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OFI Testing Equipment, Inc. Awarded Patent for Model 900 Viscometer

HOUSTON, Texas — September 27, 2004 — The United States Patents and Trademark Office recently granted Patent No. 6,776,028 to OFI Testing Equipment, Inc. (OFITE) for the invention "Induction Sensor Viscometer."

The inventor, Rick Lukay of OFITE, describes the invention as a rotational viscometer, which employs an electrical field sensor to measure the induced angle of rotation of a bob by a sample substance. A processor calculates the angle of displacement of the bob and transmits readable output of a sample characteristic in accordance with determined calculations based on, among other things, the sleeve rotation velocity and the bob displacement.

The value of the patent rests in the ability of the viscometer to provide a high degree of accuracy over the operational range, while its simple mechanical and electrical configuration makes it easier to maintain. In addition, the viscometer meets American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications.

Marketed as the "Model 900 Automated Viscometer," this new design also offers such features as:

• Fully Automated
• Standalone or Computer Controlled
• Push Button Calibration
• One Button Sweeps for API Mud or Cement Rheologies
• Low Shear Capabilities
• Includes Integrated Thermocup and Carrying Case
• Low Shear Capabilities

OFI Testing Equipment (USA), is a leading manufacturer of testing instruments for the drilling fluids, cementing, and wastewater industries, and is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company. In addition to manufacturing testing equipment, OFITE also offers extensive repair services and custom-designed equipment to companies worldwide.

OFI Testing Equipment, Inc. Earns ISO 9001:2000 Certification

HOUSTON, Texas — August 9, 2004 — OFI Testing Equipment (USA), a leading manufacturer of testing instruments for the drilling fluids, cementing, and wastewater industries, recently announced that they have been awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification.

The ISO 9000 series of standards are a set of international quality management system standards and guidelines. ISO 9000 has become an international reference for quality management requirements in business-to-business dealings. The revised ISO 9001:2000 focuses on quality and customer satisfaction.

Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc. issued Certificate Number C2004-02293 in accordance with the requirements of the standard and scope of supply defined as "design, manufacture, and service of instruments and reagents for testing drilling fluids, completion fluids, and waste water."

"Customer satisfaction has always been of utmost importance to us," states Kyle Schroeder, President of OFI Testing Equipment. "Making a conscious commitment to document our processes and continually improve our quality management system, simply provides our customer with a higher level of confidence that they indeed come first."

In addition to manufacturing testing equipment, OFITE also offers extensive repair services and custom-designed equipment to companies worldwide.

OFI Testing Equipment Introduces the First Dynamic Linear Swell Meter

HOUSTON, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — October 6, 2001 — As part of their effort to produce innovative instrument designs for the oilfield industry, OFI Testing Equipment, Inc. (OFITE) has developed the first Linear Swell Meter that is capable of dynamically testing the effect drilling fluids have on shale formations.

Investigating the swelling characteristics of shale formations is vital in selecting a proper drilling fluid to give maximum inhibition and wellbore stability. While drilling a well, a shale formation will immediately begin to swell if the drilling fluid is not completely compatible with the formation. This swelling can cause many problems such as bit balling, pipe drag, hole sloughing, or other "gumbo" related problems. Therefore, selecting the proper drilling fluid prior to or during the drilling operation can be very beneficial in achieving a stable wellbore.

Other swell meters on the market are designed to test shale samples in static fluid. However, fluids circulate as drilling progresses, so testing shale samples in a static environment does not always provide the most accurate readings.

The OFITE Linear Swell Meter is the only swell meter on the market capable of dynamically testing drilling fluids, providing more realistic results. "An accurate and reliable means of obtaining valuable laboratory data is essential to any successful drilling project," said Dennie Norwood, manager of engineering and technical sales for OFITE. "With the new Dynamic Linear Swell Meter, engineers are armed with data that more closely matches downhole conditions than ever before."

API Meetings

OFITE is very active in the American Petroleum Institute. Our products are routinely used in determining the testing procedures that we all use in analyzing drilling fluids and cement. We are currently active members in the work and task groups for Sub Committee 13 and Spec 10.

OFI Testing Equipment has been a very active participant for the last 10 years in improving the standards for field and laboratory testing in the oilfield.

Did you know that OFITE is an Authorized Distributor of API Standard Drilling Fluid Material? We currently stock API Standard Evaluation Clay, API Test Calibration Bentonite and API Test Calibration Barite. Each item is in stock and ready to ship!