LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH has announced that it has signed an agreement with Abakan, an emerging leader in the advanced coatings and metal formulations markets, to develop a laser based system for wear and corrosion resistant cladding for the multi-billion dollar coating market for 3 to 8 inch diameter pipe extensively used in oil and gas, and other markets that require cladding. LIMO will design and build the laser coating systems, while Abakan will design the auxiliary components to install and operate these systems in the global marketplace, initially focusing on the cladding of thick-walled smaller diameter pipes oil and gas market needs especially with the large-scale development of offshore fields that are currently witnessing exponential growth.
LIMO has perfected laser melting technology to provide smooth thin coatings that for the first time in history have a metallurgical bond, without almost any metallurgical substrate effects. The technology is based on optical systems which enable industry relevant productivity also for simultaneous treatment of inner diameters of pipes. These unique key advantages were shown on hundreds of test sample coatings for an oil major, that would have a life more than sufficient for most applications where cladding is used in small diameter well pipe and other industrial applications.
The current mechanically lined and clad plate-to-pipe solutions for clad pipes are not ideal for thick-walled pipes – which enables Abakan to enter this market with the ideal solution for a large unserved market. This collaboration could also work on very thin corrosion- and wear-resistant cladding for pipes, plates, and components to directly compete with paints and epoxies; providing 3-5 times longer life for metal assets for a marginally higher cost compared to epoxies for oil and gas, petrochemical, shipbuilding, and infrastructure industries.
Abakan CEO, Robert Miller stated “We expect to substantially complete the development of the smaller-diameter pipe cladding system within the next 12 months, with a possible market entry in mid-2015. Abakan will fund the development of the prototype system, and then pursue strategic collaboration with oil majors and pipe manufacturers to accelerate development and market entry. This partnership is extremely essential for us because over a period of time while working with partners and potential customers across multiple industries; we now understand the most critical challenges that they face, and we believe that our collaboration with LIMO will result in development of a platforms of products that address these challenges.”
Dr. Vitalij Lissotschenko, President and CEO, LIMO stated “We are the only company whose core competence uniquely combines optics design with laser systems and materials processing know-how; giving us a unique advantage of providing a complete solution for our customers and partners. In Abakan - we see a team with a vision for long-term sustainable growth; tremendous expertise in material science and surface engineering that is more complementary rather than competitive to our core competencies; existing channels and network to drive adoption of disruptive technologies; and more importantly we are extremely impressed with the way they have built a brand and reputation for innovation and excellence in such a short span of time.
LIMO has over 300 patents, the in-house ability to produce 1,000’s of specialized lasers per year and an international team of more than 220 engineers, physicists, technicians and many other specialized staff who design, develop, manufacture and market innovative micro-optics and laser systems. Since the very beginning, LIMO has built a worldwide reputation with their refractive micro optics technologies, and is considered a technology leader in the field of micro optics.