King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals gains Ephraim Oil exec as professor

Michael Fraim, vice president of technology for U.S.-based Ephraim Oil, has signed a two-year contract to join King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) as a visiting associate professor.

Fraim begins his term with KFUPM, an ARAMCO-backed university in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 1.

Fraim is a professor of status for KFUPM, and his courses will cover shale oil and gas development, CO2 and chemical enhanced oil recovery and the realm of petroleum engineering with specialized instruction in hydraulic fracturing.

“I began working at Phillips Petroleum in the research center in the mid-1980s and received both my master's and Ph.D at Texas A&M University,” Fraim said. “In addition to my work with Ephraim Oil, I hold 63 patents covering individual needs in a large sector of the oil industry.”

In addition to his experience in the oil sector, Fraim has obtained several U.S. patents and is vastly knowledgeable in application.

Fraim was selected by KFUPM because of his three years of work experience within the industry as well as his understanding in enhanced tar/heavy oil thermal recovery, chemical enhanced oil recovery, and sonic stimulation, Ephraim Oil CEO Bill Hamm said.

“Ephraim specializes in this unique formulation that's very cost-effective for the industry, and we think KFUPM is committed to teaching this kind of new technology,” Hamm said.