MTS Systems Corporation in conjunction with SINTEF has completed the design and construction of a large-scale test system that can emulate the complex, high-pressure environments found "down-hole" in oil wells. This system will be of great value in ensuring supply continuity and wellbore integrity as drilling goes to even greater depths. The new test system replicates the stress profiles present in different rock formations, as well as simulates fluid flow patterns and other factors that impact well integrity. Through these advanced modeling capabilities, oil recovery will be increased—with larger quantities being extracted from current reserves. In addition, this technology will play a decisive role in gaining access to more difficult to reach reserves as they are discovered.