COLLABORATION


Elland prospers through the appliance of science


He’s a Cambridge graduate with a degree in astro-physics and a PhD in the


micro-structures of metallic alloys. James Green is also the key link in the partnership between the University of Huddersfi eld and Weir’s Elland facility which takes cutting edge research and applies it to valves manufacturing. James is the associate for a Knowledge


Transfer Partnership (KTP) that has been harnessing the research expertise of the University to provide further scientifi c back-up to Weir’s engineering excellence. His research with Weir involves taking computational fl uid dynamics (CFD) analysis of control valve performance and replicating the results in a technology lab. These results provide independent evidence of the high performance of Weir’s control valves and have also enabled modifi cations to be made that will further improve the performance of the valves, which are required to handle harsh conditions such as high fl uid velocities and sand erosion. The Weir Knowledge Transfer Partnership


with the University of Huddersfi eld has been an ideal opportunity for James to use his strong engineering knowledge and skill set. He also uses the advanced computing facilities at the University, where the KTP’s academic supervisor is Professor Rakesh Mishra, a leading expert in CFD.


James Green with a control valve fi tted with an X-Stream trim ready for fl ow testing


Success through


collaboration 12


Weir Minerals Linat


Weir Minerals Linatex – the industry leader in mining hose – began looking at the oil and gas hydraulic fracturing market for hose opportunities in 2011. By the end of 2012, Weir Minerals Linatex had developed a hose that could not only hold its own in the market against existing manufacturers, but would be able to offer a value proposition greater than existing players in the market. The fi rst step in the development was the completion of a voice of the customer (VOC) survey which enabled Weir Minerals Linatex to identify the key features customers need in a frac discharge


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