Deniz Erta\u015f
\nExxonMobil Technology and Engineering
\n\u201cChemically Assisted Hydrothermal Drilling\u201d<\/p>\n
Abstract
\nI will walk you through the most exhilarating research project I\u2019ve worked on so far, near the beginning of my nearly 28-year research career at ExxonMobil\u2019s fundamental research laboratories. Chemically Assisted Hydrothermal Drilling (2000 \u2013 2002) was a then top-secret breakthrough research project that led to the invention an entirely new method for drilling deep wells in hard rock, when traditional mechanical drilling hits fundamental physics limiters. Success required no less than five \u201cmiracles\u201d, which, astonishingly, occurred. Nature was kind to us. Alas, despite the successful proof-of-concept in the lab and very broad patent coverage (my first of many, US6742603), the company decided not to pursue further development at the time. The patent has now expired, and mechanical drilling substantially evolved in the meantime, yet the promise of the concept is still alive in me. I am looking forward to sharing this story to inspire young scientists to pursue industrial research careers, which can be very fulfilling. It\u2019s not all about publishing, there are other ways of making a positive impact for society.<\/p>\n
Deniz has been \u201cphysicist on call\u201d at ExxonMobil\u2019s fundamental science laboratories since1997. His research interests span a broad range, with the proviso that Planck\u2019s constant isZERO and the speed of light is INFINITY. At ExxonMobil, he has done fundamental researchon rheology of granular flows, petroleum formation and phase behavior, diagenesis ofcarbonate and siliciclastic rocks, novel drilling technologies, and novel geophysical methods.His more applied interests include abrasion-resistant friction reducing coatings, flowbatteries, geothermal energy, and electrical heating of industrial processes. He has twicereceived the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award for his commercialized inventions. As of2025, he has about 50 peer-reviewed publications and about 20 patents, over 6000citations and a Google Scholar h-index of 38. He recently started publishing a mini-lectureseries on immeasuracy every Saturday on substack:immeasuracy.substack.com. Let\u2019s allbecome measurate!
\nBefore joining Exxon (before the Mobil merger), he was a postdoc at Harvard University. Hereceived his Ph.D. in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics from MIT in 1995. He has thedubious distinction of not having had to deal with any upperclassmen during both hisundergraduate studies in Bilkent University, and his high school education in Izmir Fen Lisesi.<\/p>\n
Date: 6 May 2025, Tuesday
\nTime: 13:30
\nPlace: SA-240<\/p>\n
All interested are cordially invited.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Deniz Erta\u015f ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering \u201cChemically Assisted Hydrothermal Drilling\u201d Abstract I will walk you through the most exhilarating research project I\u2019ve worked on so far, near the beginning of my nearly 28-year research career at ExxonMobil\u2019s fundamental research laboratories. Chemically Assisted Hydrothermal Drilling (2000 \u2013 2002) was a then [\u2026] <\/p>\n