Launchpad, January - February 2004
For a full list of proposed, active and closed projects see here
Reduced pressure electron beam welding and shaped metal deposition for titanium alloys
To be launched: February 2004
Cost per sponsor: £9000 per sponsor
Project leader: C S Punshon
Titanium and many of its alloys can be welded readily using the EB process without the danger of oxidation and subsequent undetectable degradation of properties because it is traditionally carried out in a high vacuum (~10 -3mbar) environment.
TWI has been examining the possibility of performing EB welding at significantly higher pressures and has established a high power system that is capable of reliable operation at 1mbar, so called 'Reduced Pressure'.
This programme will examine the feasibility of EB processing titanium alloys in a Reduced Pressure atmosphere and will assess weld quality and performance of welded joints and shaped metal deposits produced in this environment.
Mitigation of corrosion in FPSO storage and ballast tanks
To be launched: February 2004
Cost per sponsor: £25 000 pa, two payments
Project leader: M D F Harvey
There is increasing concern that, although some FPSO vessels have been in service less than ten years, significant storage and ballast tank corrosion is already being observed. The aim of this project is to determine whether sealed, thermally sprayed Al and Zn based coating systems will provide improved corrosion mitigation in reception and ballast tank environments whilst considering Classification Authority Material restrictions.
