The partnership will work on extending the lifespan of oilfield equipment. Credit: The University of Strathclyde.

GE company Baker Hughes (BHGE) has teamed up with Scotland’s University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) to explore how advanced manufacturing tools and processes can optimise productivity in operations.

The partnership also includes identifying ways to reduce operational costs.

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AFRC’s team of engineers and researchers will assist BHGE in exploring ways to improve its manufacturing processes, as well as delivery of services.

Additionally, the collaboration will leverage the AFRC’s expertise and equipment to identify opportunities to slash costs and cycle times.

Through the partnership, BHGE aims to extend the lifespan of oilfield equipment.

“This will help improve our own operations and steer the direction of research for the benefit of manufacturing sectors globally.”

BHGE Oilfield Equipment business chief technology officer and vice-president John Kerr said: “The oil and gas industry is continually evolving, with the past few years driving the need to look at new ways to enhance efficiency, improve productivity and drive down cost.

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“Manufacturing innovation has an important role to play and this collaboration with the AFRC will provide our business with exposure to the latest in advanced manufacturing tools and processes. This will help to improve our own operations and help steer the direction of research for the benefit of manufacturing sectors globally.”

As a tier one member, BHGE will be offered a seat on the AFRC’s managing and technical boards. The company will also support the centre’s core research programme.

AFRC oil and gas knowledge exchange fellow Paul Cantwell said: “We are delighted to welcome BHGE as a tier one member, our first from the oil and gas sector, and thrilled to be working with the team on improving the company’s extensive manufacturing processes through the use of our innovative technologies.”