Wettability, Microfluidics, and the Science of Smarter Surfactants

Wettability, Microfluidics, and the Science of Smarter Surfactants

In this episode of The Water Exchange, I sit down with Sungyang Liu, Director of R&D at Select Chemistry, to explore the intricate relationship between wettability, microfluidics, and surfactants in enhancing oil recovery. We delve into the evolution of surfactant technology, discussing how altering wettability can significantly impact oil flow efficiency and overall production outcomes. Sungyang shares insights on the innovative use of microfluidic testing to simulate reservoir conditions, allowing for rapid formulation adjustments tailored to specific geological contexts. Join us as we uncover the science behind smarter surfactants and their pivotal role in optimizing water management solutions for energy producers.

From Source to System: Solving the Permian’s Water Challenges

The Permian Basin generates enormous volumes of produced water — and for years, injecting it back underground was the only answer. Today, roughly 65% of Permian frac demand is met with recycled produced water. How did the industry get here, and where does it go next? In this episode of The Water Exchange, Select Water Solutions' Whitney Faircloth and Brandon Prill trace the full journey — from lay flat hose and disposal wells to a network of 20+ recycling facilities, 35+ million barrels of interconnected storage, and over one billion barrels of produced water recycled and reused for completions. They discuss the logistics of water balancing across multiple operators, the technology stack behind Select's remote operations center, and what emerging opportunities in lithium extraction and beneficial reuse could mean for the industry's future. A candid, experience-driven conversation at the intersection of infrastructure, operations, and sustainability in the oil field. Learn more at selectwater.com

Wells Excellence: AI, Talent, and the Future of Completions

What does it take to ensure safety, competency, and continuous improvement across a global wells function? In this episode of The Water Exchange, Cristina Williams is joined by Matt Bolen, Senior Manager of Wells Excellence at Chevron, for a wide-ranging conversation on the technology and talent shaping the future of completions. Tune in as they discuss: 1) Extended lateral technology and the chemistry behind longer, more efficient drill-outs; 2) Produced water reuse; 3) AI as an efficiency multiplier, not a job eliminator; 4) Rising natural gas & data center demand; 5) Sustainability, safety, and Chevron's ever-cleaner energy mandate. If you're working in completions, water management, or just want an honest operator's perspective on where the industry is headed, don't miss this episode.

Live Remote Operations: Balancing Water at Scale

What does it take to manage thousands of water assets in real time? In this episode, we go inside The ROC—Select’s remote operations center. From automation and AI to real-time data and customer visibility, this facility is changing how water transfer gets done. Danny Grant and Bryce Reed break down how Select: - Monitors 7,000+ assets across the U.S. - Prevents issues before they happen - Delivers water on demand with precision - Turns data into action for safer, more efficient operations This is the future of water management—happening right now.

From Lab to Field: The Chemistry Behind Smarter Completions

In this episode of The Water Exchange, Matt Smith and Nicole Carrejo, Principal R&D Scientist at Select Chemistry, explore the cutting-edge research and innovation driving smarter oilfield completions. They discuss how advanced chemical solutions, from scale inhibitors to friction reducers, enhance well performance, optimize operations, and support more sustainable water management practices. The conversation highlights the challenges of evolving water compositions, customer needs, and field conditions, demonstrating how science translates into practical solutions that improve efficiency and reliability across the oilfield.