Name: Jesus De Andrade
Age: 30
Nationality: Venezuelan
 
Education: MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Simon Bolivar University. Soon finishing my PhD studies at NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Department: Department of Petroleum Engineering & Applied Geophysics
 
What are you working on (related to DrillWell) right now?
Short: Cement-Sheath Integrity with Focus on Thermal Cycling
Extended: A novel experimental approach to investigate and compare in detail the capabilities of oil and gas well annular sealants to withstand thermal varying loads by visualization and quantification of de-bonded areas and cracks, through X-ray computed tomography. 

What do you find inspiring about the projects in which you are involved?
Many offshore wells have serious well integrity problems that imply costly repairs, limitations with respect to short- and long-term use of production and injection wells, and safety issues. The annular cement sheath is one of the most important well barrier elements from the well construction phase to permanent plug and abandonment. Nowadays, maintaining zonal isolation throughout the well life cycle still remains a challenge, and the development of a laboratory set-up that enables testing advanced cement systems or other sealing solutions has inspired my work.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits by doing a PhD in a center with both academic and industry partners?
At the beginning of the research work, the frequent discussions with representatives of the industry partners in DrillWell enabled to establish specific objectives to face some of the most relevant short- and long-term technical challenges of the oil and gas industry in the NCS. Ongoing meeting throughout the research have been valuable to improve the quality of the products and to correct the course of the research in this vigorously evolving industry. The cooperation with the industry partners and the feeling of being part of a Research Center that tries to close technology gaps for a safer, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly industry has been rewarding.
 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I see myself in the subsea oil and gas industry, working on the development of cost-effective technologies to ensure safer and more efficient well operations.