MTech-2025

Home

Department

Officers & Staff

Academics

Innovation

International Relations

Placement

Research

Centers

Central Library

Tenders

Right to Information

Institute Newsletter

IIT(ISM) @2026; 100 Years of legacy

National Ragging Prevention Programme

CVO

BIS Corner

In Media

SC/ST Cell

Equal Opportunity Cell

Geological Museum

centenary countdown

Faculty details

Prof.Raj Kiran

Designation: Assistant Professor

Department: Petroleum Engineering

Email: rajkiran[at]iitism[dot]ac[dot]in

Contact Number:

Office Number: +91-326-223-5324

Personal Page: Under Construction

About Me: I wish to be recognized as a thought-leader in academics for areas related to the data-driven physics-based energy engineering. I aspire to motivate the next generation of engineers to realize their potential and true interest. My research interests encompass areas related to energy transition including geothermal, geologic hydrogen, UHS, and CCS.My recent research is focused on data-driven approach on experimental and computational modeling. I envision myself in the forthcoming future contributing to a multidisciplinary, data-driven approach in various aspects of subsurface energy and storage systems.

Research Interest: Geothermal, Geologic Hydrogen, Underground Hydrogen Storage, Carbon Sequestration, Unconventional Oil and Gas, Well Construction and Integrity, Drilling and Completion, Petroleum Data Analytics, Production Engineering, Reservoir Geomechanics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis, Human factors in oil and gas.

Curriculum
Vitae
Publications

Teaching

  1. PEC513 – Introduction to Python and Petroleum Data Analysis
  2. PED502 – Well Intervention, Workover and Stimulation Techniques
  3. PED401 – Offshore Drilling and Petroleum Production Practices
  4. PEE202 – Petroleum Environment Management
  5. PEC204 – Reservoir Engineering Lab
  6. PEC210 – Drilling Simulation Lab
  7. PEC13201 – Drilling Fluid and Cement Slurry Lab

Academics

  • University of Oklahoma, Norman                                                    August 2016 - May 2019

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Petroleum Engineering                                          

Ph.D. Dissertation Title: ‘Study of Fluid Dynamics Effects for Loss of Well Control Incidents in Subsea Wells.’

Advisor: Dr. Saeed Salehi

GPA: 4.0/4.0

  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette                                       January 2013 - December 2014

Degree: Master of Science, Petroleum Engineering                                                                       

MS Thesis Title: ‘Finite Element Analysis of Casing While Drilling's Smearing Effect’

Advisor: Dr. Saeed Salehi

GPA: 3.91/4.0

  • Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi, India                     August 2005 - May 2009

Degree: Bachelor of Technology, Civil Engineering                                                                       

GPA: 8.29/10.0

Position

Assistant Professor, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Dec. 2020 - Present.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, OU, Aug. 2019 - Nov. 2020.

Graduate Research Assistant, OU, Aug. 2016 - May 2019.

Operations Engineer, Nabors Drilling USA Ltd, Houston, TX, Jun. 2018 - Aug. 2018.

Researcher and Lab Manager, UL Lafayette, Jan. 2015 - Aug. 2016.

Graduate Research Assistant, UL Lafayette, Jan. 2013 - Dec. 2014.

Design Engineer, Samsung Engineering India Pvt Ltd, India, Sept. 2009 - Dec. 2012.

Awards and Honors

  • Received Sandbox initial seed funding for AI-based innovative startup from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019 (Starting amount: $3500).
  • Outstanding Ph.D. Student in Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering for academic excellence, University of Oklahoma, 2018.
  • Robberson Travel Grant for research paper presentation at OMAE 37th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore & Arctic Engineering in Madrid, Spain, June 17-22, 2018 (Scholarship amount: $1000).
  • SPE 2nd place award for Mid-Continent Regional Student Paper Contest, 2019.
  • AADE 2nd place Award for National Technical Conference and Exhibition Student Paper Contest, 2019 (Award amount: $1000).
  • SPE 1st place award in MPGE student paper contest and selected to represent OU in SPE regional student paper contest (Award amount: $1000).
  • Outstanding reviewer for Journal of Natural Gas Science & Engineering, 2018.
  • SPE 2nd place Award received at the 19th Annual Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Technical Symposium University Student Paper Contest, New Orleans, U.S.A, October 18-19, 2015(Award amount: $250).
  • SPE 1st place Award received at the 18th Annual Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Technical Symposium University Student Paper Contest, New Orleans, U.S.A, August 5-7, 2014 (Award amount: $500).
  • American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) Graduate Student Scholarship for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2014 (Award amount: Tuition + Stipend). Awarded to the top two graduate students.

Publications

List Of Research Publications (only in Peer-reviewed Journals)

Refereed Journal Publications

  1. Kiran, R., Upadhyay, R., Rajak, V.K., Kumar, A., and Gupta, S.D. 2024. Underpinnings of reservoir and techno-economic analysis for Himalayan and Son-Narmada-Tapti geothermal sites of India. Renewable Energy, 237, p. 121630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121630 Impact Factor: 9.0.
  2. Kiran, R., Rajak, V.K., Upadhyay, R., and Kumar, A. 2024. Comparative techno-economic assessment of superhot rock and conventional geothermal energy feasibility for decarbonizing India. Geothermics, 122, p. 103078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2024.103078 Impact Factor: 3.5
  3. Saif, M., Kiran, R., Rajak, V.K. and Verma, R.K., 2024. Investigation of an Indian Site with Mafic Rock for Carbon Sequestration. ACS Omega, 9(28), pp.30270-30280. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c00213 Impact Factor: 3.7
  4. Doley A., Mahto, V., Rajak V.K., Kiran, R. and Upadhyay, R. 2024. Investigation of Filtration and Shale Inhibition Characteristics of Chitosan-N-(2-hydroxyl)-propyl trimethylammonium Chloride as Drilling Fluid Additives.  ACS Omega, 9(19), pp. 21365-21377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107822 Impact Factor: 3.7
  5. Sekar, L.K., Kiran, R., Okoroafor, E.R. and Wood, D.A., 2023. Review of reservoir challenges associated with subsurface hydrogen storage and recovery in depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Journal of Energy Storage, 72, p.108605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.108605 Impact Factor: 9.4
  6. Kiran, R., Upadhyay, R., Rajak, V.K., Gupta, S.D. and Pama, H., 2023. Comprehensive study of the underground hydrogen storage potential in the depleted offshore Tapti-gas field. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48(33), pp.12396-12409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.12.172 Impact Factor: 7.139
  7. Elgaddafi, R., Ahmed, R., Kiran, R., Salehi, S. and Fajemidupe, O., 2022. Experimental and modeling studies of gas-liquid flow in vertical pipes at high superficial gas velocities. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 106, p.104731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2022.104731 Impact Factor: 5.285
  8. Kiran, R., Dansena, P., Salehi, S. and Rajak, V.K., 2022. Application of machine learning and well log attributes in geothermal drilling. Geothermics, 101, p.102355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2022.102355 Impact Factor: 4.566
  9. Rajak, V.K., Gautam, S., Ajit, K.P., Kiran, R. and Madhumaya, A., 2022. Rheological Property Measurement and Application of Formate-Based Drilling Fluids at Elevated Temperatures: A Review. MAPAN, 37(3), pp.665-681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-022-00546-5 Impact Factor: 1.446
  10. Magzoub, M.I., Kiran, R., Salehi, S., Hussein, I.A. and Nasser, M.S., 2021. Assessing the relation between mud components and rheology for loss circulation prevention using polymeric gels: A machine learning approach. Energies, 14(5), p.1377. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051377. Impact Factor: 3.252.
  11. Kiran, R., Elgaddafi, R., Ahmed, R., Salehi, S., Griffith, C.A. and Fajemidupe, T., 2020. Wellbore fluid sonic conditions during blowouts. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 195, p. 107822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107822
  12. Kiran, R., Ahmed, R. and Salehi, S., 2020. Experiments and CFD modelling for two phase flow in a vertical annulus. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 153, pp.201-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2019.10.012
  13. Ezeakacha, C.P., Salehi, S., and Kiran, R., 2018. Lost circulation and filter cake evolution: Impact of dynamic wellbore conditions and wellbore strengthening implications. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, vol. 171, pp. 1326-1337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2018.08.063
  14. Salehi, S., Kiran, R., Jeon, J., Kang, Z., Cokely, E.T., and Ybarra, V., 2018. Developing a cross-disciplinary, scenario-based training approach integrated with eye tracking data collection to enhance situational awareness in offshore oil and gas operations. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, vol. 56, pp.78-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2018.08.009
  15. Kiran, R., Teodoriu, C., Dadmohammadi, Y., Nygaard, R., Wood, D., Mokhtari, M., and Salehi, S. (2017). Identification and evaluation of well integrity and causes of failure of well integrity barriers (A review). Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, vol. 45, pp. 511-526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2017.05.009 
  16. Salehi, S., Khattak, M.J., Rizvi, H., Karbalaei, S.F., and Kiran, R., 2017. Sensitivity analysis of fly ash geopolymer cement slurries: Implications for oil and gas wells cementing applications. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, vol. 37, pp. 116-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2016.11.025 
  17. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. 2017. Thermoporoelastic Modeling of Time-Dependent Wellbore Strengthening and Casing Smear. ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology, vol. 139, no. 2, pp. 022903. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4033591 
  18. Salehi, S., Madani, S.A., and Kiran, R. 2016. Characterization of drilling fluids filtration through integrated laboratory experiments and CFD modeling. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, vol. 29, pp. 462-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2016.01.017 
  19. Salehi, S. and Kiran, R. 2016. Integrated experimental and analytical wellbore strengthening solutions by mud plastering effects. ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology, vol. 138, no. 3, pp. 032904. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4032236

Papers in conference abstract volumes / presented

Refereed Conference Publications

  1. Wartman, P., Ettehadi, A., Kiran, R., Ostrander, C. and Mokhtari, M., 2024, September. Facilitating Carbon Capture and Storage in Louisiana: The Implications of Environmental Protection Agency's Final Rule Granting Primacy for Class VI Wells. In SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. (p. D011S003R005). SPE.
  2. Elgaddafi, R., Kiran, R., Ahmed, R., Salehi, S., and Griffith, C. (2020, October 21). Development of a Computational Tool for Worst-Case Discharge Rate. SPE Annual Technical Conference. Virtual. https://doi.org/10.2118/201722-MS
  3. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. (2020) Assessing the Relation between Petrophysical and Operational Parameters in Geothermal Wells: A Machine Learning Approach. In the Proceedings of 45th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering. Stanford, CA.
  4. Kiran, R., Naqavi, S. A., Salehi, S., and Teodoriu, C. (2019, September 23). Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills: Towards an Immersive Simulation-Based Training Framework for Offshore Drilling Operations. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. Calgary, Alberta, CA. Paper no.: SPE-195838-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/195838-MS
  5. Sinha, S., Kiran, R., Tellez, J., and Marfurt, K. (2019, July 31). Identification and Quantification of Parasequences Using Expectation Maximization Filter: Defining Well Log Attributes for Reservoir Characterization. Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. Denver, CO, USA. Paper Number: URTec-2019-1023. https://doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2019-1023
  6. Kiran R., Salehi, S., Mokhtari, M., and Kumar, A. (2019, June). Effect of Irregular shape and Wellbore Breakout on Fluid Dynamics and Wellbore Stability. 53rd US Rock Mechanics/ Geomechanics Symposium. New York City, NY, USA. Paper Number: ARMA-2019-2058.
  7. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. (2018, September). Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Riser Gas Unloading Problem. Proceedings of the ASME 2018 37th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering. Volume 8: Polar and Arctic Sciences and Technology; Petroleum Technology. Madrid, Spain. Paper Number: OMAE2018-77719. https://doi.org/10.1115/OMAE2018-77719
  8. Kiran, R., Salehi, S., and Teodoriu, C. (2018, September). Implementing Human Factors in Oil and Gas Drilling and Completion Operations: Enhancing Culture of Process Safety. Proceedings of the ASME 2018 37th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering. Volume 8: Polar and Arctic Sciences and Technology; Petroleum Technology. Madrid, Spain. Paper Number: OMAE2018-78431. https://doi.org/10.1115/OMAE2018-78431
  9. Ezeakacha, C. P., Salehi, S., and Kiran, R. (2018, September). Quantification of Multiple Factors and Interaction Effects on Drilling Fluid Invasion. Proceedings of the ASME 2018 37th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering. Volume 8: Polar and Arctic Sciences and Technology; Petroleum Technology. Madrid, Spain. Paper Number: OMAE2018-78328. https://doi.org/10.1115/OMAE2018-78328
  10. Kiran, R., Salehi, S., Hayatdavoudi, A., and Ezeakacha, C. P. (2018, August). Wellbore Strengthening Characteristics Evaluation of Sandstones Using Experimental and Analytical Studies. 52nd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium. Seattle, WA, USA. Paper Number: ARMA-2018-1129.
  11. Ezeakacha, C. P., Salehi, S., and Kiran, R. (2018, August). Pore-Scale Mud Invasion in Different Rock Samples and Wellbore Conditions: Implications for Lithology Dependent Wellbore Strengthening. 52nd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium. Seattle, WA, USA. Paper Number: ARMA-2018-544.
  12. Kang, Z., Jeon, J., Kiran, R., Salehi, S., Ybarra, V.T., and Cokely, E. (2018, May). Situation awareness assessment using eye movements and verbal response scoring metrics. In Proceedings of the 2018 IISE Annual Conference. Orlando, FL, USA. Paper Number: 2506.
  13. Salehi, S., Kiran, R., Jeon, J., Kang, Z., Teodoriu, C., and Cokely, E. (2018, April). Enhancing Situation Awareness and Process Safety in Offshore Drilling Operations: Applications of Eye-Tracking System. Offshore Technology Conference. Houston, TX, USA. Paper Number: OTC-28849-MS. https://doi.org/10.4043/28849-MS
  14. Kiran, R., Salehi, S., Jeon, J., and Kang, Z. (2018, March). Real-Time Eye-Tracking System to Evaluate and Enhance Situation Awareness and Process Safety in Drilling Operations. IADC/SPE Drilling Conference and Exhibition. Fort Worth, TX, USA, Paper Number: SPE-189678-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/189678-MS
  15. Dadmohammadi, Y., Salehi, S., Kiran, R., Jeon, J., Kang, Z., Cokely, E.T., and Ybarra, V. (2017, October). Integrating Human Factors into Petroleum Engineering's Curriculum: Essential Training for Students. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. San Antonio, TX, USA. Paper Number: SPE-187241-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/187241-MS
  16. Kiran, R., Salehi, S., and Karimi, M. (2014, September). Finite Element Analysis of Casing Drilling Smearing Effect, SPE Deepwater Drilling and Completions Conference. Galveston, TX, USA. Paper Number: SPE 170314. https://doi.org/10.2118/170314-MS

