic fiscal flow metering of oil and gas; 3D modelling and measurements, financed by UoB, ultrasonic signal propagation in such meters is investigated experimentally and by finite element modelling, as a tool to optimize such measurement technology with respect to design parameters. This relates to transducer technology, excitation and propagation of leaky waveguide (Lamb) modes in the pipe wall, signal level, bandwidth, signal waveform, beam pattern, transit time measurement, etc. The PhD project is made in cooperation with the Department of Earth Science at UoB. The PhD thesis was submitted in December 2013, and the candidate Magne Aanes is defending his thesis on March 28, Under the associated project Ultrasonic flow metering of oil and gas at HPHT conditions, the work in this period has been concentrated on preparing journal publication of the main project results, which have previously been reported to Statoil and Shell. Correction methods for highpressure-high-temperature (HPHT) effects on ultrasonic gas and oil flow meters are developed. The work in this project has had direct impact on the ISO standard ISO for ultrasonic gas flow meters, in a close dialogue with the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD). The correction methods developed under the study are used in the USM allocation metering station for the Ormen Lange gas at Nyhamna, Norway, at about 230 bar operating pressure, for partner allocation of about 20 % of Norway s export of natural gas. There are several HP fields in the North Sea where these correction methods are relevant. Through CMR, UoB and the Michelsen Centre are represented in the board of the Norwegian Society of Oil and Gas Measurement (NFOGM), organizing all important actors within fiscal and multiphase flow 18 18

19 measurement on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. In 2013, this has included participation in the arrangement committee for the 31 st International North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop (NSFMW), Tønsberg, October 22-25, 2013; and the arrangement committee for NFOGM Temadag, Oslo, March In 2013, spin-off projects of the activities under the program include A 4-year PhD project Acoustic properties of hydrate saturated porous sandstone during CO2 injection; - finite element modelling and measurements, financed by UoB. The project is related to ongoing UoB activities on exploitation of methane hydrate resources in the earth by CO2 injection, combined with CO2 storage. The work is made in close cooperation with the Petroleum and Process Technology Group at UoB s Department of Physics and Technology Fluid Quality: Epsilon Multiphase Flow Metering ( ) Project organization The Epsilon multiphase flow metering program is carried out in cooperation between the following partners: CMR University of Bergen o Dept. of Physics and Technology o Dept. of Chemistry Roxar Background Multiphase meters provide an accurate and continuous on-line monitoring of the flow rates of oil, water and gas in the oil well stream. Multiphase metering today is a mature technology after more than 20 years of development and more than 3300 meters in operation worldwide. The significance of multiphase meters is easier to understand when we add that more than 12% of the world s oil production flow through these meters. The number of installed meters is expected to double over the next 5-10 years (Falcone, Harrison, Oil & Gas Journal Vol. 109, Iss. 10). Almost every operator in the petroleum market uses multiphase meters today, and the need is increasing due to more complex ownership allocation and future challenges in flow assurance. There is therefore a real industry need for increasing both the accuracy and increasing the range of operational parameters (viscosity, pressure, and temperature) for which the accuracy is good. This must be achieved by enhancing the understanding of the basic chemical and physical principles and mechanisms that determine the fluid properties and behaviour. Such properties are a crucial influence on the inputs to any multiphase meter. Goal This project goal is to establish fluid property models that can result in more reliable and accurate fluid inputs to the multiphase meters, thereby increasing their accuracy and reliability under a broader span of flow conditions. An example of different properties of different oils is demonstrated in Figure 5-2 below where both the real 19 19

20 and imaginary parts of the electrical permittivity are shown for three different North Sea crude oils: 2.35 ' F' 2.25 G' D E+03 1E+04 1E+05 1E+06 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10 Frequency (Hz) '' E+03 1E+04 1E+05 1E+06 1E+07 1E+08 1E+09 1E+10 Frequency (Hz) Figure 5-2: Dielectric spectra for three North Sea crude oils illustrating the difference in both the real part (upper figure) and imaginary part (lower figure) of the permittivity (K. Folgerø, Broad-band dielectric spectroscopy of low-permittivity fluids using one measurement cell, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement). The three different oils are clearly distinguishable based on this single fluid property. Roadmap Mature results related to the centre-sponsored PhD-student were spun off in 2012 and 2013 in accordance with the recommendations from ISAC in 2011 (see section 4.3above). Progress and results In order to establish precise fluid property models by correlating physical and chemical properties, it is strictly necessary to have a representative data set of hydrocarbon fluids. There was therefore in the earliest years a focus on collecting adequate sample of crude oils, condensates and other hydrocarbon fluids from global sources with various properties to span out the data set and to analyse the measurements from the samples. The aim of the project and the associated PhD project is to extract correlations between the established fluid parameters by applying multivariate analysis. Results from this work are published in several papers by A. Tomren, and are also included in Tomren s PhD Thesis (scheduled to be defended in spring 2014)

