The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), have joined forces to explore how some of the latest advanced manufacturing tools and processes can drive more efficient, smarter ways to reduce cost and increase productivity across BHGE’s operations.

Joining the research centre as a Tier One member, BHGE will work with the AFRC’s team of engineers and researchers to improve its manufacturing processes and delivery of services. Using its expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, the AFRC will help BHGE identify opportunities to cut costs and cycle time, while extending the lifespan of oilfield equipment required for operations in increasingly high temperature and extreme pressure environments.

This collaboration will see BHGE have a seat on the AFRC’s managing and technical boards, as well as supporting the centre’s core research programme. Together with the AFRC’s other Tier One members, BHGE will help to steer the wider research agenda and share cross sector learnings and best practice.

Paul Cantwell, oil and gas knowledge exchange fellow at the AFRC, said: “We are delighted to welcome BHGE as a Tier One member, our first from the oil and gas sector, and thrilled to be working with the team on improving the company’s extensive manufacturing processes through the use of our innovative technologies.

“It is exciting to be working with such a dynamic organisation and one that is truly focused on improving what they do for the sake of the wider subsea, and oil and gas community. We are certain the work we do together will have a positive impact in terms of supporting Scotland’s international reputation for innovation in the oil and gas sector.”

Speaking about the collaboration, John Kerr, VP and chief technology officer for BHGE’s Oilfield Equipment business, said: “The oil and gas industry is continually evolving, with the past few years driving the need to look at new ways to enhance efficiency, improve productivity and drive down cost. Manufacturing innovation has an important role to play and this collaboration with the AFRC will provide our business with exposure to the latest in advanced manufacturing tools and processes. This will help to improve our own operations and help steer the direction of research for the benefit of manufacturing sectors globally.”

BHGE
www.bhge.com

AFRC
www.strath.ac.uk