
Episode #5
From Eureka Moment to Global Innovation: Richard Barr, Proserv
In this episode. Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Richard Barr, Technical Assurance and Business Development Manager for Sampling Solutions at Proserv, to explore the story behind the Phase Catcher — an innovative sampling technology developed to solve a complex challenge in multiphase oil and gas sampling. Drawing on his background as a chemist and three decades of experience across the energy industry, Richard explains how a simple eureka moment evolved into a fully developed product through prototyping, testing, engineering and collaboration. The discussion explores how the Phase Catcher uses guided wave radar to measure and separate oil, gas and water samples, while making the process safer and reducing hydrocarbon and hydrogen sulphide emissions. Richard also shares how the technology has evolved into a mobile sampling solution, its applications across markets including Brazil, the Middle East and West Africa, and the potential for Proserv to develop a new service and revenue stream around it. At the heart of the conversation is innovation: the challenges of turning an idea into a commercial product, the importance of communication and collaboration, and how solving one customer problem can uncover entirely new opportunities. Richard also reflects on his family's history of engineering and invention, and what it means to build a legacy of innovation of his own. What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin. It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal. EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide. Stay Connected with EIC Learn more about the EIC Explore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain Learn about EIC Consult Read the full Survive & Thrive Report Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.






