Solvay inaugurated a newly expanded Oil & Gas lab in its world-class Singapore Research  & Innovation Centre on July 10. The dedicated lab space, team and resources will enable Solvay’s Novecare global business unit to internationalize its oil & gas business to serve its regional customers looking to develop in the segments of production, cementing and stimulation, especially in fast-growing countries such as China, Malaysia and Australia, among others.

The new lab showcases state-of-the art equipment and will focus on leading innovation and product development projects for customers in Asia-Pacific. It will provide comprehensive solutions for cementing, stimulation and production applications, together with a dedicated team working on Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Solutions. This is done in collaboration with Solvay’s global teams and strategic partners.

Employing its successful specialty formulation model, Solvay can now quickly develop and produce tailor-made chemicals and solutions to fit the unique geological conditions of local shale formations. As today’s leading provider of Oil & Gas solutions in North America, Solvay Novecare now offers the industry’s broadest and deepest product portfolio serving cementing, stimulation and production activities.

“We want to be close to our customers and continue the momentum to internationalize our oil and gas portfolio and formulated solutions. With high regional demand for oilfield chemicals, this expansion provides our customers close proximity to a partner with comprehensive solutions and custom formulations,” said Emmanuel Butstraen, Solvay Novecare president.

For example, China has the capability to generate substantial energy from shale and other alternative plays, helping to reduce its reliance on coal. However, the geology and the scarcity of water make it a difficult challenge. With the newly expanded lab unit, Solvay Novecare can now work with customers to develop tailor-made surfactant and rheology solutions that operate in high temperatures and in high salinity fluids, greatly reducing fresh water usage and helping to unlock energy opportunities in the growing Asian market.

The lab expansion coincides with Solvay’s announcement of the inauguration of its alkoxylation plant in Singapore, the largest facility of its kind in Asia.

Solvay Novecare is a worldwide leader in specialty surfactants and a major player in polymers, amines, guar and phosphorus derivatives. These products are used in shampoos, detergents, paints and lubricants as well as in crop protection, mining and energy production and stimulation.