MTS & Nordic Research Specialist SINTEF Co-Develop Next Generation Geomaterials Modeling Technology Vital To Future Oil Exploration

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MTS Systems Corporation (NASDAQ: MTSC), a leading global supplier of high-performance test systems and sensors, continues to provide innovative solutions for the oil industry. Working in conjunction with Norwegian independent research organization, SINTEF, the company has completed the design and construction of a large-scale test system that can emulate the complex, high-pressure environments found "down-hole" in oil wells. This system will be of great value in ensuring supply continuity and wellbore integrity as drilling goes to even greater depths.

The new test system replicates the stress profiles present in different rock formations, as well as simulates fluid flow patterns and other factors that impact well integrity. Through these advanced modeling capabilities, oil recovery will be increased—with larger quantities being extracted from current reserves. In addition, this technology will play a decisive role in gaining access to more difficult to reach reserves as they are discovered.

Representing a major investment from the engineering resources of both parties, the MTS/SINTEF test system comprises a multitude of state-of-the-art sensors, actuators, and pressurization systems, driven by highly sophisticated control software. Using the system, laboratory staff will be able to create detailed models that allow different drilling scenarios to be investigated in order to assure borehole stability is upheld—which translates into more stable and efficient oil production.

"The oil industry faces difficult challenges ahead. Given a scarcity of remaining assets but unrelenting demand, combined with growing environmental concerns, it is paramount that the extraction process is made as efficient and safe as possible," states Dr. Jeffrey Graves, MTS President and CEO. "This can only be done through employing better analysis tools that accurately reproduce the relevant circumstances. Based on the data derived, oil engineers will be able to drill in the optimum places for maximum operational effectiveness."   

"The relationship between SINTEF and MTS spans back to the early 1990s. Over the decades we have used the company's equipment in countless research endeavors, and relied on the strong technical expertise and application know-how that comes with it," says Jørn Stenebråten of SINTEF. "This latest project is the most ambitious that our teams have worked on together, setting major obstacles for us to overcome and calling for close cooperation throughout the entire development cycle. Now that the test rig is completed, the benefits it will have to long-term oil exploration are unquestionable," adds Lars Erik Walle of SINTEF.    

About MTS Systems Corporation
MTS Systems Corporation's testing hardware, software and services solutions help customers accelerate and improve their design, development and manufacturing processes and are used for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures. MTS's high-performance sensors provide controls for a variety of applications measuring motion, pressure, position, force and sound. MTS had 3,500 employees as of September 30, 2017 and revenue of $788 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. Additional information on MTS can be found at: http://www.mts.com

About SINTEF
SINTEF is one of Europe's largest independent multi-disciplinary research organizations, carrying out several thousand projects every year for customers large and small. For more than 60 years, it has developed innovation solutions in the fields of nanotechnology, natural sciences, oil and gas, and medicine. For more information visit: https://www.sintef.no

SOURCE MTS Systems Corporation

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