Gijs Braakhuis, Lead Chemist

With over 15 years’ experience at ChampionX, lead chemist Gijs Braakhuis brings extensive expertise in chemical engineering and process optimization.

Holding a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Gijs began his career at ChampionX in 2009 as a phase separation specialist. Over the years, Gijs has become known for his hands-on approach, regularly traveling to various field locations to address challenging phase separation issues, particularly in improving water and oil quality.

In his role, Gijs is deeply involved in the in-field formulation of innovative chemical solutions. This includes not only developing new formulations but also conducting field trials to ensure the effectiveness of these solutions in tackling customers’ complex processing challenges. He specializes in Emulsion Viscosity Reducers (EVR), focusing on their ability to reduce emulsion and optimize production efficiency. Gijs emphasises the broader benefits of EVR, commenting, “These technologies do more than just boost production; they help stabilize processes, leading to more sustainable operations, which is becoming increasingly important in today's industry.”

In addition to his expertise in emulsion management, Gijs is an advocate for developing and testing new chemistry. He is actively involved in performance testing in the field to evaluate new chemistries compared to existing solutions with a particular focus on products with improved environmental profiles. "Continuous improvement is part of our culture at ChampionX and that includes innovations that positively impact our sustainability journey as well as our customer’s operational efficiency," Gijs explains.

Gijs will be presenting his latest research at the upcoming Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (APOGCE) in Perth, Australia, from 15-17 October. His paper will focus on the successful application of EVR at three different locations in the North Sea, illustrating the versatility of these solutions and highlighting key outcomes such as extended well life and enhanced productivity.

To learn more, visit the ChampionX Production Maximisation page.