21 The research cooperation with Associate Professor Johan Carlson, Luleå University of Technology (Johan has a Centre-sponsored Professor II-position at UoB) initiated in 2009 has continued through The focus has been on establishing multivariate correlations between FT-IT measurements and permittivity. Parts of the PhD work have been developed further into an innovative software tool for calculation of fluid characteristics for calibration of multiphase meters under varying operating conditions. The main results were presented at the 30th International North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop 2012 titled: Permittivity Calculator: Method and Tool for Calculating the Permittivity of Oils from PVT Data. During 2013 some additional work was initiated to verify the capability of this tool for a larger set of operating conditions. Work has also been performed on the visualisation of flow using tomography, and on analysing the influence fluid parameters have on multiphase meters Viscosity effects on measurement systems ( ) Project organisation FMC Metering Archer CMR Both industry partners are in the oil & gas industry, but Archer is a well services company while FMC is a supplier of fiscal meters. The common interests have been properly identified, leading to this project. Background Petroleum crude oils can be divided into four main categories based on the grade of viscosity in the crude oils. Conventional oil is the category with the lowest viscosity, followed (with increasing viscosity) by heavy oil, extra heavy oil and oil sands and bitumen. The petroleum crude oils reserves in the world consist of mostly oil with high viscosity as shown by Figure 5-3 belowbelow: Figure 5-3: Distribution of the world s oil resources classified according to viscosity ( Numerous petroleum measurement systems on the world marked are designed and optimized for conventional oils. However, the production of high viscous oils is 21 21

22 increasing due to limited reserves of conventional oils. Effects of viscosity on measurement systems developed for conventional oils may therefore have to be compensated for or neutralized (when applied in processes with more viscous oils) in order to achieve the desired accuracy in the measurement results. There are two main classes of measurement challenges related to increasing viscosity that challenges current measurement technology: 1. The attenuation of ultrasound signals increase, forbidding long signal propagation lengths 2. The viscosity is strongly temperature dependent. A change of temperature may change the viscosity so much that it may even influence the flow profile in the pipe and thereby the flow regime. Goal This project is focusing on developing computer models and carry out experimental investigations that can be used to understand and possibly solve problems arising during measurements on high-viscosity oils. The new knowledge can lead to or initiate both new operational practices and to development of new measurement instruments. Progress and results The project is split into three different tasks: Task 1 Effect of flow conditioners in a high viscous fluid pipe flow There is a lack of understanding of the optimum use of features as flow conditioners in order to compensate for viscosity effects. The effects of various configurations were studied by numerical Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools and compared with measurement data with and without flow conditioning; see some numerical results in Figure 5-4below Figure 5-4: Flow velocity in and after a flow straightener used to condition the flow profiles for ultrasonic flow meters (Copyright: Christian Michelsen Research AS) The results are very interesting and will be continued in Selected parts of the work will be considered for publication. Task 2 Effect of acoustic tool in an oil well with high viscous fluid flow It is vital to establish how ultrasound measurements are affected by the actual composition of the propagation medium (oil, gas, water, and sand). This is studied by numerical CFD tools and a tailored numerical model set up for the inclusion of sand flow. The results clearly map the factors deciding the efficiency of the measurement tool. The work in 2014 will continue with modelling of new measurement tools

23 Task 3 Measurement of acoustic attenuation in viscous fluids Attenuation in a fluid is an important property that may affect the accuracy of the measurements. Ultrasonic measurement methods such as pulse-echo or transmission techniques have been applied to measure fluid properties as a function of temperature. This work was finalized in 2013 and will not be continued in Downhole Instrumentation Downhole Ultrasonic Camera ( ) See Annual report HPHT Transducer technology ( ) Project organisation FMC Metering Archer AADI Department of Physics and Technology (IFT) at the UoB CMR It is very encouraging for the Centre that a supplier of fiscal meters for natural gas, an oil & gas well service company and a supplier of environmental sensors are able to identify synergies and to collaborate in an innovation project to the benefit of all participants. Background High Temperature High Pressure (HPHT) conditions restrict possible choices for material selection and transducer construction significantly. Such harsh conditions introduce challenges both related to performance and related to durability. There are two major requirements for ultrasonic transducers in HPHT conditions, That the transducers themselves withstand both heat and pressure To provide suitable acoustical coupling between the element of the transducer and the object/medium under test The HPHT Transducer technology project is a generic research project in which different aspects related to HPHT Transducer technology are considered based on the interest of the partners. Some of the main challenges related to HPHT transducer design are: Choice of piezoelectric materials and materials for coupling layers (e.g. epoxies) for high temperature applications Variation in material parameters as a function of Temperature/Pressure Accurate material parameters for simulations Bonding techniques Different thermal expansion of various sensor elements (match of thermal expansion coefficient of transducer components) Strategy for coupling to medium and coupling fluid 23 23

