The technology, invented and developed by ARC researcher, Dr. Florin Esanu, represents the next generation for metal protection against corrosion and erosion, which cause billions of dollars in material loss and equipment damage worldwide. In Western Canada, corrosion costs oil and gas producers and processors hundred millions of dollars each year.
"We are very excited about the potential of this technology", says Dr. John Zhou, manager, Advanced Materials, ARC. "Corrosion and erosion are costly issues in the petroleum industry. With IPC's experience as a coating applicator, our technology will reach the market quickly to address this very issue and contribute to the competitiveness of Alberta's energy industry."
"In my opinion, this new technology is the most significant development for coatings servicing the upstream oil and gas industry in the past 20 years," says Bob Franke, general manager, IPC. "The thin film coating has outstanding wear and corrosion resistant properties and can operate to temperatures of up to 800°F. It does not require line of site application and can be applied at a fraction of the price of competing high-end coatings. We definitely feel this coating offers an effective alternative in both cost and performance to such things as Inconel and Corrosion Resistant Alloys, which are typically used in severe corrosive environments."
International Polymers Canada (IPC) is a coatings specialist company that applies a wide variety of high performance protective coatings for the petroleum, chemical, oil and gas industries.
Alberta Research Council Inc. (ARC) develops and commercializes technologies to give clients a competitive advantage. A leader in innovation, ARC provides solutions globally to the energy, life sciences, agriculture, environment, forestry and manufacturing sectors. ARC's Advanced Material business unit develops and commercializes new materials, products, and processing technologies in ceramics, metals, polymers and composites.
For more technical information, contact:
Florin Esanu
Research Scientist
Alberta Research Council Inc.
Tel: (780) 450-5417
E-mail: esanu@arc.ab.ca
For commercial information, contact:
Bob Franke
General Manager
International Polymers Canada
Tel: (780) 465-3467
E-mail: bobf@ipccoatings.com
Web: www.int.polymer-can.com
For information regarding Advanced Materials capabilities at ARC, contact:
John Zhou
Manager, Advanced Materials
Alberta Research Council Inc.
Tel: (780) 450-5440
E-mail: zhou@arc.ab.ca
To arrange an interview, contact:
Bernie Poitras
Corporate Relations
Alberta Research Council Inc.
Tel: (780) 450-5145
E-mail: poitras@arc.ab.ca