Aubin

Case Study

Aubin + University of Aberdeen

Buoyant innovations: Engineering excellence beneath the waves

Learn how a KTP project used mechanical engineering to deliver innovation in the oil and gas industry.

University of Aberdeen and Aubin - KTP prototype image

Awards and Achievements

KTP Final Grade: A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The project was awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP objectives.

Aubin

Aubin's success is built on the technical expertise of their team that has experience in downhole chemistry, cementing, buoyancy, integrity, pipeline maintenance, pigging and subsea insulation.

University of Aberdeen

Established to serve the north-east of Scotland, the university is a global presence in higher education.The University is committed to four key areas (inclusive, interdisciplinary, international and sustainable) which guide its present work and future direction.

School of Engineering

Engineering research at the University of Aberdeen extends from theoretical mechanics through computational modelling to advanced engineering experiments. The current research structure has evolved since REF2014 in response to recruitment of a significant number of new academic staff and a substantial growth in research activities in both well-established and new emerging research directions.

What was the need?

The Challenge

What was the need?

Starting shortly after a significant downturn in the oil and gas industry, the KTP allowed Aubin to assess alternative
product areas and markets, providing a more sustainable future for the company. The company did not have an engineering department at the outset of the project, so had been unable to design, specify and manufacture their concept.

What did we do?

The Solution

The KTP developed the engineering application knowledge to deploy Aubin’s patented DeepBuoy pumpable buoyancy technology.The project aimed to design, develop and test a scaled model ‘underwater crane’ to have a fully designed system and enable the subsequent construction of a full size-working prototype.

“If you have an idea that your company does not have the expertise to realise to its full potential, I would highly recommend looking into KTPs . It is a fantastic way of running a project.”

Callum Scullion Product Development

Product Development Manager

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

The KTP achieved its main outcome of designing a Self contained Underwater Modular Lifting System (SUMLS) and identified a subsea engineering partner to manufacture the SUMLS . A demonstrator was successfully built and demonstrated and the potential market was confirmed, with potential clients interested in a larger prototype.

Additional collaboration was planned between the partners and with the new Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC).

The People

Meet the Team

Professor Richard Neilson

National Decommissioning Centre Director

Professor Richard Neilson has 31 years’ experience in engineering research and development within the University sector. Most of his research has involved the application of design and dynamic analysis to solving engineering problems; much of this has been in the context of oil and gas, subsea engineering and decommissioning.

Sergi Arnau

KTP Associate

Sergi was the KTP Associate for this project and is now Project Delivery Manager at the National Decommissioning Centre. He has a background in mechanical engineering and further developed his skills in engineering and research during his PhD at University of Aberdeen in the field of geotechnics and soil mechanics.

Quantifiable Impacts

Key Statistics

£40million

Partnership with OGTC to establish a Centre of Excellence in Decommissioning at University of Aberdeen.

In addition to developing the SUMLS, the KTP has embedded an understanding within the company of fluid mechanics and engineering drawing standards, as well as confidence in the product. A potential investor approached Aubin following a talk on this technology.

The KTP was one of the factors leading to a £40million partnership with OGTC to establish a Centre of Excellence in Decommisioning at University of Aberdeen. The KTP was awarded grade A (Outstanding) and the KTP Associate, Sergi Arnau Almirall, was shortlisted for a Rising Star award at the 2019 Interface Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

Interested in more information?

Contact