24 Housing design issues Goals The aim of the project is to contribute to solving the technological challenges for the project partners related to HPHT transducer technology: Aggregate knowledge for optimal choice of transducer construction and material selection for HPHT conditions in order to shorten development time and success rate in projects involving HPHT Transducer technology for specific applications. Identify technology challenges and possible solutions for HPHT transducers. Increase the partner s knowledge and competence. Progress and results Since 2011 the main focus in the HPHT transducer technology project has been on methodology for investigation the change in transducer response as a function of temperature and pressure with special emphasis on methods for investigating the change in selected acoustic material parameters with temperature up to 180 C. Several different measurement principles have been evaluated for this purpose earlier in the project, and one method (the buffer rod method, see illustration in Figure 5-5: below was selected. In 2013 the buffer rod method was further improved, and also modified in order to be able to better measure variations in acoustical losses as a function of temperature. A buffer with larger cross section was used, the transducer was not decoupled between measurement series, and the transducer was held within the temperature chamber throughout all of the measurement series. These modifications to the method impact the maximum temperature obtainable, but give the possibility to get more accurate measurements on acoustical losses. Figure 5-5: First generation Buffer rod applied in the buffer rod method along with a sketch of the principle. The final version of the buffer used in the measurements on target materials is a dedicated machined stainless steel buffer rod produced by CMR Prototech

25 Using both the original and the modified buffer rod method, selected acoustical material parameters have been measured as a function of temperature for target materials of interest to the project partners. Example finite element simulations have been made using the simulations program FEMP in order to show the influence of the temperature variations on transducer performance. See an illustration of the workflow for studying the influence of temperature variation on an ultrasonic transducer in the illustration in Figure 5-6: below. Figure 5-6: Work flow for studying the influence of temperature variation on an ultrasonic transducer Spin-offs Professor Geir Anton Johansen (UoB-IFT) has collaborated with external industrial companies on a project for using Geiger Müller (GM) detectors for downhole monitoring of radiation. GM-detectors are robust and well suited for harsh environments. The project has to increase the stopping efficiency of these rugged detectors by a factor of 2.5. PhD student Ilker Meric finished his PhD in 2012 and is now a postdoc at UiB working on this and similar projects. The academic partner was Centre for Engineering Applications of Radioisotopes, North Carolina State University, USA. Roxar Flow Measurement now uses GM detectors in their downhole meter. 5.3 Monitoring CO2 gas-in-water sensor technology ( ) See Annual report 2012 and section below Fish Welfare and Quality ( ) See Annual report 2012 and section below 25 25

26 5.3.3 Seabed Reservoir Monitoring: Sensors and Instrumentation for EM Resistivity Mapping ( ) Project organisation The Marine EM resistivity mapping project is carried out in cooperation between the following CRI partners: CMR Seabed Geosolutions (former CGG) Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen. Background and roadmap The project was the first years focussed on the marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) sounding method which has developed into a promising tool for mapping resistive, sub-seabed geological structures. Based on commercial considerations it was in 2013 decided to change the focus of the project into subsea metrology for seabed reservoir monitoring (subsea surveying). Work and Results A pre-study was performed in 2013 in close cooperation with the industry partner, leading to a proposal for development of a numerical modelling tool in order to evaluate the performance and robustness of different metrology concepts based on acoustics. The SW development will take place in 2014 within the frames of MIMT Seabed Reservoir Monitoring: Seismic Sensor Coupling ( ) Project organisation The project is carried out in cooperation between the following MIMT partners: CMR CGG (former CGGVeritas) Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen. Background There is an increasing interest in long-term collection of seismic data from a specific part of the sea bed. The motivation stems from applications as oil & gas exploration and production, and future monitoring of CO2 reservoirs: Permanent or semi-permanent installation of Ocean Bed Seismometers (OBS) is the industry s concept of choice. However, deployment of a spread of OBSs generates several operational difficulties. The understanding and optimisation of the acoustic coupling between the OBS and the seabed is one of the major problems to be solved in order to achieve high quality data. Goal Universities, contractors, and manufacturers have proposed different methods to obtain as good acoustic coupling as possible. The object of this project is to compare validity of different solutions in order to determine the optimal OBS configuration when considering both technical results and costs

27 The main part of the activity is the design, assembly, and testing of an artificial seabed or lab facility where seismic signals can be applied in a controlled manner for testing of OBSs in combination with different types of seabed in combination with a water column. The first generation test facility is shown in and Figure 5-7 below: Figure 5-7: Assembled test set-up ready for testing including seabed (vertical metal cylinder filled with mud), shaker (front of seabed), and blue tarpaulin cylinder for adding a water column. Reference sensors and data acquisition system not visible. The system is acoustically decoupled from the surrounding environment. (Photo: Christian Michelsen Research AS) Progress and results A first generation artificial seabed was designed, assembled and went through initial testing in In 2009 improvements were made to the data acquisition system and three different OBSs where tested. Analysis and evaluation of the test results gave valuable information about the coupling properties of the different OBSs, but it also showed that the test facility had significant room for improvement. Consequently, the work in 2010 focused on improving excitation, measurement and processing techniques to reduce measurement errors due to unwanted resonances and wave modes in the test setup. Some gains were made in this regard, but it was concluded that to achieve the wanted accuracy a second-generation test facility was needed. In addition, work was started to include the findings in a simulation model. This included efforts to find and understand the elastic, plastic and acoustic properties of real and artificial seabed. Different design improvements of the artificial seabed where evaluated through simulations and simplified tests to better understand which components and variables that affects the setup in terms of wave modes and resonances. It was conclude that a setup with frictionless support and excitation limited to one direction where needed. To achieve this a solution based on linear air-bearings was selected. In addition a solid baseplate of granite where chosen as support, to achieve necessary stiffness and strength to accommodate the chosen bearings. To reduce the weight of the moving parts a carbon fibre plate composite plate is being used as base for the artificial seabed. A drawing of the setup is shown in Figure

28 Figure 5-8: Drawing of second-generation test facility. Future work will include: testing of different (sensor) geometries on different (artificial) seabed's Improvement to simulation model Comparison of test results with theory and simulations The final step will be to use the results to improve the sensor (OBS) design. Spin-off The accumulated knowledge resulting from modelling of seabed coupling properties through tests and simulations, in regard to seismic coupling sensors might enable improved design development of other seabed equipment. The experience gained through this project has been useful input for design of a test setup for development of new technology for the aquaculture industry Water quality monitoring ( ) Organisation CMR Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen. AADI MMC Tendos Bergen University College Background In both environmental monitoring and aquaculture (including well boats, see also section above) there is a strong need for long term on-line monitoring of certain gases dissolved in water and certain water quality parameters with solid state sensors rather than traditional laboratory analysis of spot samples. This is also a fundamental part of the quality assurance in providing ethically and qualitatively acceptable sea farming products to the conscious consumer. However, current 28 28

29 sensor technologies have through surveys conducted as a part of this project been found not to meet the end user requirements. There are also synergy effects in developing sensor technology for certain key elements as they are highly interconnected as shown by Figure 5-9 below: Figure 5-9: The interconnections and interactions between water flow conditions / fish density, levels of certain gases dissolved in water, major water quality parameters and the impact on fish welfare and risk of disease if not concentrations of key gases and water quality parameters are well monitored and controlled. Goal The project goal is to develop water quality sensor technologies directed towards challenges within environmental monitoring and aquaculture identified by the project partners. Progress (Detailed closed) NH3 sensor technology During the first part of 2013, an experimental setup for testing NH3 sensors was built at CMR (seefigure 5-9 below), the setup was based on the mixing of an ammonium salt solutions with a Sorenson s buffer system. The setup was used to characterize optode prototypes based on ratiometric intensity interrogation of colorimetric sensor films made by Pacific Sentry (US). Initial laboratory tests for repeatability were promising. Figure 5-10: Test setup built at CMR for the characterisation of optical NH3 measurement technology

