SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Weekend warriors... a name that is often used to describe individuals serving in the National Guard. These soldiers and airmen show up for duty one weekend per month to train and do their jobs in case they’re called to active duty. But, what do these airmen do the rest of the month?
One Airman is advancing the use of laser technology in oil drilling and was selected as a distinguished lecturer by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Major Brian C. Gahan, chief of bioenvironmental engineering for the 126th Medical Group, was one of about 35 engineers selected among 125,000 members world-wide to participate in the distinguished lecture program. Being selected as a distinguished lecturer is a top honor for the members and this was Gahan’s second tour as a distinguished lecturer.
“It is quite an honor to be chosen by my peers, especially for a second time,” said Gahan. “It is an incredible opportunity and recognition.”
Gahan’s lecture explains the use of commercial lasers in oil drilling and the efficiencies the technology can bring to the industry.
“The purpose is to use the laser energy to cut the rock, rather than use explosives to cut the rock,” said Gahan. “It creates a cleaner hole and less damage to the process of producing the fluid.”
According to the SPE, the use of lasers for well construction was discarded because of the massive energy required and its inefficiencies. However, with advancements in laser technology, commercial lasers are more powerful, more efficient, and more portable then they were decades ago.
Gahan recently lectured in Kazakhstan, Budapest and Scotland, and, in the spring he will make several lectures in South America. Participating in the lecture tour gave Gahan the opportunity to network with people across the globe, experience authentic traditional dishes, and see places he otherwise, never would have seen.
“By the time I finish this tour,” said Gahan. “I will have met SPE members in nearly a quarter of the 190 Local Sections on four continents.”
The tour is fairly fast paced said Gahan. He usually delivers four to six presentations within a two week period.
“I have met so many bright professionals across the oil and gas industry and listened to their stories,” said Gahan. “I’m sure I’ve learned more from them than they have from me.”
Gahan is very involved in the energy industry. He is the founder of an energy consulting firm, Laser Rock Technologies LLC in Cary, Ill., and he is also a fellow with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which is its highest level of membership.
When he is not pursuing advancements in energy he enjoys mentoring youth programs such as the Boy Scouts of America or focusing on personal development, knowledge and understanding the world.
Achieving success requires hard work and dedication. Some people have difficult challenges to overcome along the way and other people find themselves as their biggest challenge.
“My biggest challenge and obstacle to overcome was myself, because I am the only one that can stand in my own way,” said Gahan.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.19.2015 11:25 |
| Story ID: | 157494 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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