The ROGTEC Interview: Gareth Every, Business Manager, Energy Services at NALCO

Hi, Gareth. Could you please explain to our readers how long you have been with Nalco and what your objectives are?

I’ve actually been in this business all my working life but I’ve been with Nalco since the formation of the old JV – Nalco Exxon Energy Chemicals LP – in the early 1990s. My objectives in my current position are to develop a solid infrastructure and business for Nalco in the Russian oil & gas market.

I believe Nalco has been doing business in Russia for over 25 years – how is business for you in the region at the moment?

Our Adomite product line linked to well completion and stimulation activity is growing. Nalco’s Oil Field Chemical business is steady but we anticipate significant future growth as Russia crude oils become more difficult. Our TIORCO enhanced oil recovery business unit is seeing its first applications in Russia this year – we foresee a growing need for this expertise and technology in the years ahead.

Of course, the newly announced JV between Nalco and Lukoil is great news for all involved – but what are the goals of this JV – what are the benefits to Lukoil?

Our goals include bringing Nalco technologies to Lukoil’s operations and other West Siberian producers. We are making significant investments in the Kogalym Chemical facility that will result in a world class manufacturing plant in the heart of West Siberia. . . the biggest oil and gas province in Russia and one of the biggest in the world.

Are we expecting any announcements regarding new partnerships soon?

The development of our Russian business is one of Nalco’s global priorities, so we are always looking for opportunities to develop our Russian footprint through acquisitions or partnerships.

Nalco has a wide range of products for the O&G sector, but what are your focus products for the region at the moment?

For Adomite, the focus is on Stimulation and Fracturing additives, particularly packages that are designed for customer specific needs. For Oilfield Chemicals, we are seeing a growing need to process difficult crudes, such as those more viscous, heavy, salty or waxy than the West Siberian crude which today makes up the bulk of Russian production. As a result, the focus is on our new downhole biphasic viscosity reducers, our Heavy Oil separation and water treatment additives and our desalting and deoiling product lines. TIORCO offers a range of EOR solutions that will increase recovery from the reservoir. Maximizing recovery and extending the life of these fields will reward producers and will also enhance the economies of local West Siberian communities where the fields are located.

With regards to well stimulation and production optimization do you have any new products in development?

We have a range of complementary products from our 3 main business units. I say complementary because these days, it’s important to look at the whole reservoir and fluid lifecycle in order to address the challenges facing our customers –namely, improving reservoir recovery, reducing water production and energy costs, and designing programmes fit for difficult crudes. Our most exciting new program is Brightwater® technology, a program which significantly increases recovery, and is currently having its first application in West Siberia.

And what is your forecast for the region in the next 5 years?

From mature reservoirs in the heartland petroleum provinces to the more difficult and challenging oil & gas fields in frontier areas, we anticipate growth through the use of integrated programs that increase recovery and reduce operating costs. Our Nalco programs are also focused on increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental footprint driving sustainability gains for producers and the surrounding communities.

I presume you travel the region extensively…  what is your favourite part of Russia?

Although I spend most of my time in the well-known oil centres, I really like Kazan, and find East Siberia to be a fascinating region.

And what do you like best about Moscow?

I like the green areas along the Moscow River, particularly the Luzhnicki stadium area and along the riverbank all the way to Gorky Park. I am really impressed with the development of this park and the ambiance of the adjacent riverbank with its family-friendly facilities. I’m always discovering new places to explore in Moscow. I recently went to the Botanical Gardens which include an extensive and accessible natural woodland, as well as massive greenhouses for tropical plants and trees which I think are among the best of their kind in the world.