30 The NH3 sensors prototypes were tested on the well boat Ro Fjord during normal operation for a 6 week time period. MMC Tendos made an interface for integrating AADI s sensor onto the laboratory tanks on the well boat. The NH3 sensors appear to perform well, reporting values that were at times correlated with ph (expected if the total ammonia-nitrogen content was constant), and at other times anticorrelated with ph (expected if the total ammonia-nitrogen content was changing). Comparing the raw data to the calibration measurements, the NH3 concentrations in the well boat were always less than 10ppb, and relatively stable An NH3 sensor was also tested in an incubation test at the floor of the Byfjord, Sweden. The rising response of the sensor with time was an expected result, but some of this response change may have been a temperature effect. The calibration data indicated NH3 concentrations in the ppm range. Subsequent laboratory analysis of the field deployed ammonia optodes revealed a substantial drift from the pre-deployed values. The origins of the drift were investigated and solutions to these problems have been proposed but not tested due to a shift in priority towards ph measurement technology development. pco2 sensor technology development The calibration setup developed earlier in the project was used to characterize the performance of CO2 optode prototypes. During April optode prototypes were calibrated, the calibrations were repeated one week later, this revealed that some of the sensors had drifted, while others had not. As a result of discussions that followed with Presens, changes were made to the optode prototype design. Two CO2 sensor prototypes were installed for the well boat expedition mentioned in the section above. The expedition was a follow on from a similar test carried out in 2011, in that case the CO2 sensors were mounted directly in the well and were destroyed by accidental contact with cleaning agents after a number of days. In the 2013 test the sensors were mounted in a laboratory tank carrying flow through water from the well; as such the sensors would be protected from cleaning agents. While the sensors gave promising results, some drift was observed. The origins of the drift were investigated and solutions to these problems have been proposed but not tested due to a shift in priority towards ph measurement technology development. From August-October 2013 previously calibrated CO2 sensor optodes were stored by protecting the sensing elements with rubber caps containing seawater buffers. Measurements after the storage period showed the sensor response was almost completely diminished. A discussion followed surrounding the reason for this, and resulted in several changes in which the way CO2 optodes were transported. ph sensor technology development During the early part of 2013, a ph sensor test setup was devised using the same components and buffer system as for the NH3 test setup. ph sensor prototypes based on ocean optics (ratiometric intensity) and Presens (floueresnece lifetime) films were made. The ocean optics films showed a significant drift while the Presens sensors showed good response characteristics. During November 2013, it was decided that the project focus should be narrowed towards the Presens-film ph optodes over all other water monitoring technologies in the project because of the high customer demand that would be expected for these sensors. During December, 30 30

31 it was decided to switch the calibration method from a the Sorenson buffer to the tris buffer system, because this would provide most consistency with calibration procedures used in other projects. During December 2013 and early 2014 the setup was used to calibrate fluoresce lifetime ph optode prototypes and their stability. The results were generally positive and contributed to the decision for a MIMT consortium based team to be entered for the ph X-prize competition. Bergen University College has performed a long term experiment regarding safe levels for carbon dioxide for Atlantic salmon postsmolts. Water quality parameters, stress parameters and growth were measured at regular intervals. A paper on this topic is under preparation. H2O2 sensor technology development In February 2013, an MSc project was begun to investigate a novel UV absorption based technology for the measurement of H2O2. The intended measurement application, brought forward by MMC Tendos, is the accurate monitoring/control of H2O2 based lice treatments on board well boats. The project has so far given positive results, with sensitive at the ppm level demonstrated. Early sensing films had poor mechanical properties, but the films have improved in later iterations. It is intended that other substrates/indicator types will be investigate in future projects. The current MSc student working on the project will graduate in summer Emerging Technologies The main initiatives towards emerging technologies taken in 2009 (and continued in 2010) are nanotechnology, optics, and tomographical methods. These technologies have a great innovation potential within MIMT s scope Optics ( ) Project organisation AADI Archer MMC Tendos ProAnalysis Christian Michelsen Research (CMR) University in Bergen, Institute of Physics and Technology (UoB-IFT) Bergen University College (BUC) Background Optical technologies are widely used for instrumentation and communication, although optics can still be said to be an emerging technology within the MIMT focus areas. The Optics project became a full-scale project with industry in-kind in 2011, after being started as a pre-project in Goal The aim of this project is to develop optical measurement and communication technology and solutions in order to answer challenges identified by the project 31 31

32 partners. An important strategy is to identify where optical technologies offer advantages relatively to today s solutions. It is also a priority to increase the partners knowledge and competence within optics. This will in the long run increase the partners competitiveness in their respective markets. Progress and results Optical downhole telemetry: The main activity in 2013 has been testing and evaluation of the proposed concept for high-speed fibre, high temperature fibre optical communication system. Target application is advanced logging tools requiring high bandwidth. Current electrical solutions are slow (low bandwidth). The proposed system can provide a high-speed data link providing better data and faster more cost efficient operation. After focusing on concept development and testing on component level the last few years, 2013 has focused on testing of the complete system. Figure 5-11below shows the test setup for the lab-based testing of the communication system. The downhole communication node is placed in a temperature-controlled chamber. Figure 5-11: Test setup used for lab-based system testing A series of bit error rate testing have been performed to verify the capability of the system during different setup, configurations and operational conditions. Example of typical eye-diagram obtains at 177 C and 100Mbps data rate is shown in Figure 5-12 below. Figure 5-12: Eye-diagram obtained at 177 C and 100Mbps 32 32

33 The results from the testing performed in 2013 shows the feasibility of a high speed, high temperature fibre optical communication system. We are currently evaluating the possibility of taking this activity of out of the Michelsen Centre and establish a bilateral project between Archer and CMR with the aim to industrialize the technology. As for the two previous years, Archer has conversion some of its inkind man-hours to financial contributions supported investments in optical equipment. Optical refractometry: Current solutions for measuring the exact water density are indirect and inaccurate. Kristian Børven finished his master project at UiB in 2013 with the title Measurement of seawater by refracometric methods. This was the second MSc project within MIMT related to this topic. Spin-off and associated activities Together with IRIS in Stavanger and The University in Oslo, CMR applied for Petromaks 2 funding for a project focusing on fibre optical technology for well monitoring. Despite good score, we did not manage to secure funding for this initiative. We are currently investigating a few different possibilities to take this forward both with and without public funding. In June we attended the Optoelectronics Technology for the oil and gas industry, technical meeting in Aberdeen. CMR presented a poster about the activity related to optics associated with The Michelsen Centre. In November, CMR arranged a two-day visit to Jena in Germany. We visited and discussed possible collaboration with the well renowned Fraunhofer IOF and IPHT Jena. We also visited companies in the region that could be partners or sub-suppliers in different projects Pre-studies Nanotechnology In the original application for a CRI to the RCN it was stated that nanotechnology would be an area of innovation in which MIMT should engage. MIMT has taken several steps to achieve this goal. In 2009, IFT/UoB (Professor Lars Egil Helseth, Associate Professor Bjørn Tore Hjertaker) under the umbrella of MIMT has made an initiative towards emerging nanotechnology through the participation in EU MNST Broker (see also section 6.3.1): This is an EU micro and nano platform network aimed at providing enhanced cooperation between the academic and industrial members of the participating countries. In December 2011 a proposal, named NanoBatt, was granted by the state government (LEG) in Thüringen, Germany (see also section 6.3.2). Moreover, Dr Gianangelo Bracco (see section for details) holds an Associate Professor II position funded by MIMT as a part of the collaboration on nano technology with University of Genoa. Dr Bracco participates in the development of nanoscience projects within MIMT as well as specific technology project with the relevant MIMT partners. He is also contributing towards UoB's participation in EU MNST Broker (see section for details). MIMT was directly involved in this programme by a two months long stay at Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical 33 33

34 Measurement Techniques (IBA Heiligenstadt, Germany) for MSc student Tom Mordal in 2011 who was supervised by Associate Professor Mihaela Cimpan and co-supervised by Professor Lars Egil Helseth. This stay was also as a result of the Micro Nano Broker program started in An exciting possibility to expand the Centre s technology platform occurred when the new nanolaboratory at UoB-IFT was inaugurated in March 2011 with facilities for fabrication and characterisation of nanosensors and structures. The laboratory was funded by a gift from Trond Mohn (12 MNOK) and funding from RCN (6.3 MNOK). Pioneer results on a completely new type of microscope using neutral helium atoms as an imaging probe have already been achieved as shown by Figure 5-13 below: Figure 5-13: Also nanotechnology needs space: Postdoc Sabrina Eder at the neutral helium microscope under development at the Nanolab (UoB-IFT). This pioneering measurement device is ideal for the characterisation and measurements of polymeric nanostructures, nano-coatings and high aspect ratio structures ( peaky structures ) because helium atoms do not penetrate into the material itself. Helium atoms have low energy and are neutral, and are therefore ideal probes for creating an image of complex surfaces. (Photo: MIMT) It was therefore an important milestone for the Centre when the project application ClearView was granted by RCN in 2012 with associated partner Proanalysis as the project leader, CMR and the Nanolab at UoB-IFT as research partners. The goal is to develop technology for keeping optical windows clear in challenging environments. Optical windows are necessary when any kind of optical sensor needs to be applied in harsh environments

