The breakthrough materials testing research carried out by experts at Element Hitchin, UK, has been hailed by Richard Howitt, a visiting Member of European Parliament (MEP), as “world-class”.
Richard Howitt, MEP for the East of England, was given a tour of Element’s laboratory, where he was shown how millions in European funding has helped the team at Hitchin make world-first breakthroughs in materials testing and qualification, innovations that are benefiting critical international industries including oil and gas, aerospace and transportation.
Following his visit, Howitt remarked: “I’ve seen today that Element’s work is world-class across fields as diverse as oil and gas, chemical processing, renewable energy and aerospace.”
Oil and gas projects benefitting from EU-funding have included research into the use of ultrasonic inspection techniques for composite pipes. Projects have ranged in total project value from €500 000 up to €35 million.
Charles Noall, President and CEO of Element Materials Technology, said: “Element’s laboratory at Hitchin has built a reputation as an internationally-leading composite materials testing and qualification centre.
“European funding has helped it to develop innovative, first-of-their-kind methodologies and, with knowledge, testing techniques and proprietary equipment designs shared across Element, the results of Hitchin’s research help maintain our position at the forefront of materials developments.”
Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling