Gazprom and RUSNANO discuss using nanoproducts at Eastern Gas Program facilities
Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, and Anatoly Chubais, Chairman of the Executive Board of RUSNANO, held a new joint meeting at the Company's headquarters to discuss the use of innovative products at Gazprom's industrial facilities.
Attending the meeting were Members of the Gazprom Management Committee, heads of the relevant units and organizations of Gazprom and RUSNANO, and representatives of nanotech companies.
The meeting focused on the application of innovative solutions, including nanotechnologies, within the framework of the Eastern Gas Program. A number of innovative products have been recommended for use at Gazprom's facilities located in eastern Russia, namely the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, which is currently under construction.
The developments in question include pipes with special insulation produced by Metaclay, nitrogen units manufactured by GRASYS, anti-heave heat-shrink tubing for piles made by Mayak, and LED lighting systems from Optogan.
The meeting participants touched upon the issues related to testing different types of membrane elements at the pilot membrane unit used for extracting helium from natural gas at the Kovyktinskoye field, as well as the prospects for the domestic production of such elements.
The meeting also addressed the cooperation between Gazprom and RUSNANO in developing a fiber optic geotechnical monitoring system for gas pipelines based on the experience of using such system to monitor the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas pipeline operation.
Background
In November 2010, Gazprom and RUSNANO signed the Protocol of Joint Actions. The document envisages a wider use of nanotechnologies by gas companies.
In June 2011, the Gazprom Innovative Development Program until 2020 was approved. The Program is primarily aimed at continuously advancing Gazprom's technology level to maintain the Company's position as a technological leader in the global energy business. It provides for proactive cooperation with corporate and independent research organizations in R&D activities, as well as with national development institutes and higher education institutions in joint research and staff training programs.
In September 2011, Gazprom and RUSNANO approved a joint Program to boost the demand for innovative products, including nanotechnologies, in the gas industry.
