New materials in the oil and gas industry promise revolution
The Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and Petrobras began an ambitious research project focused on the use of new materials for oil and gas production. Announced at a ceremony on March 19, this project represents a milestone in the partnership between the Embrapii-UFSCar-Materiais unit and the oil giant, with a joint financial contribution of R$5 million. This investment not only promotes research into advanced materials but also strengthens the academic training of the students involved.
Entitled “Titanium Hydrogen Embrittlement”, the project focuses on the study and application of titanium alloys in extreme environments, such as offshore oil platforms. Under the coordination of Claudemiro Bolfarini, from the Department of Materials Engineering (DEMa) at UFSCar, the research aims to explore the properties of these alloys under conditions of high corrosion and pressure, common on FPSO (Floating Production Offloading and Storage) platforms.
The search for innovative solutions
The challenge is to understand how these titanium alloys can replace traditional steel tubes, providing greater safety and efficiency in oil and gas production. The project involves extensive testing and analysis to ensure the material meets demanding conditions of use, marking a significant step forward in the search for more sustainable and efficient solutions in the offshore industry.
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Marcelo Torres Piza Paes, senior consultant at Petrobras, emphasizes the importance of this investigation for the future of offshore production, where corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement are constant concerns. Titanium alloys, with their high resistance to corrosion, could become a crucial component in oil and gas extraction infrastructures, representing a potential technological innovation for Petrobras.
Training the next generation of professionals
In addition to the direct impact on the industry, the project plays an important role in the training of UFSCar students, integrating them in applied research that better prepares future professionals for market challenges. Ernesto Chaves Pereira, project coordinator at Embrapii-UFSCar, highlights the value of this practical experience, which places students at the frontier of knowledge and technological innovation.
Ana Beatriz de Oliveira, dean of UFSCar, highlighted the relevance of collaboration for the university's educational and social mission, demonstrating the institution's commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the practical application of research.
Expected to last 36 months, the project also involves the collaboration of the Materials Characterization and Development Center (CCDM), the Structural Characterization Laboratory (LCE) and the Hydrogen in Metals Laboratory (LHM), highlighting the collaborative effort on several fronts of research.
The Embrapii UFSCar-Materiais unit, created in 2020, is an example of the university's commitment to research, innovation and talent training in the materials area, having already accounted for more than 15 projects in progress or completed. This project with Petrobras is a testament to the potential of partnerships between universities and industry to drive innovation and pave the way for significant advances in oil and gas production, marking an important step forward for the future of energy and engineering education in Brazil. Brazil.
Source:
UFSCar |