Aircraft Fuel Testing Capabilities
Element Materials Technology is the US’s largest independent material testing company. It has recently added a low-lubricity fuel testing capability to its Aerospace services.
Element’s Jupiter laboratory, FL investment eliminates the need for outsource parts of its fuel systems or components testing. This creates a unique service and significantly reduces lead times for clients.
The BOCLE (Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Eligator) measures fuel lubricity levels that can affect components and aircraft fuel systems. To adjust the lubricity, jet fuel can be passed through large-capacity clay bed filters. Additional options exist to condition the fluid at extreme low or high temperatures.
Rick Sluiters from Element, EVP Aerospace commented that the requirements for fuel systems and components are becoming more demanding every year. We are increasing our already extensive range of testing services for aircraft fuel systems, as well as clay bed filtration, by making this investment in BOCLE and clay bed filter. This will allow us to stay ahead of the rest. Element Jupiter’s team will work closely with other aerospace facilities, such as the Element Berlin laboratory. This collaboration will allow us to transfer our knowledge to all of our laboratories and help our customers around the world.
The Element Materials Technology Network’s Newest Name
Element Materials Technology has officially announced Element Cincinnati as the new location for the former MAR/TEST headquarters, which Element acquired in February 2012. Element Cincinnati’s naming marks a significant transition point for a laboratory that is known for its high-quality machining and mechanical testing in the Aerospace & Defence and Power Generation industries.
Charles Noall, President & CEO of Element, stated that he was pleased with the integration of MAR-TEST in the element materials technology brand. “The transition is moving very smoothly, and we have already heard from many customers who are grateful for the increased services.”
Element Cincinnati is an addition to the expanding presence of Element and its global network laboratories, all of which are staffed with testing experts. Element Cincinnati is a global leader in fatigue mechanics and fracture mechanics. They offer testing services for everything from materials for spacecraft and jet engines to artificial hips and spinal implants. It is Nadcap- and A2LA-accredited and has 110 Servohydraulic systems, 5 ElectroMechanical systems and 55 Rupture frames. Element Materials Technology is a centre for oil and gas testing technology.
Element Materials Technology has announced a major move of its Houston testing laboratory. The new site, which is 5.3 acres in size, is located adjacent to Houston’s Energy Corridor. This move will also include the installation of state of the art testing facilities that are intended to make the country’s first “technology centre” in oil and gas materials testing.
Element Houston, the largest single investment by the company in its capabilities, will offer advanced fracture mechanics, sour service corrosion, and new polymeric materials test infrastructure. Element Hitchin, formerly MERL and UK-based polymer engineers, will lead the polymeric expansion. Two buildings will be constructed on the site. The main building will span 40,000 square feet. The main facility will cover 40,000 sq.ft. and house all Core Testing capabilities and Air Emissions. The second building will cover 15,000 sq.ft. NDT will be housed in a building measuring approximately 900 feet.
Colin Speedie is Element’s VP of US Operations. He says that Element Houston is already a highly-regarded facility for testing oil and gas materials. However, this investment will create a unique set of services and expertise to meet the needs of this sector. We will be able to strengthen our relationships with existing clients and forge new relationships with key players in the technical community.
Charles Noall, President & CEO of Element says that “Element’s core goal is to be the recognized global leader in materials testing.” Element’s main focus is oil and gas. The creation of the Houston technology center mirrors our expansion in Europe. We have increased Hitchin capabilities to establish a UK oil and gas technology centre. We also relocated to Amsterdam to improve our corrosion capabilities. We are building on the success of our 2012 acquisition of MERL and are now leveraging this investment with Houston’s world-leading technology and expertise.
This is part of an overall investment strategy for Element. Element recently purchased Sherry Laboratories in Daleville, Indiana. It will now be the largest dedicated materials testing company in America.
Houston’s investment follows a number other important acquisitions by Element over the past fifteen months. These include aerospace composite testing company Delsen Testing Laboratories; leading fatigue testing business MAR–TEST; product qualification testing provider Detroit Testing Laboratories; and world-class nonmetallic testing supplier MERL.
Element Materials Technology acquires MERL Ltd
Element Materials Technology has announced the acquisition of Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Limited, (MERL), based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Elements is determined to offer industry-leading services for non-metallics. The addition of MERL, and its reputation for the analysis, testing, and evaluation of polymeric components, structures, and components, is evidence of their determination.
Charles Noall, President & CEO of Element, stated that he was very happy to announce the addition. It demonstrates Element’s continued commitment to quality-critical polymer testing and composite testing in multiple industries.
Founded in 1986, MERL has grown to be an independent company that serves thousands of clients worldwide in the Oil & Gas and Aerospace sectors. They have a wide range of projects, including ensuring safe and reliable materials use in offshore Oil & Gas Exploration, new polymer material to make heart valves, as well as composite materials for aircraft structures.
Dr. Rod Martin, CEO, MERL Ltd., stated that “we are delighted to join Element” and added, “This will allow us to offer our clients a wider technology range, but it also gives MERL staff greater opportunities to expand their skills by working closely with Element laboratories across the U.S.A. and Europe.”
MERL’s four-laboratory campus has 35 employees. They have the expertise to use elastomers and composites safely and reliably. Nearly half their staff have a PhD or many years of R&D experience.
Noall stated that MERL’s expertise will be brought into the Element fold to further expand our capabilities, and capacity to service a growing demand of non-metallics in both established and emerging sectors.