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January 2001
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RIM Imaging A new technology on the ramp
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 12--Two innovative technologies jointly developed by a small U.S. engineering firm, a former Soviet nuclear
weapons institute and two U.S. Department of Energy facilities have attracted a $20 million investment by a major international bank for global commercialization.
The technologies will be demonstrated at a press conference at the
Technology Ventures Corporation, 1155 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM, on Monday, January 15, 2001, from 9:00 - 11:00 am MST. This unusual commercial venture originated through the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Created in 1994, largely through the efforts of Sen. Pete Domenici
(R-NM) with strong support from Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), IPP enables former Soviet weapons of mass destruction scientists and engineers to partner with U.S.industry on projects to develop commercial technologies for peaceful purposes.
Stolar Horizon, Inc. of Raton, NM and the Institute for Measuring Systems Research (NIIIS), a Russian nuclear weapons facility located in Nizhny Novgorod (460 miles east of Moscow), developed a pair of unique "RIM Imaging" systems with applications in energy exploration and humanitarian efforts.
"RIM Imaging" Horizon Sensing uses radiowave imaging for remote sensing and mapping of geologic structures ahead of mining. This energy-efficient, short-vision radar system will serve as a navigation tool for the mining industry, allowing coal seam height and undulation to be determined without costly advance drilling. When combined with a module similar to the Mars-landing vehicle, the Horizon Sensor system will be capable of locating and removing landmines. "RIM Imaging" Borehole Radar features a long-vision radar system which can be used by energy industries to map fractures surrounding well bores in oil or
gas reservoirs. Mapping enables smart sealing and fracturing -- which increases hydrocarbon recovery and the ratio of oil to water. The technology can also detect nuclear and chemical explosions.
The DOE Kansas City Plant in Kansas City, MO is providing technical and manufacturing assistance on the coal seam application. DOE Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM is providing scientific expertise on development of the borehole radar and landmine detection technologies.
IPP projects typically run from two to four years, with three partners:the U.S. company, the former Soviet partner, and one or more DOE facilities. As a condition of this cost-sharing program, the U.S. company matches IPP funds, which support the work of the former Soviet and DOE facility partners. At the end of the project, the U.S. and former Soviet partners are solely responsible for commercialization and marketing of their joint technology.
The Stolar/NIIIS technologies attracted Credit Suisse First Boston, a global investment banking firm with significant investment interests in the former Soviet Union. The bank has provided an initial $10 million in financing to commercialize RIM Imaging systems for world markets.
Stolar Horizon is a charter member of the U.S.Industry Coalition, Inc. (USIC), a non-profit association of American companies and universities participating in the IPP program. USIC members represent a broad cross-section of American industry, from multi-national corporations to entrepreneurial enterprises. Currently, 86 primary members have over 100 active IPP projects. Nearly 25 technologies have been or are about to be commercialized.
Web Site: http://www.usic.net
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