APS TECHNOLOGY AWARDED GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

APS Technology, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing company in Cromwell, Connecticut, has been awarded a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This million dollar project's primary initiative will be the development of a "Novel High-Speed Drilling Motor for Oil Exploration & Production."

This high-speed drilling motor will enable the industry to make best use of the many new high-speed drill bits that are being developed by several oilfield products companies. The combination of these bits and an effective motor to drive them offers the promise of reduced drilling costs. In addition, with the use of these bits and motors in directional, slimhole and coiled tubing drilling, wells can be drilled with a smaller footprint and reduced environmental impact.

In Phase I, the overall system and it key components will be designed and modeled. These components include the motor power section, gearbox, flexible coupling, seals and bearings. Phase I also includes the design of equipment required to test the motor. In Phase II, a prototype motor and the test equipment will be built, and the motor will be tested in the laboratory. These tests will be followed by further evaluation in industrial facilities or test wells.

APS President William E. Turner said, "This latest grant from the DOE, the fourth major one we have received, indicates that our development projects are well-focused and essential to the future health of the US energy industry. We are gratified by the continued confidence that the DOE has shown in our efforts."