SINGAPORE TO INITIATE R&D IN OIL AND GAS EQUIPMENT

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, Nov 30 (Bernama) –- The Agency for Science, Technology and Research
(A*STAR) will initiate research and development (R&D) in oil and gas equipment
to position Singapore as an innovation hub and strengthen its marine and
offshore industry.

"A*STAR will be collaborating with the local universities to carry out R&D
programmes in ruggedised electronics, multi-phase flow analysis, and materials
for marine and offshore equipment," Senior Minister of State for Trade and
Industry and Education, S. Iswaran, said this at the 18th International Oil &
Gas Industry Exhibition & Conference (OSEA 2010) here Tuesday.

A*STAR said these three R&D programmes were designed to provide the
technological solutions and innovations to the oil and gas equipment
manufacturers for quality products.

"These products would address the challenges of a harsher operating
environment as oil and gas explorations transited into deeper waters," A*STAR said.

The R&D programme on ruggedised electronics will focus on solutions such as
ruggedised packaging, improved circuit design of sensors, peripheral electronics
and memories, leveraging on Singapore’s capabilities in microelectronics.

The multi-phase flow analysis will aim to provide an accurate modelling and
simulation of the multi-phase flow behaviour of crude oil, gas, sea water and
sand under extreme conditions.

A*STAR said the ability to obtain accurate information at the oilfield was
critical in shaping the oil and gas equipment as well as the seismic service
industries.

The third programme will focus on the development of novel materials to operate
in harsh environments (high temperature, high pressure, corrosive and erosive
conditions).

The targeted applications include new generation risers, sub-sea systems and
elastomeric materials for oil and gas equipment.

A*STAR said the development would leverage on the competitive advantages in
nano-material technology.

Based on preliminary numbers, Singapore’s total marine and offshore industry
output in 2009 was S$20.1 billion (S$1=RM2.36).

The industry contributed 9.4 per cent of total manufacturing output and employs
close to 92,000 people.
-- BERNAMA