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14 April 2009 R&D in action
Programming of the software that controls the rig and records test data is now complete. The machine has been run for six hours in a shake-down test using an aluminium oxide (Aluminia) wear stone which performed very well. The arm was displaced approximately 4mm, however it is planned to move to around 8mm displacement for the next set of tests. A range of hardfaced samples have been prepared ready for testing and a Silicon Carbide wear stone is also available. 2. Sample preparation lab As part of the continued expansion of our research and development activities we have invested in a new sample preparation laboratory. This will enable us to prepare our own samples of hardfaced materials for analysis under the scanning electron microscope at Sheffield University where our collaboration continues to bring significant benefits to the company. In order to analyse the characteristics of the hardfacing process we need to prepare highly polished cross-sections of the samples. The new facility enables us to carry out this critical process in-house. |
1. Downhole wear simulation After a number of teething problems the new Wear Rig is now producing results.