Aramco Europe has showcased its use of polymers and nonmetallics on next-generation energy projects at two UK industry gatherings.
The process engineering team recently attended the Polymer Engineering for Energy Conference in London as well as the Non-Metallic Innovation Centre’s Associates Technology Update Summit in Cambridge.
Aramco Europe Engineering Specialist, Kostas Vatopoulos, said: “Polymers have emerged as game-changers in the energy industry and are having a transformational impact on projects through reduced corrosion, improved durability and their performance in harsh environments.”
Aramco is accelerating the deployment of nonmetallic solutions across its operational infrastructure, as the company seeks to extend life cycles, reduce emissions related to material manufacturing and improve performance.
One example is in the area of pipeline construction, with composite pipes reaching more than 10,000 kilometers in the past five years alone.
Modifying concrete with polymers can also make it more suitable for 3D printing, while advanced polymer waterproofing can extend the life of older buildings.
Aramco has established the Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials with the American Concrete Institute in Michigan, in the U.S., to promote the use of nonmetallic materials and products in the sector.
The company has also opened the Nonmetallic Excellence and Innovation Center for Building Materials, NEXCEL, in Beijing China, with the China Building Materials Academy (CBMA), to jointly advance the use of nonmetallics in building and construction.
