QS Energy Releases AOT Technical Update of Value Engineered Industrial Equipment Designed to Optimize Performance of Crude Oil Pipelines
SANTA BARBARA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/27/16 -- QS Energy, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQX: QSEP), a developer of integrated technology solutions for the energy industry, today released an AOT Technical Update documenting the functionality and operational benefits of its Applied Oil Technology crude oil pipeline optimization technology. Currently in commercialization phase and undergoing case study review with leading pipeline operators, AOT is designed to allow crude oil to flow at a higher volume by subjecting it to a high-voltage/low-amperage electrical field which decreases viscosity and reduces friction in pipelines.
"During discussions with shareholders and industry analysts we're often asked about the motivating factors which drive interest in AOT from producers and operators in Canada, South America, Europe and the Middle East," stated Greggory M. Bigger, QS Energy Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. "This document is meant to educate interested parties on how QS Energy operates and the many factors involved in reviewing the needs of our customers, determining the optimal configuration for our technology, and collaborating with executives and engineering professionals within our industry to ensure the efficient, safe and economical delivery of crude oil from oil field to market."
Based in California with supply chain partners in Casper, Wyoming, QS Energy has pioneered the use of electrical fields to improve the performance of crude oil pipelines and lower operating expenses (Opex) while favorably impacting tariff revenues at a time when the energy industry is seeking to mitigate margin compression and gain measurable efficiencies.
"From the development of the first AOT prototype, up to our latest value engineered system, our overriding goal has been to leverage our patent protected technology to provide quantifiable bottom line opportunities for our customers," Mr. Bigger added. "Extensive studies of the mechanical behavior of crude oil in pipelines have historically identified two primary factors capable of improving flow -- the lowering of the viscosity of the oil, and reducing friction within the line. AOT has demonstrated the ability to do both to an extent that pressure drop is reduced, flow volume is increased, and power consumption at pumping stations is lessened."
Entirely designed, fabricated and tested in the United States, AOT is ISO/TS 9001-compliant and ASME-certified industrial hardware approved for use in hazardous location Class 1, Div. I. rated areas and designed to optimize the performance of crude oil pipeline infrastructures.
AOT is the energy industry's first crude oil pipeline flow improvement solution using an electrical charge to anisotropically cause a conformational change of the microscopic particles native to unrefined oil, which lowers the viscosity of the oil and improves flow. AOT has been rigorously tested by Temple University's Department of Science and Technology and the U.S. Department of Energy, and is being commercialized in collaboration with engineering teams at independent oil production and transportation entities interested in harnessing its proven efficacy to increase pipeline performance and flow.
Benefits: Lowers viscosity of a wide spectrum of crude oils Reduces friction within pipelines Counters pressure drop, reducing the amount of energy used to power pump stations Minimizes friction loss, or the loss of pressure along the walls of the pipe Increases flow rate and volume of crude oil transported within MAOP (maximum allowable operating pressure) ratings Positive impact on tariff revenue for pipeline operators (transporters) Studies are currently underway to determine effectiveness in suppressing deposition of wax, reducing sludge and hydrocarbon buildup, and suppressing turbulence
The Importance of Friction Reduction in Pipelines
To achieve efficient movement of any fluid in a pipeline, the pressure maintained in the line and the viscosity of the fluid are important factors in ensuring optimal flow. Pressure must be used to move the fluid forward, and due to friction, this is impeded to varying degrees (fluid pressure drop). When pipeline flow and pressure reach a certain point, measured in Reynolds numbers, the flow can change from stable (laminar) to chaotic (turbulent), which introduces further inefficiencies in the forward movement of the fluid. By reducing the viscosity of crude oil, AOT also mitigates friction within the pipeline which helps improve pressure loss reduction and achieve higher flow volume.
The Physics Behind AOT
The development of AOT technology has its basis in research conducted by scientists, physicists and engineers in the field of electrorheological fluids and magnetorheological suspension. Working with our research and development partner Temple University, QS Energy is able to forecast AOT performance outcomes using mathematical calculations performed by Dr. Rongjia Tao, co-developer of AOT and Chairman of Temple University's Physics Department. Among the core calculations in play are those used to determine expected viscosity reduction of crude oil, anticipated pressure drop within the pipeline, and the estimated amount of AOT operating time necessary to treat all crude oil throughout the length of a pipeline.
