Better batteries

Sondex, the British oilfield technology group, and its research partner Beta Research & Development have secured a UK Government grant for the development of a new power source for downhole instrumentation.

The financial grant of £199,000 has been made by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Innovation Group under its Technology Programme. Shared equally by Sondex and Beta R&D, the money will be used in the development of rechargeable, high temperature battery technology.

The technology has been pioneered by Beta R&D at its centre in Derby. The new battery is being designed to provide an alternative to the lithium batteries that are currently used for memory tools by downhole operators within the oil and gas industry.

Sondex announced in March 2005 that it had signed an agreement with Beta R&D covering exclusive rights to the advanced battery technology for use in the downhole oil, gas, water and geothermal industries.