About Roberto Suarez-Rivera

My Story

With 37+ years of experience in the petroleum industry, including diverse roles from Service Engineer to Scientific Director, and a PhD in Rock Mechanics from UC Berkeley, I offer extensive expertise in rock characterization, applied rock mechanics, and fracture mechanics. I have had the privilege of working with esteemed institutions worldwide, including Dowell Schlumberger Field Services (in the Philippines, Japan, China, France, and Brazil), IKU Petroleum Research (in Trondheim, Norway), the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (in California), TerraTek (in Utah), the Schlumberger Innovation Center (in Utah), and WDVG Engineering (in Houston).

I joined Dowell Schlumberger in 1982, completed comprehensive training on field services in Bottesford, England and spent the next five years in the Philippines, cementing geothermal wells, cementing and well testing exploration wells in the Japan Sea offshore Niigata, and serving as the field manager for offshore operations in the South China Sea, based in Guangzhou, China. These were pionering days of oil exploration by foreign companies in China, and all of us that were there keep fond memories of that experience. My final two and a half years of field work were at the Dowell Schlumberger Research Center in Saint Etienne, France, in the stimulation department, and finally in Catu, Brazil, conducting hydraulic fracturing jobs for Petrobras. These were my formative years in my oil industry career, and I hold immense appreciation for all the individuals who guided, trained, and mentored me during my time in the field

While working at Dowell Schlumberger, Gilbert Pineau was a regional manager based in Singapore. I was a young, green, field manager, several levels below his rank, in the Guangzhou office in China. I had asked the main office for guidance to better manage the field office. Gilbert Pineau came in person to help me and spent the next three days showing me the basics of management, organization, and office accounting. I always remember that gesture, keep a lot of admiration and respect for him, and carry his valuable lesson to always be equally humble and equally helpful.

I was fortunate to work for two years in Trondheim Norway, at IKU Petroleum Research, with Erling Fjaer, Rune Hold and other wonderful scientists. During my time there, I had the opportunity to establish a valuable connection with a Swiss company that introduced me to a range of instruments for measuring friction, erosion, abrasion, and scratch testing. These instruments proved particularly useful for assessing the bond strength of semiconductor coatings. I used their scratch tester in rock samples and observed an almost perfect correlation with rock strength. Once I was back in the US, I found that Emmanuel Detournay, at the University of Minnesota, had developed analytical modeling techniques for predicting rock strength based on scratch testing experiments. Years later, Franz Ulm at MIT developed the analytical modeling for scratch testing experiments to evaluate fracture toughness.

TerraTek provided me with a solid foundation and comprehensive training in rock mechanics testing—a rare opportunity for many rock mechanics scientists.

Renowned worldwide, TerraTek was among the most prestigious and well-known rock mechanics laboratories. Its involvement in diverse programs, ranging from underground nuclear tests with the US Department of Defense to nuclear-waste disposal, geothermal energy, and large-scale rock measurements with the US Department of Energy, showcased its exceptional expertise. Within the oil and gas industry, TerraTek emerged as the leading laboratory and center of excellence for deep-water sediment testing, water-sensitive shale testing, coal desorption, and unconventional reservoir characterization.

TerraTek’s contributions extended further into drilling research, expandable screens research for sand production control, and extensive hydraulic fracturing testing and research, among other significant endeavors. Throughout my 19-year tenure at TerraTek, I actively participated in these efforts, progressing from Manager of Rock Mechanics to Manager of Stimulation and Production, Vice President, and Director of Innovation. This journey culminated with the acquisition of TerraTek by Schlumberger.

My time at TerraTek enriched my knowledge and skills, allowing me to contribute extensively to the various initiatives undertaken by the laboratory.”

At TerraTek I learned the value of experimental mechanics. In numerical modeling, the value of the results heavily relies on the availability of high-quality and reliable rock data. To ensure the quality of data, several essential requirements must be met. These include accurate equipment calibration, thorough evaluation of uncertainties associated with the fundamental measurements, and the analysis of uncertainty propagation. Quality control measures and acceptance criteria for samples to be tested are also crucial aspects.

Furthermore, selecting the appropriate tests that align with the desired objectives is vital. Adequate analysis techniques and validation of the measured data further contribute to obtaining dependable results. By adhering to these principles, the accuracy and reliability of numerical modeling can be significantly enhanced

How can I help?

Let me know your challenges and concerns in rock mechanics, coring, rock mechanics characterization, laboratory testing requirements for specific applications, hydraulic fracture modeling or any other applications.

Rock Mechanics Support

I have large experience in various aspects of rock mechanics and unique competence in laboratory testing for comprehensive rock property characterization. This includes conventional and unconventional reservoirs and applications for rock characterization requirements for carbon sequestration projects.

Data Analysis and Auditing

I can review validate and audit your rock testing data, conduct advanced analysis on your stress-strain data for advanced applications, full characterization of rock properties and integration with ancillary measurements.

Teaching and Mentorship

I provide on-site or remote training courses on various aspects of rock mechanics, rock mechanics laboratory characterization and analysis and fracture mechanics. I provide focused training to meet your specific needs. I also mentor students on their MS and PhD programs and theses at Texas A&M University

Have Rock Mechanics Questions?

I would like to be of help. Please let me know your questions.