Testing and Development
Testing and product development lay at the heart of our material advances and product solutions. Whether this is within our laboratories, witness testing or ongoing research and development, testing is a major focal point for the group.
Given the numerous considerations to be made when evaluating the suitability of a material, we undertake a number of testing programmes to ensure that the most appropriate material solution is chosen for any given application. The testing/evaluation process can be grouped into two main categories:
- Characterisation of Material
- Performance/Application
A wide range of laboratory scale testing is undertaken to determine the material properties and reaction at given simulated application and environmental conditions.
These tests include
- Thermal Conductivity
- Density
- Compressive Strength
- Bulk Modulus
- Tensile Properties
- Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
- Shear Strength
These tests ensure that, in terms of material properties, the most appropriate material is selected for a given temperature and pressure combination.
The material application and fitness for purpose are equally as important as its porperties. It is vital therefore to clarify how the material is to be used so that its 'in field' properties can be evaluated. We routinely undertake performance testing encompassing:
- Simulated Service
- Coating ring shear
- Hydrostatic compression
- Thermal cycling disbondment
- J/S lay simulation
- Impact strength
- Fatigue behaviour
- Cathodic Disbondment
With this data our engineers are able to predict end of life characteristics and thus determine the ultimate material formulation.
We firmly believe that continuous and extensive testing is the only way to remain at the forefront of material development and continue to offer solutions that expand production possibilities and improve operating efficiency.