Conferences, Exhibitions and Committees

MERL actively participate in a variety of public events to promote the research work performed within the company and help steer current research programmes, via various scientific committees. MERL are the technical organisers of the “Oilfield Engineering with Polymers” conference, held approximately every 2-3 years in London, starting in 1996.

Applied Market Information Ltd.(AMI) and the Materials Engineering Research Laboratory (MERL) held the 8th international MERL Oilfield Engineering with Polymers 2012 conference and exhibition, on 23-25 October 2012 at the exclusive Millennium Gloucester Hotel in central London (on the direct Piccadilly Underground train line from Heathrow airport). There was a welcome reception and registration on the first evening followed by two days of technical papers.

MERL Oilfield Engineering with Polymers 2012 provides an international forum for oilfield operators, contractors and their suppliers to meet and discuss the latest developments in application requirements and materials R&D.

The technical programme for the 2012 event reflected the current challenges and solutions for the use of polymeric materials in oilfield engineering. Current themes include: handling of supercritical CO2, operating in extreme environments (arctic conditions, HPHT, sour fluids etc.), increasing use composite materials, development of new materials, rapid gas decompression resistance, qualification testing, long-term reliability and the development of industry standards.

Elastomers, thermoplastics and composite materials play a vital role in many critical applications in the oilfield such as coatings, insulation, pipes (bonded and flexible), hoses, seals, flexible joints and bearings, inflatable tools, umbilicals, risers, blow out preventers etc. The industry challenge is to operate safely and reliably in increasingly remote and hostile environments. Key to this is research and develoment, design, qualification and operational experience.

MERL Oilfield Engineering with Polymers 2012 provided a unique opportunity to get up to date information on industry trends and to network with experts from oilfield operators, contractors, equipment and component manufacturers and materials suppliers.

For further information visit the AMI website.