Innovation drives oil and gas tech centre

More than £1.6 million of investment in innovative systems has been signed off by the fledgling Oil and Gas Technology Centre.

The group only launched in February but has hit the ground running with Total and Chevron signing up for eight offshore field trials of new equipment this year.

Among the new technology being scrutinised is unmanned aerial vehicles and next generation ultrasonics systems to help manage asset integrity.

The centre is also working with TRAC Oil & Gas to develop a new electromagnetic method of inspecting corroded pipework under insulation and composite wrap materials.

Chief executive Colette Cohen said she was pleased both SME and large oil companies like Nxen, Total and Chevron had signed up to collaborate with the centre.

She said: “I’m pleased and proud to welcome our first members.

“Since our launch in February 2017, we’ve screened almost 200 technologies and have an excellent pipeline of opportunities, with operating companies now facilitating field trials on the UKCS.

“It’s exciting to approve investment of £1.6m in our first three projects and we look forward to helping these innovative companies take their concepts from early stage development through to deployment in the oil field.”