35 6 International Cooperation 6.1 Background The establishment of fruitful international contacts is a complex activity, depending on degree of mutual interests, a certain degree of complementarity, and personal relations. Initiatives launched prior to 2013 and found valuable were continued. A significant part of MIMT s international strategy is coordinated with UoB s international network and long-term strategy for research exchange and personnel mobility. This includes co-sponsorship of a professorship in acoustics, international Professor II positions funded or co-funded by MIMT (section 6.2.2), and international Visiting Researchers (sectioninternational Professor II Positions at UoB). 6.2 Various Actions and Initiatives at UoB International Professorship in Experimental Acoustics MIMT funds 30% of a professorship in experimental acoustics at UoB-IFT. The remaining 70% are funded by the Bergen R&D cluster Medviz and the CodaOctopus group in Bergen. This new position strengthens acoustic activities vital to MIMT s interdisciplinary nature and will have a focus on establishing cooperation between research and industry. The position was filled by Dr Michiel Postema in November International Professor II Positions at UoB Four out of the now six Professor II positions at UoB funded or co-funded by MIMT are held by international experts in order to strengthen MIMT s international cooperation in addition to supplement MIMT s cross-disciplinary nature: An international position where all travel costs are covered by MIMT was filled in 2011 [8] by Professor Richard Thorn [8] The international holders are active participants in initiation and cosupervision of MSc projects, research, publishing, teaching, and seminars 6.3 EU cooperation European Micro Nano Broker Platform In 2010 MIMT was invited to contribute to in UoB-IFT s participation in the European Micro Nano Broker Platform (EU MNST Broker), an EU micro and nano platform network aimed at providing enhanced cooperation between the academic 35 35

36 and industrial members of the participating countries, including Germany, Norway and France. The platform is managed by the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany), and the contact was made possible through meetings with personnel at Hordaland Fylkeskommune. Several of the main industries within EU MNST Broker have a great potential synergy with MIMT s research and industrial partners within MIMT s three focus areas: Automotive Production and Automation Engineering Information and Communications Technology Medical Technology / Biotechnology New Materials Optics / Photonics Solar and Environmental Technology To support IFT/UoB's participation in the European Micro Nano Broker Platform and to allow initiation of new technology projects, Hordaland Fylkeskommune has allocated knok 400 from Regionalt Utviklingsprogram (RUP) during the period European collaboration on batteries In December 2011 a proposal, named NanoBatt, was granted by the state government (LEG) in Thüringen, Germany. The main aim of the NanoBatt proposal is to investigate the enhancement of the performance of electrochemical storage devices by nanostructuring of surfaces and materials, where the partners listed below each have their different responsibilities. Project-coordinator for NanoBatt is Prof. Dr Peter Schaaf at the Technische Universität Ilmenau, and the following partners are involved 1. Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany (project management) 2. NanoTecCenter Weiz Forschungsgesellschaft mbh (NTC Weiz GmbH), Austria 3. Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria 4. Vacom GmbH, Jena, Germany 5. Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Norway The project started in practice in February 2013 and ended in February Work on nanostructured silicon electrodes for improved lithium ion battery storage was undertaken. Promising results with increased battery storage capacity was found, but more research is needed to investigate the long-term stability. Furthermore, several new projects on small-scale energy harvesters for running sensor nodes in marine environments were initiated, and will be considered for follow-up in International solar cell activity at BUC Dr. Dhayalan Velauthapillai at BUC has through his international contact in his work on improvement of the efficiency of solar cells contributed to the Centre s international profile. The members of the research team associated with Dr

37 Velauthapillai are attached to the National University of Seoul, South Korea and Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT), India. Researcher Dr. Thambidurai Mariappan from the National University of Seoul was hosted by Dr. Velauthapillai and Prof. Lars Egil Helseth for two months in Another PhD research student from CIT had a two month research stay at BUC/UIB working in the same research project. Dr. Velauthapillai in association with Dr. Muthukumarasamy is currently involved in guiding five PhD students at CIT, India. This international research team has been working on advanced nano materials for solar cell applications and currently concentrating on modeling, synthesis and characterization of Quantum sensitized, Dye sensitized and inverted organic solar cells. An example of this collaborative work is shown in Figure 6-1below where the performances of the fabricated inverted organic solar cells with solution processed Ga-doped ZnO as interfacial election transport layer were reported. Figure 6-1: Absorption spectra (ref: enclosed original caption above) Dr. Dhayalan Velauthapillai has been instrumental in organizing the International Conference on Advanced Nano materials for Frontier Applications ( ) in India in July 2013 (see Figure 6-2 below)

38 Figure 6-2: The International Conference on Advanced Nano materials for Frontier Applications ( in India in July 2013 The conference was jointly funded by the NANO2021 program of Norwegian Research Council, MIMT and BUC. The International Conference and the Indo- Norwegian Workshop on Advanced Materials for Solar Cell Applications which followed the conference, were initiated and organized by Dr. Velauthapillai in cooperation with the Coimbatore Institute of Technology (India), University of Oslo and Institute for Energy Technology. The three days international conference and the Indo-Norwegian Workshop took place in Coimbatore, India from 12th to 13th of July 2013 and were well attended with over 250 participants from 12 countries. Over 25 articles submitted at the conference underwent thorough referee services and were published in Solar Energy Journal, recently. Dr. Dhayalan Velauthapillai functioned as an Associate Editor to the journal to screen the suitable articles to this reputed journal which has an impact factor of

39 7 Recruitment 7.1 PhDs / Postdocs PhDs / postdocs group In all four positions in the first group were funded by MIMT, starting during the period (see [7] for details). The two last PhD candidates in this group will defend their theses in 2014 as they are delayed due to child births. A short-term postdoc has been funded by MIMT in 2013, working on optically transparent acoustic transducers with Professor Postema. The spin-off project ClearView has hired a postdoc in nanotechnology. There were in associated PhD students and 3 associated postdocs. 7.2 MSc and BSc students 8 MSc students were involved in MIMT innovation activities in 2013 (see [8] for details). 4 MSc theses were submitted for approval in 2013 (see [8] for details) MIMT helped fund 5 of the MSc projects at UoB as a part of the seed activities

40 8 Communication / Dissemination 8.1 Scientific Publishing The details of the scientific publishing activity are summarized in [8]. During the preparation of Framdriftsrapport for 2008, it was found that the publishing of 2007 was under-reported. The annual numbers are therefore included in Figure 8-1 below where the numbers for 2007 are according to the annual report for 2007: Figure 8-1: Summary of published scientific papers, conference contributions, and theses in Presentations at MIMT seminars etc. are not included. Categories and numbers deviate from Progress report Dec and later years where RCN definitions had changed from previous years The accumulated quantity of peer-reviewed papers and contributions increased significantly from 2011 due to the solar cell activity at BUC. 8.2 MIMT Industry courses / Seminars / Workshops / Guest Lectures / Newsletters / Dissemination / etc. MIMT workshops MIMT held different types of courses, meetings, workshops, and seminars in 2013 [8]: Two MIMT workshops or guest lectures were held in 2013 Two numerical modelling seminar series in SW tool COMSOL [8]. MIMT launched in 2011 a seminar series on numerical modelling and the 40 40

41 simulation software COMSOL. These seminars serve as a meeting place for MIMT s PhD-students, postdocs, and the industry. Solar Cell Materials conference in India (see section 6.4) Contributed to Norsk Forening for Automatisering s meeting in Bergen MIMT s industrial courses in uncertainty and metering bring mutual benefits: o The industry can easily tap into MIMT s competency. o The course programme increases MIMT s interface to industrial applications and our exposure to the larger measurement community within oil & gas. o Industrial courses of this type are a unique feature of MIMT not being offered by any single partner. o MIMT has held two courses for government agencies in developing contries (Ghana and East Timor) as a part of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate s part in the Norwegian Develeopment Programme Oil for Development MIMT's first industry course was held in November 2010 with very positive feedback from the attendees. The 2011 course programme was extended to two course types covering industrial uncertainty analysis and multiphase flow metering. Each three-day course was held twice a year. More than 100 industry employees from more than 20 different industrial organisations and seven different countries have attended Dissemination to relevant target groups and the general public See [8] for details: More than 9 contributions to dissemination to relevant target groups 2 to the general audience Bi-monthly newsletters starting in September 2012, distributed by s with hyperlinks to electronic newsletters on our web site. The frequency of bi-monthly newsletters unfortunately degraded during the autumn of 2013 due to reduction of the administrative support Registration of the web traffic started in June The number of visitors per 6 months has almost doubled from H to H as shown by Figure 8-2 below: Figure 8-2: No. of visits per 6 months on /