Closing of the National “973 Program”Review Meeting on Basic Research for Efficient Development of Continental Tight Oil and NMR Technology Exchange Conference in Suzhou

From May 25 to 28, 2018, at the dawn of summer, the 2018 Progress Review and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology Exchange Meeting of the National “973” Project titled “Basic Research on Efficient Development of Continental Tight Oil” was successfully held in Suzhou High-Tech Zone, by the scenic Taihu Lake. Nearly 60 experts and scholars from across China gathered to discuss technical and academic issues related to the project. Participating research teams came from China University of Petroleum (Beijing), China University of Petroleum (East China), Southwest Petroleum University, Northeast Petroleum University, Peking University, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Mechanics, CNPC Exploration and Development Research Institute, Xinjiang Oilfield Company, and Suzhou Niumag Analytical Instrument Co., Ltd.

The National Basic Research Program (973 Program) is a national initiative led by the Ministry of Science and Technology to address key scientific issues in national strategic needs and frontier topics essential to human understanding of the world. The “Basic Research on Efficient Development of Continental Tight Oil” is one such 973 Project aimed at securing China’s energy future. The project is composed of 6 key tasks and 24 specific research topics.

Group photo of 973 Project delegates in Suzhou High-Tech Zone

Professor Jiang Hanqiao from China University of Petroleum (Beijing) serves as the chief scientist of the 973 project. Together with project reviewer Professor Luo Zhibin and a panel of experts, they conducted detailed evaluations of all 24 subtopics. Each group leader presented progress reports covering core achievements, ongoing challenges, future plans, and budget execution. The expert panel offered in-depth feedback and valuable guidance.

After nearly four years of research, all six project groups have made significant breakthroughs in key areas, such as the publication of SCI-indexed papers, invention patents, and software copyrights—most of which have already met or exceeded the project’s original milestones. Some results have even been implemented in real-world field operations. Notable scientific achievements include mechanisms for identifying high-quality “sweet spots” in reservoirs, studies on multi-phase and multi-scale flow, fracture network formation mechanisms, EOR techniques, reservoir engineering methodologies, and development models for tight oil fields. These efforts mark a major contribution to the advancement of China’s tight oil exploration and recovery capabilities.

Presentations from research teams at the 973 project review session

Chief Scientist Prof. Jiang Hanqiao and Project Reviewer Prof. Luo Zhibin

Commissioned by the 973 Project Office, the NMR Instrument Professional Committee of the Chinese Society for Instruments and Suzhou Niumag Analytical Instruments jointly co-organised the event. Leveraging this national platform, Niumag’s technical team engaged in in-depth exchanges with project delegates. During the opening session, Niumag’s Chairman Mr. Yang Peiqiang and Vice General Manager Ms. Li Xianghong extended their warm welcomes to all attending experts and researchers. Professor Yan Jun, head of Niumag’s national postdoctoral research station, presented new methods for rapid water content analysis in crude oil using NMR, while Dr. Wu Fei introduced the company’s latest progress in traditional and cutting-edge NMR technologies for energy applications.

Niumag technical team presenting at the 973 Project conference

A snapshot of the academic discussion forum

On the afternoon of the 27th, delegates visited Niumag’s NMR R&D base, CNAS-certified testing lab, manufacturing plant, and instrument calibration workshop in Suzhou High-Tech Zone. The visiting experts spoke highly of the company’s rapid development and innovation in NMR technology.

973 Project delegates visit Niumag’s R&D and laboratory facilities

Delegates touring Niumag’s CNAS-accredited NMR lab and production workshop

In conclusion, we sincerely wish the 973 Project “Basic Research on Efficient Development of Continental Tight Oil” great success in achieving all scientific and technological goals and look forward to the early implementation of its achievements in China’s petroleum sector.

Niumag is committed to the development and application of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technologies. With strong R&D capabilities, complete production and service systems, and mature operational management, the company has independently developed a range of NMR analytical instruments—widely recognised across agricultural, energy, materials science, textile, and life science industries—and has earned multiple national awards and certifications.