March 2021 Composites Blog
March 1, 2021
UMaine 3D Printing Process for Wind Turbine Blade Molds
UMaine researchers have developed a 3D printing process for wind turbine blades
Developing the molds and tools used to manufacture large scale wind turbine molds is expensive and time consuming, sometimes costing millions of dollars and taking over a year to develop. Researchers at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center are hoping to change that. They have developed a process for 3D printing segmented wind blade molds for large wind turbines using recyclable bio-based materials that are reinforced with wood. At the same time they are also working on combining the molds with a new process for robotic deposition of continuous reinforcing fibers in the blades. The UMaine Composites Center has the world’s largest polymer 3D printer, provided by Ingersoll Machine Tools, as well as a cellulosic-thermoplastic feedstock compounder from Techmer PM.
UMaine researchers have received a number of grants, including a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy towards the 3D printing process and a $4 million grant from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory towards the robotic deposition of continuous reinforcing fibers. Companies like Siemens Gamesa and TPI Composites are also partnering on the project in hopes of using the new 3D printing process for their products. Read more about this innovative new 3D printing process here.
UMaine researchers have received a number of grants, including a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy towards the 3D printing process and a $4 million grant from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory towards the robotic deposition of continuous reinforcing fibers. Companies like Siemens Gamesa and TPI Composites are also partnering on the project in hopes of using the new 3D printing process for their products. Read more about this innovative new 3D printing process here.
March 2, 2021
New Composite Flexible Pipe from Baker Hughes
New Composite Flexible Pipe from Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes announces new composite flexible pipe solution for onshore energy and industrial applications
Houston, Texas based Baker Hughes recently announced a next generation of composite flexible pipe for the onshore oil and gas sector as well as other energy and industrial applications requiring cost-effective, corrosion resistant piping. The reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) is spoolable and lightweight, making it easier and more cost-efficient to transport and install versus steel pipe. Customers who use the new pipe can see installed costs drop by more than 20% compared to steel pipe. The RTP piping also reduces environmental impacts and requires fewer onsite support facilities.
The new RTP pipe is designed for fluid pressures up to 2,250 PSI and temperatures up to 180°F. It is the only non-metallic RTP pipe on the market available in diameters up to 8 inches. Customers can also choose the type of liner best suited for their application: nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). You can read more about the new composite flexible pipe here.
The new RTP pipe is designed for fluid pressures up to 2,250 PSI and temperatures up to 180°F. It is the only non-metallic RTP pipe on the market available in diameters up to 8 inches. Customers can also choose the type of liner best suited for their application: nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). You can read more about the new composite flexible pipe here.
