C-MAC MicroTechnology launches new Oil and Gas business

The company has identified that the Oil and Gas sector is undergoing a step change in its demand for high reliability electronics, particularly electronics capable of surviving extremes of temperature and vibration. This is being driven by the increase in the number of wells requiring directional drilling, which has increased three fold in the last five years. Today, approximately two-thirds of wells drilled in the world are expected to be drilled either directionally or horizontally. In these complex drilling environments, operators are increasingly relying on electronic sensors to acquire real time data in down-hole measurements. These electronic sensors need to be capable of withstanding extremes of vibration and temperature, which routinely exceeds 200ºC, experienced in deep-hole mining. The failure of a measurement tool whilst drilling a 20,000ft deep well could readily incur two days delay, which for an offshore platform equates to a US$1 – 2 million impact in lost production.

In these extreme environments conventional solutions have severe limitations. Consequently the Oil and Gas industry is looking to high reliability solutions, particularly those incorporating hermetically sealed, ceramic based, thick film hybrid microcircuits.

Indro Mukerjee, C-MAC MicroTechnology Chairman said “This new business is the latest addition to our group of businesses focussed on leadership positions in high reliability electronics. We strategically decided to invest in developing technologies and techniques which have positioned C-MAC as a leader in high – temperature systems and build on our well developed capabilities to serve the Automotive and Aerospace & Defence markets. Our already developed engagements with leading Oil and Gas Services companies confirm that we have a proven and unique capability”.

Karen Oddey, CEO of C-MAC’s UK business, which has developed the high temperature solutions for Oil and Gas commented: “We are very well placed for significant growth in this exciting and demanding sector. Our high temperature capability is proven, recognised by the industry leaders and is backed up by significant investment in environmental testing capability. We have a unique, proprietary technology solution for 225ºC and will be investing to extend our solutions beyond 225ºC”.

C-MAC MicroTechnology has a long pedigree supplying high reliability electronics, which has been applied to creating leadership positions in demanding markets. The company utilises a number of high reliability technologies including thick film hybrid microcircuits, which have long been established as the technology of choice for high reliability applications in automotive, aerospace and defence electronics. The establishment of a C-MAC Oil and Gas business reflects C-MAC’s determination to maintain its position as the global supplier of choice in this rapidly growing sector for high reliability electronics. It builds on the significant investment it has already made in its engineering and environmental testing capability and that enabled it to develop a unique, proprietary high temperature 225ºC technology.