Time to harness brain power for benefit of firms in region
Feb 12 2009 By Graeme King, The Journal
To have world-class experts on your doorstep is phenomenal for us
EXPERTS from Newcastle University were put in touch with ABFAD to help develop an advanced tank-lining system that could save the petrochemical industry millions of pounds.
The company specialises in providing access, coatings and civil and engineering services to a range of industries, including offshore, construction and petrochemical.
A major part of ABFAD’s business is lining tanks that are used for applications including the storage of chemicals, food, water and fuels. Two departments at Newcastle University, the Centre for Composite Materials Engineering and the Resource Centre for Innovation and Design, worked with ABFAD to develop the double tank lining system known as Fuelvac.
Chief executive Chris Haritou said: "Over the past 10 years, more and more fuel tanks have suffered from internal corrosion.
"At one time this was a rare problem because lead in the petrol acted as a rust inhibitor. But since lead was removed from petrol, internal corrosion has become much more of an issue." Mr Haritou had high praise for the universities and for the Knowledge House service.
He said: "To be able to have world-class experts and hi-tech equipment on your doorstep is phenomenal for our company.
"It means all our materials, and the process by which we apply them, have been verified by the university and that has a great deal of weight in the sectors where we operate.
"Not only were we able to quickly find the help we needed through Knowledge House, but they also sourced grant funding that covered 50% of our consultancy costs."
