IBM acquires SoftLayer cloud computing company

IBM, Armonk, N.Y.,  has completed the acquisition of SoftLayer Technologies Inc., Dallas, Texas. SoftLayer joins IBM’s new cloud services division, which combines SoftLayer with IBM SmartCloud into a global platform. The new division, led by General Manager James Comfort, will provide a broad range of choices to both IBM and SoftLayer clients, ISVs, and channel and technology partners.

Testing system for wind power

SAKOR Technologies, Inc., Okemos, Mich., launched AccuDyne AC Dynamometer system for wind power testing applications. The system can be used by multiple engineering groups to test and verify designs, as well as for quality control testing after manufacturing. It can be used to test both active and passive wind power driveline components- turbines and their associated blade pitch control motors, generators, and wind-sensing devices and motors, and transmissions.

Allegheny Technologies corrosion conference to address energy challenges

Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, will sponsor a four-day Corrosion Solutions Conference geared toward materials selection, fabrication issues, innovations, and solutions in the chemical processing, oil and gas, and energy industries. Presented Sept. 15-18 in San Diego, it will provide the latest information on working with advanced alloys such as stainless steels, nickel-base and specialty alloys, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and zirconium.

Flexible hardfacing technology applies superalloys or tungsten carbide to complex geometries

Kennametal Stellite, Goshen, Ind., offers  UltraFlex hardfacing technology for parts with complex geometries, inner diameters, and other non-line-of-sight features.  The UltraFlex treatment deposits a high-quality superalloy or tungsten carbide composite onto substrates with complex geometries without the problems common with welding. The coating easily conforms to intricate shapes and reaches remote locations.

Alcoa and Rusnano to produce aluminum drill pipe with nanotech coating

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.