Power Generation

Fossil fuels have been the main source of power generation for many years. Increasing fuel costs & pressure from Government & European legislation to produce green energy has added urgency to the research & development into these alternative fuels. The use of polymer materials is paramount to the success of wind, wave/tidal, fuel cells & solar photovoltaics. Smithers Rapra has the expertise in product & component development to provide polymer support to the alternative power industry.

In addition to working with renewable energy suppliers Smithers Rapra already has experience of working with the nuclear power industry.

Applications for both types of energy production typically require materials that need to have proven long-term performance, often under often arduous conditions (temperature, stress & environment). Through development of materials with improved reliability, maintenance costs can be reduced.

Smithers Rapra is a world leading supplier of polymer related services to energy producers, solving polymer issues that might impact on the industry. Our polymer consultants have developed a range of specialist skills to meet industry needs.

Our understanding of rubbers, plastics & other polymers, coupled with their strengths & limitations, ensures faster speed to market & the potential for cost reduction though reduced development times &/or material substitution.

Smithers Rapra provides support in:

• Materials selection
• Product design & development
• Product testing
• Predicting service life
• Preparing specifications
• Supply of low volume materials/products with controlled formulations
• Third party inspections
• Examining failures
• Training in technology & safety aspects of polymer products

Physical Testing

Smithers Rapra carries out standard & bespoke testing of polymers & products. This supports development of renewable energy & more traditional methods by:

• Determining the durability of rubbers & plastics in extreme environments
• Assessing deterioration in existing products
• Recommending & suggesting improvements in materials
• Carrying out research & development in new materials
• Establishing quality assurance standards