2023 Educational Symposium Speakers
Tim Bremner
Materials Technology Director
Advanced Sealing Technologies
Topic: Working Towards Sustainable Materials in the Engineering Polymers Portfolio
Presentation Summary:
In the world of polymer-based engineering components, the primary objectives for materials portfolio management are no longer focused solely on cost and function but are expanding to include the full life cycle of the produced article, including end of life fate of the products we make and sell. Today's discussion speaks to examples of emerging technologies that support sustainable materials initiatives in engineering polymers.
Speaker Biography:
Tim has been engaged in fundamental and applied polymer science research for over 26 years, and since May of 2022 Dr. Bremner has served as the Materials Technology Director for Advanced Sealing Technologies (AST), a Michelin High Tech Materials Company that manages several global businesses utilizing advanced materials in a wide range of high performance material applications.
Alistair Gill
Technical Manager - Digital Engineering
Element Materials Technology
Topic: Application of Digital Engineering in Polymer Engineering
Presentation Summary:
The presentation will provide examples of how Element utilize digital engineering capabilities, such as non-linear finite element analysis, coupled with testing to improve engineering outcomes for a range of applications. The presentation will aim to demonstrate through selected case studies that the combination of testing and digital simulation is greater than the sum of the parts.
Speaker Biography:
Alistair Gill is a mechanical engineer, with a 1st Class Honors Degree from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He has spent most of his 30 year career in digital simulation and the energy sector and specializes in non-linear FEA. His is managing the growth of Element Digital Engineering in USA, but is still heavily involved in technical aspects and capability development. He has been a resident of Houston, Texas, since 2006 and is a licensed engineer in that state.
Nicki Hershberger
Compound Development Manager
ARDL
Topic: Sustainability in Elastomers - Focus Oil and Gas
Presentation Summary:
We will review different sustainability options for elastomers and discuss compounding and mixing requirements. We will also look at 3 different sustainable options in an oil and gas application.
Speaker Biography:
Nicki is the Compound Development Manager at ARDL. Her previous work experience includes custom mixing and carbon black. She has 27 years of experience in compound development, setting up production processes, engineering new products, and market development.
Michael Meade
CEO
fluorseals America
Topic: PFAS & the future of fluoropolymers
Presentation Summary:
Two Main Topics:
1. PFAS proposal in EU. Explanation of what has been proposed, current situation & what it could mean to EPG members.
2. fluorseals efforts towards innovation & production develop of fluoropolymers.
Speaker Biography:
Michael Meade is the CEO of fluorseals America, a division of fluorseals s.p.a. based in Bergamo, Italy.
fluorseals has been a global leader in PTFE, PEEK & fluoropolymer technologies since 1976. In May of 2021, Michael established the North American headquarter for fluorseals in Stafford, TX to bring a local presence and service of fluorseals technologies to the US.
Whit Rawls
Sales Engineer
Zappa-Stewart / Chase Corp
Topic: Fluids Management Applications with Superabsorbent Polymers
Presentation Summary:
Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are utilized in the energy sector for a wide range of fluids management applications from water swelling elastomers to waste fluid solidification.
Speaker Biography:
Whit Rawls is a sales engineer with Zappa-Stewart, the leading manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) for energy and environmental applications. Mr. Rawls has 18 years of experience with a focus on the environmental remediation and industrial waste treatment. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University, with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and a registered engineer in the state of North Carolina.
Enzo Savino
Staff Engineer
ConocoPhillips Company
Topic: Participate in the PFAs Discussion Panel
Presentation Summary:
Discussion panel
Speaker Biography:
Enzo Savino has 34 years' experience using polymer and composite-based products in the energy sector. He has spent the last 12 years providing technical support for ConocoPhillips business units and in technology projects. Enzo participates as a member of industry technical committees to enhance the performance and integrity of Nonmetallic in the energy sector. Recently, Enzo has been the chairperson of the API 20T “AM Polymer-Based Components,” and the IOGP Coating Sub-Committee.
Arun Sreeranganathan
Principal
Stress Engineering Services
Topic: Computational Modeling of Elastomer Seals
Presentation Summary:
Elastomeric seals are critical for the function of many systems in the oil & gas industry. These seals are often used in chemically challenging environments, which can cause behavioral and dimensional changes over time that further complicates the design and analysis of these systems. This talk will provide an overview of how Finite Element Analyses, coupled with testing, can help guide design and material selection.
Speaker Biography:
Arun Sreeranganathan leads the Materials Group at the Cincinnati office of Stress Engineering Services. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Tech and has over 15 years of experience in a fast-paced engineering consulting environment assisting a multitude of industries ranging from Oil and Gas to Consumer Products to Medical Devices with mechanical integrity issues, materials selection, testing, failure analysis, and life prediction of components.
Preston Weintraub
Senior Project Engineer-Seals
WEATHERFORD U.S., L.P.
Topic: Application Based Material Selection: A Designer's View
Presentation Summary:
Material properties of elastomers provided on a standard specification or product sheet such as tensile strength, hardness, modulus, elongation, and compression set provide information that is relevant. However, from a Design Engineer's standpoint, this data is minimally useful in designing seals. What properties would a designer require to have to engineer a seal based on the application?
Speaker Biography:
Preston Weintraub is an Innovative mechanical engineer and change agent with 25+ years' research and development and product management experience in the fields of design, development, validation, manufacturing, and commercialization of next generation technology. In his role with Weatherford, he acts as the Subject Matter Expert on seal design.
