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Energy Materials
An Introduction
Featured on this page is an example of the products which we are most frequently asked to supply. As a source and supply specialist, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a specific material or application which you may require, but that you don't see represented on this 'site. Our niche is in finding and supplying the materials which others can't.
Aluminium in Energy
As our existing powergrids groan under the strain of current demand, reprieve is being found in Aluminium. Despite needing a 50% larger diameter wire to transmit the same voltage of electricity as a copper wire, Aluminium is twice as light. This means that a more economical material can be used to transmit power across our grids, whilst being less brittle, easier to transport, and able to increase the distances between power pylons. In addition, its strength and corrosion resistance mean that it is of use in constructing said pylons, also.
Uses
Overhead powerlines | Electricity Pylons | Low-voltage undergound powerlines | Domestic electrical wiring
Nickel in Energy
We can rarely speak of Nickel and its applications without having to consider it's key proportional part in the composition of Stainless Steel. However, looking at the uses of Nickel and its direct alloys in isolation, the benefits are still clear to see: high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and unbeatable high temperature operation.
Uses
Geothermal pipework | Machinery and piping used in production of oil & gas | Equipment - including turbines - used in hydroelectricity production Gearboxes in wind turbines | High temperature applications including turbines and pipework | Applications exposed to corrosive media
Steel in Energy
Steel is critical to the energy industry. Whether it be for high strength applications, such as rebar reinforcing the concrete wall of a dam used to produce hydroelectricity, or the high temperature and corrosion resisitance of Stainless Steel used in the nuclear industry, Steel finds itself instrumental across the entire energy production sector.
Uses
Rebar to reinforce concrete dam walls | Turbines in gas, hydroelectric and nuclear power plants | Electricity pylons for overhead powerlines | Towers and rotors for wind turbines | Heat exchangers | Transit pipelines | Framework and structures to hold solar panels | Handling equipment | Biofuel storage
Titanium in Energy
Every material has its place within the energy industry, and Titanium's isn't as reliant on its mechanical strength as one might might think. Indeed, the facet of Titanium's characteristics which serves the industry best is its corrosion resistance. The energy industry is notorious for the amount of heat it produces, which has the unwanted side effect of reducing efficiency. To counteract this, large efforts are made to cool the systems and equipment used, often using the abundance of seawater found beside coastal plants for the job. This is where titanium comes into its own, firstly to desalinate the water and then to offset the heat through heat exchangers. In addiition, its corrosion resisting capabilities are used to produce geothermal energy, where pipes made of Titanium are used to transport hot brine solutions from deep underground to the surface.
Uses
Pipelines | Heat exchangers | Expansion pipes | Valves | Meters | Condensers | Impellers | Turbine components | Pressure Vessels
Integ Metals // Industries // Energy
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Carbon Fibre in Energy
In yet new ways to extol the virtues of the "miracle material" Carbon Fibre, the energy industry has researched its uses to discover how best to utilise its unique properties, and the results will prove game-changing. As is common within materials science, there are manifold ways in which it's attributes may be used, both in terms of physical strength and conductivity. Combined, they will increase the efficiency of wind turbines by increasing the size of rotors, enlarge the capacity of fuel cells and batteries to store power, and then improve the conductivity of overhead powerlines by creating Carbon-Reinforced Aluminium Conductor cables (CRAC) to minimise loss in power transmission. Further efficiencies are found by Carbon Fibre having a virtually non-existent coefficient of thermal expansion.
Uses
Reinforced wind turbine rotors | Fuel Cells | Carbon-Reinforced Aluminium Conductor cables | Pressure vessels
Aramids in Energy
Aramids in the energy industry are a good example of using materials for something that they're not good at, to better utilise the properties which are useful. Where other materials in the energy industry are used for their electrical conductivity or heat absorbtion, Aramids are both non-conductive and heat retardant. Both of these attributes are perfect for transmitting electricity as they make fantastic insulators for powerlines. They are also useful for piping and umbilicals as they're lightweight, flexible in design, and can withstand high pressures.
Uses
Electrical insulation | Piping and umbilicals