Innovating Offshore Water Management with Advanced Analytical Techniques

With expertise in analytical chemistry, Isabelle Viegas is advancing sustainable practices in offshore energy through innovative water management research.

Isabelle Viegas, tenure-track researcher at DTU Offshore, demonstrating advanced analytical technology in the lab

Collaboration Driving Innovation

Collaboration is at the heart of Isabelle's projects. She works closely with Aalborg University, the University of Copenhagen, and private and state companies, leveraging their expertise in flow systems, chemometrics, and sensor design. These partnerships enable real-world testing and refinement of her team’s innovations, ensuring their applicability in offshore environments.

"Working with interdisciplinary teams and external collaborators has been enriching both for the projects and for my professional growth," Isabelle shares. "It has broadened the impact of our work and opened doors for further advancements."

Addressing Challenges with Practical Solutions

The journey to innovation is not without hurdles. Isabelle highlights challenges like the volatility of BTEX components and complexity of produced water composition, which complicates sampling and measurement processes, and the bureaucratic barriers to accessing offshore testing facilities. Despite these obstacles, her team continues to develop robust, adaptable solutions that promise significant environmental benefits.

"Continuous monitoring of crude oil and BTEX is crucial for understanding and mitigating environmental impacts," Isabelle notes. "Our methods not only improve accuracy but also offer practical applications for various types of wastewater."

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Isabelle envisions expanding the applicability of her techniques beyond produced water to other wastewater management scenarios. "Water management is a global issue, and our work can make a difference far beyond the offshore sector," she emphasizes. Isabelle’s research exemplifies how cutting-edge science and collaboration can tackle pressing environmental challenges.

Connecting Science to Global Solutions

Through conferences and collaborations, Isabelle’s work has attracted international attention, reinforcing its relevance on a global scale. "The challenges we address here are universal, making our solutions impactful worldwide," she concludes.

Isabelle’s work highlights how research can revolutionize the future of sustainable offshore energy, making sure that technological progress goes hand in hand with protecting the environment.

Factbox

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Current Position: Tenure-track researcher at DTU Offshore
  • Experience: Four-year postdoctoral tenure at DTU Offshore
  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Chemistry (Brazil)
    • Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry (Brazil)
    • PhD in Analytical Chemistry (Joint program between Brazilian and Danish universities)

Contact

Isabelle Moraes Amorim Viegas

Isabelle Moraes Amorim Viegas Tenure Track Researcher Danish Offshore Technology Centre