Conference Presentations

  1. Kiran, R. (2020, November). Worst Case Discharge (WCD) computational tool in Sonic and Supersonic. Presented at 24th Annual GoM Deepwater Technical Symposium, Virtual.
  2. Kiran, R. (2019, April). Worst Case Discharge Estimation Based on Experimental and Numerical Investigation. AADE National Technical Conference and Exhibition University Student Paper and Poster Presentation. Denver, CO, USA.
  3. Kiran, R. (2019, April). Worst Case Discharge Estimation Based on Experimental and Numerical Investigation of High-velocity Multi-phase Flow Characterization. SPE Mid-continent Regional Student Paper Presentation. Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
  4. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. (2017, September). Situation Awareness Assessment in Well Control Training using Eye Tracking Data and Scenario Planning.  IADC Human Factors Conference & Exhibition. Galveston, TX, USA.
  5. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. (2017, April). Thermo-Poro-Elastic Modeling of Time-Dependent Wellbore Strengthening and Casing Smear. AADE National Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, TX, USA.
  6. Kiran, R., Salehi, S., and Karimi, M. 2014. Unravelling Casing Drilling Smearing: Finite Element Analysis. AADE National Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, TX, USA.
  7. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. 2015. Integrated Experimental, Numerical, and Analytical Investigation of Wellbore Strengthening and Casing Smear. Presented at 19th Annual GoM Deepwater Technical Symposium, New Orleans
  8. Kiran, R. and Salehi, S. 2014. Numerical Investigation of Casing while Drilling Technology: Understanding Mechanisms. Presented at 18th Annual GoM Deepwater Technical Symposium, New Orleans

Projects & Activities

Sponsored Research Projects (External Funded)

  1. Coupled Geomechanical and Fluid Flow Study of High-Temperature Wells using FEM and CFD Analysis. Sponsor: University of Oklahoma
  2. Future of Geothermal in India. Sponsor: Project InnerSpace, Inc.

Consultancy Project (for ONGC)

  1. Supervising the Injection/Fall-off Tests and Performing Pressure Transient Analysis in Five Core Holes of Jharia CBM Block of Prabha Energy Private Limited (PEPL), Sponsor: Prabha Energy Private Limited (PEPL)
  2. Pressure Transient Analysis of Wells of Raniganj CBM field for Mining Associates, M/s Mining Associates Private Limited, Asansol

Guidance

Ongoing
  1. Mohd Saif
  2. Parmod Sharma
  3. Vikash Raj
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved || Designed & Developed by - WEBSTEP TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED