Wed, 18 September, 2019
TWI Ltd (TWI), Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (AramcoTech) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) officially opened the Non-metallic Innovation Centre (NIC), a research centre focused on innovation and advancing the use of non-metallic industrial applications. The launch of NIC will play an important role in advancing non-metallic solutions across industries.
The centre is based at TWI in Cambridge and will develop technologies for new non-metallic pipeline solutions.
Non-metallics are increasingly deployed across multiple industries including oil and gas, construction, automotive, packaging and renewable. They combine several benefits as they are corrosion-resistant, lightweight and durable.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Mihalis Kazilas, NIC Programme Director said: “By bringing together TWI, AramcoTech and ADNOC to set up NIC, we can be assured of producing industry-led research, for the complete supply chain from R&D to production. NIC combines academia and industry so that there is a continuous chain between universities producing high-level research and industries that require academic-level analysis for real world applications.”
Saudi Aramco Chief Technology Officer Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this important initiative. The industry is waking up to the benefits of non-metallic materials for numerous applications. The NIC will promote the utilisation of advanced polymeric materials by conducting research that addresses challenges in their development and implementation. This initiative is part of Saudi Aramco’s efforts to leverage its extensive hydrocarbon resources and technology development capabilities to deliver solutions that meet future energy needs in a sustainable way.”
Dr. Alan Nelson, Chief Technology Officer, ADNOC said: “Non-metallic solutions are continuing to reshape industries around the world. From cost-efficient and durable pipelines to lightweight car designs, this technology has abundant science and engineering uses. In line with our Oil & Gas 4.0 mission, ADNOC is dedicated to leading and advancing this technology. Accelerating growth in new non-metallic applications also creates new markets for crude and refined products. We are excited to partner with TWI and AramcoTech to help drive cutting-edge non-metallic solutions for the oil and gas industry and beyond.”
The inauguration also included a panel discussion on the “Future of Plastic and Composite Pipeline Technologies” with representatives from TWI, AramcoTech, ADNOC, Baker Hughes, SoluForce and Future Pipe Industries.
NIC is a part of the Private Technology Innovation Partnerships (PTIPs) initiative at TWI, working to address technology priorities, fostering open innovation and commercialisation of technology with sponsors and supply chain.
The centre conducts a research programme that covers Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-9, with partners being drawn from leading academic institutions, research centres and composite material manufacturers.