The Importance of Viscosity Reduction in Pipelines
Since the construction of the first pipelines to move crude oil from the well to downstream destinations such as storage tanks and refineries, the industry has sought to improve flow by various means. The use of thinners (diluents), Drag Reduction Agents (DRAs), and heat have been introduced to supplement the pipeline pressure achieved with pumping stations. Fluid viscosity plays an important role in the function of any hydraulics system and is one of the main sources of internal fluid friction. Friction is responsible for major pressure loss, a factor that must be overcome by a strong pressure gradient created by a pump. By reducing viscosity of crude oil while in transit and contributing to the reduction of friction, AOT has shown an ability to counter pipeline pressure drop, thereby improving the efficiency of the system as a whole. The reduction of power required for flow also decreases demand on pump station motors, directly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted.
The Value of AOT in Today's Evolving Energy Sector
As the global oil and gas industry continues to recalibrate its operations in response to the current supply surplus, producers and transporters are investing in technologies that reduce cost and improve efficiencies. Since most pipelines are dependent on committed and uncommitted toll rates, AOT's efficacy in improving flow rates by one-and-a-half to three percent has the potential to greatly impact tariff revenues and profitability. When fully optimized, the AOT system may improve the efficiency of virtually any crude oil pipeline system, providing the opportunity for pipeline operators to reduce operating costs and drive more revenue based on applicable toll rates due to higher flow rates.
"A significant percentage of pipelines are operated at a constant pressure or power level, providing enormous opportunity for the viscosity reduction capabilities of AOT to increase pipeline capacity and flow volume and therefore boost revenues derived from tariff rates," Mr. Bigger commented. "Following several years of design refinements and the current commercialization phase, we believe AOT is uniquely positioned within the global energy industry as a cost-efficient, low maintenance solution capable of having a positive impact on the operations of oil producers and transporters during today's down cycle and well into the future. We are now ready to offer this technology as a complete turn-key, pressure drop reduction tool that can be customized to fit the needs of a variety crude oil pipeline companies."
Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Please visit the following link for our complete cautionary forward-looking statement: http://www.qsenergy.com/site-info/disclaimer
About AOT™ (Applied Oil Technology)
Developed in partnership with scientists at Temple University in Philadelphia, AOT (Applied Oil Technology) is the energy industry's first crude oil pipeline flow improvement solution using an electrical charge to coalesce microscopic particles native to unrefined oil, thereby reducing viscosity. Over the past four years AOT has been rigorously prepared for commercial use with the collaboration of over 30 engineering teams at 19 independent oil production and transportation entities interested in harnessing its proven efficacy to increase pipeline performance and flow, drive up committed and uncommitted toll rates for pipeline operators, and reduce pipeline operating costs. Although AOT originally attracted the attention of pipeline operators interested in improving their takeaway capacity during an historic surge in upstream output resulting from enhanced oil recovery techniques, the technology now represents the premiere solution for improving the profit margins of producers and transporters during today's economically challenging period of low spot prices and supply surplus.
About QS Energy, Inc.
QS Energy, Inc. (OTCQX: QSEP), provides the global energy industry with patent-protected industrial equipment designed to deliver measurable performance improvements to crude oil pipelines. Developed in partnership with leading crude oil production and transportation entities, QS Energy's high-value solutions address the enormous capacity inadequacies of domestic and overseas pipeline infrastructures that were designed and constructed prior to the current worldwide surge in oil production. In support of our clients' commitment to the responsible sourcing of energy and environmental stewardship, QS Energy combines scientific research with inventive problem solving to provide energy efficiency 'clean tech' solutions to bring new efficiencies and lower operational costs to the upstream, midstream and gathering sectors. More information is available at: www.QSEnergy.com
ABSOLUTELY FALSE. FURTHER EVIDENCE the PROVEN AOT will be going to the MIDDLE EAST as per the FACTS below. The big players in the oil industry want the PROVEN AOT as per the EVIDENCEbelow. This is about the PRESENT, NOW & the FUTURE, not what happened 15 years ago. NEXT
QS Energy's AOT Crude Oil Pipeline Optimization Technology Under Consideration by Largest Producers in Middle East
SANTA BARBARA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/15/16 -- QS Energy, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQB: QSEP), a developer of integrated technology solutions for the energy industry, today announced it is engaged in discussions with two of the world's largest crude oil producing nations in the Middle East to provide deployment strategies for the Company's AOT Viscosity/Pressure Drop Reduction technology. Under a non-disclosure agreement with one of these entities, QS Energy will be testing customer-provided crude oil samples at Temple University's Department of Physics laboratory and performing feasibility studies to determine the potential benefits of AOT installations on a specific number of pumping stations on several pipeline systems.
"There are a number of large infrastructure modernization programs underway in the Middle East to increase crude oil output and significantly expand the pipeline systems that transport upstream production to refineries and marine offloading facilities," stated Greggory M. Bigger, Chairman and CEO of QS Energy. "Due to the efforts of our distributor Energy Tech Premier Group and our own business development activities, we have provided a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to the second of these entities which is now going through Arabic translation and is under review by their leadership. Our objective is to forecast how the use of AOT technology might improve the efficiencies and Opex performance of their respective pipeline systems."
Mr. Bigger added that the opportunities stem from upstream projects undertaken by two of the Middle East's most prominent oil producers to step up production and improve delivery to market. Recently, several oil-producing nations including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq have announced ambitious plans to increase output and streamline their ability to transport production to refineries and seaports for delivery to foreign markets.
In July OPEC's second largest producer Iraq announced their intention to increase crude oil production by 250,000 to 350,000 barrels per day by 2017, up from its current level of 4.6 million bpd. As of last month the output of Middle East nations reached record levels of over 31 million barrels a day during each of the past three months, according to data from the International Energy Administration. Overall, Middle Eastern global market share has now grown to 35%, the highest since the late 1970s.
During the first and second quarters of 2015, crude oil samples from a major Middle East oil producer were provided to Temple University for laboratory testing to simulate the potential benefits of AOT on a commercial pipeline. The test results demonstrated viscosity reductions of 20% to 35% using AOT technology. As a result of these performance benchmarks, we have moved to discussions with this Middle East entity regarding a project-specific AOT Viscosity/Pressure Drop Reduction system. QS Energy has also provided a detailed benefit analysis case study for their review and provided recommendations for outfitting a certain pipeline with the AOT equipment.
Following similar laboratory testing with another top-tier Middle East oil producer, in May 2016 QS Energy executed a non-disclosure agreement in consideration and evaluation of potential transactions and joint development activities.
"Based on our continuing interactions with these organizations, we believe that they are dedicated to implementing strategic, multi-pronged engineering programs to improve the existing pipeline infrastructure and deliver hydrocarbons more efficiently and cost-effectively to global markets," Mr. Bigger stated. "Our feasibility testing and AOT Case Study proposals will focus on the projected measurable performance efficiencies we believe we can bring to the extensive pipeline systems of these nations and how AOT may increase flow rates and reduce pipeline pressure drop, thereby minimizing delivery delays and bottlenecks."
Safe Harbor Statement: Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Please visit the following link for our complete cautionary forward-looking statement: http://www.qsenergy.com/site-info/disclaimer
About AOT™ (Applied Oil Technology) Developed in partnership with scientists at Temple University in Philadelphia, AOT (Applied Oil Technology) is the energy industry's first crude oil pipeline flow improvement solution using an electrical charge to coalesce microscopic particles native to unrefined oil, thereby reducing viscosity. Over the past four years AOT has been rigorously prepared for commercial use with the collaboration of over 30 engineering teams at 19 independent oil production and transportation entities interested in harnessing its demonstrated efficacy to increase pipeline performance and flow, drive up committed and uncommitted toll rates for pipeline operators, and reduce pipeline operating costs. Although AOT originally attracted the attention of pipeline operators motivated to improving their takeaway capacity during an historic surge in upstream output resulting from enhanced oil recovery techniques, the technology now represents the premiere solution for improving the profit margins of producers and transporters during today's economically challenging period of low spot prices and supply surplus.
About QS Energy, Inc. QS Energy, Inc.(OTCQB: QSEP), provides the global energy industry with patent-protected industrial equipment designed to deliver measurable performance improvements to crude oil pipelines. Developed in partnership with leading crude oil production and transportation entities, QS Energy's high-value solutions address the enormous capacity inadequacies of domestic and overseas pipeline infrastructures that were designed and constructed prior to the current worldwide surge in oil production. In support of our clients' commitment to the responsible sourcing of energy and environmental stewardship, QS Energy combines scientific research with inventive problem solving to provide energy efficiency 'clean tech' solutions to bring new efficiencies and lower operational costs to the upstream, midstream and gathering sectors. More information is available at: www.QSEnergy.com
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
AI
