AFRC part of new oil and gas consortium

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) is to be part of a new oil and gas consortium involving the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC).

This new team based in Aberdeen, will support engagement with the oil and gas industry and drive cross-industry collaboration and innovation. The key aims of OGIC are to stimulate knowledge exchange and research activities as well as providing an environment that supports the development of the next generation of business innovators, academics and entrepreneurs in Scotland.

In addition to the AFRC, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and the National Composites Centre (NCC) are also providing their expertise to the oil and gas sector. It is this combination of expertise that will enable companies in the sector to access state of the art capabilities bringing about opportunities to reduce component costs, shorten supply chain lead times, and explore new production methods and enhance materials to improve component longevity.

OGIC provides a link between the knowledge and capabilities of academic staff and researchers in Scottish universities, operators and service providers in the oil and gas industry.??

Ian Phillips, OGIC Chief Executive, said: “Accessing the latest research and design capabilities within the fields of composites, forming and advanced manufacturing will provide the oil and gas industry with unrivalled opportunities to innovate and address the complex technical challenges it faces. It is essential that we collaborate more effectively and learn from other industries. This new partnership with three of the HVM Catapult centres will support this agenda and help to accelerate the pace of innovation in the industry.” ??

Paul Cantwell, AFRC knowledge exchange fellow in oil and gas said: “At the AFRC we offer a world class, open source suite of the latest forming and forging technologies across the manufacturing sectors. In addition, we provide an end to end manufacturing innovation service, which incorporates demonstration, validation of products, predictive techniques and delivery of implementation plans. We are delighted to be part of the OGIC and look forward to bringing our unique expertise to the oil and gas sector.”

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/hse/28032016/afrc-part-of-new-oil-and-gas-consortium-568/