Alcoa, Pittsburgh, and Rusnano, Russia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to produce oil and gas aluminum drill pipe finished with a nanotechnology-based antiwear coating. The coating is expected to extend the life of the aluminum pipe by approximately 30% to 40% in aggressive and corrosive drilling environments compared to uncoated aluminum pipe.
“Complex oil and gas development projects require drilling equipment with enhanced capabilities,” said Rusnano Chief Executive Officer Anatoly Chubais. “Aluminum drill pipe with antiwear nanocoating would enable directional and deep drilling in aggressive, corrosive environments. We expect our joint efforts with Alcoa will create a differentiated product for customers in the oil and gas industry.”
Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld added, “Alcoa’s deep technological capabilities, combined with the expertise of our partner Rusnano, will open new opportunities for developing the aluminum industry in Russia. Alcoa is setting a high standard for innovation and extending our product range in the oil and gas segment.”
With facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva, Alcoa is Russia’s largest producer of fabricated aluminum, manufacturing a wide range of flat rolled products, forgings and extrusions for a variety of end markets including aerospace and automotive. Under terms of the MOU, Alcoa will leverage its Samara facility to produce aluminum drill pipe with hot fit tool joints for the country’s oil and gas market. Rusnano Capital, a subsidiary of OJSC Rusnano, will contribute capital.
