The Institute of Technology and Research (ITP) is a leading institution in Brazil when it comes to the training of highly skilled human resources and cutting-edge research. With a focus on academic education and applied technology, the Institute established the Nucleus for Studies in Colloidal Systems (NUESC) in 2010, which has contributed to technological development and innovation in society through research projects and national and international partnerships.
One of the primary contributions to society is the professionals, masters, doctors, and post-doctoral researchers who have been trained at NUESC over the past 10 years. In collaboration with academic master's and doctoral programs at Tiradentes University and other national and international universities, over a hundred master's and doctoral degrees have been awarded, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the country.
The technological infrastructure of ITP is one of its differentiating factors. High-precision equipment, such as the atomic force microscope, which enables high-resolution imaging and topography analysis in a vacuum chamber, is essential for the research conducted by doctoral students and researchers at the nucleus. "There are very few places in Latin America that offer this opportunity, and I have been here since my undergraduate scientific initiation, where I was able to develop personally and professionally and learn to operate the atomic force microscope since then," says Larissa Gomes, a doctoral student in the Process Engineering Postgraduate Program.
Another technique available at the nucleus is the pendant drop tensiometry, used to evaluate interface properties relevant to the flow of oil and other fluids. "ITP has a wonderful infrastructure that is found in very few places in Brazil," highlights Josefa Manuela, a doctoral student in the Process Engineering Postgraduate Program.
Additionally, the fluid characterization laboratory, known as the PVT laboratory, is one of the highlights of ITP. "The PVT laboratory studies how oil behaves from when it is in the rock reservoir until it is produced. By doing so, we can simulate problems that may occur and establish prevention strategies, allowing production to occur in the best possible way," explains Dr. Dênisson Salustiano, a researcher at ITP.
"We can simulate pre-salt reservoirs under extreme conditions, with pressures of around 1000 bar and temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius. It is a modern technological system, being the second installed by this company in the country. In fact, it was the first system of its kind here in the Northeast, in this range of technology and modernity for analyzing the system," adds Monique de Jesus Amaral, a postdoctoral researcher at ITP.
NUESC has been instrumental in the development of technologies and strategies that optimize the production of oil and gas, contributing to the advancement of the industry.
In conclusion, Dr. Cláudio Dariva emphasizes the importance of NUESC and ITP. "The work carried out by NUESC and ITP is of utmost importance for the training of qualified researchers and for conducting advanced studies in colloidal systems and process engineering."
He also highlights the infrastructure, partnerships, and external funding for research. "Our state-of-the-art laboratories, partnerships with national and international institutions, and external funding are essential to drive scientific and technological research in Brazil and the world," said Dr. Dariva.
About NUESC:
The Nucleus for Studies in Colloidal Systems (NUESC) is an institution created in partnership with the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), the Research Center of Petrobras (CENPES), and Petrogal Brasil S.A. (Petrogal), inaugurated in February 2010. NUESC focuses on the development of research activities related to the study of colloidal systems of oils and biofuels, as well as high-pressure processes for biomass processing and the formation of micro
