TPi March 2018

business & market news

Funding to develop functional gradient design coatings

active components, which react exothermically with the sprayed base coat. The heat released from this stored chemical energy enhances diffusion and intermetallic formation with the basecoat, producing a sealed surface with a bespoke chemical gradient capable of resisting fireside corrosion and high-temperature oxidation in aggressive conditions such as biomass/ waste-fired advanced thermal power plants. The ER-Sealcoat system would result in improved performance through its functional gradient design and ability to close surface breaking porosity and seal the coating, as a result reducing direct and indirect processing costs compared to current industrial coating methods. Dr Spyros Kamnis, the research and development manager of Monitor

Surface engineering specialist Monitor Coatings Ltd has been co-funded by the UK innovation agency Innovate UK to work in collaboration with Cranfield University. The study, which started in September 2017, will use the process of exothermic reaction synthesis to modify low-cost sprayed metallic surface coatings. The need to reduce CO 2 emissions is pushing thermal power plants to use higher operating temperatures and biomass/waste-derived fuels, increasing the demand on heat exchanger tubes. The ER-Sealcoat project aims to develop a low-cost method of producing customisable coatings that can coat 3D geometries (internal and external) and protect against aggressive high- temperature environments. The seal coating is produced as a tailored slurry mix containing chemically

Coatings, said, “I’m delighted that Innovate UK have been able to support this exciting project, and help our organisation to turn strategic plans into reality. “The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund aims to bring together the UK’s world-leading research with business to meet the major industrial and societal challenges of our time. Monitor Coatings Ltd have ongoing, long-lasting collaboration with Cranfield University with outstanding return on productivity and performance by utilising the funds being available in a quality way.” Monitor Coatings has been part of the Castolin Eutectic Group since 2013. Monitor Coatings Ltd – UK www.castolin.com/monitor-coatings

Come meet us at stand 17B08! Let’s explore business opportunities. - Maarit from Larikka

The specialist in manufacturing tubular parts

maarit.aalto@larikka.com • tel. +358 20 712 1444 • www.larikka.com

23

www.read-tpi.com

March 2018 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL