Advanced analysis broadens IMV Projects' service offering

Expertise in structural engineering specialization results from collaboration with Memorial University

CALGARY, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - IMV Projects, a Wood Group company, today announced that it has integrated advanced analysis into its total service offering. The development of expertise in this area results from research funded by Wood Group, conducted at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada and brought to market by Wood Group companies.

Advanced analysis is a specialization within structural engineering. As an example of an application in the oil and gas sector, advanced analysis employs sophisticated models, known as 'finite element modeling', to assess the capacity and integrity limitations of pipelines. This type of research is critical to better understanding the dynamics of pipeline interaction with various environments and climates. For example, with soil in Arctic regions and in response to specific circumstances, such as landslides.

IMV Projects and the Wood Group Kenny businesses are supporting Canadian and international clients by offering design capabilities from complex flow assurance to unprecedented solutions for Arctic environments. Pipeline integrity assurance is essential to this work as failure prevention is a critical environmental consideration.

In 2009, Wood Group inaugurated the 'Wood Group Chair in Arctic and Harsh Environments Engineering' at Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland. Through this position, chaired by Dr. Shawn Kenny, extensive research has been conducted on pipeline analysis, design and construction in northern regions and harsh environments. This research has contributed to the evolution and transformation of advanced analysis - from theory into tangible commercial applications that directly benefit clients of Wood Group companies and further advance the limitations of pipeline design, construction and operation across the entire industry.

"Fundamentally, advanced analysis saves time and money by helping define design criteria for projects in challenging regions," says Ali Fatemi, pipeline engineer, IMV Projects. "Specifically, it may be used to design pipelines for harsh environments where there is little or no precedent. Advanced analysis remains quite revolutionary in our sector and Wood Group companies are definitely ahead of the curve. As it slowly evolves into an industry standard, one of the main barriers to entry is the scarcity of qualified engineers in the field. This is why the Wood Group Chair has been so successful. Students at Memorial are advancing their research while developing solutions that the industry demands. And, upon graduation, these students have tremendous professional opportunities. It is a winning scenario for Memorial, its graduates and the industry," explains Mr. Fatemi.

"Advanced analysis is among the most important innovations in pipeline design today," explains Kevin O'Brien, president, IMV Projects. "We are very proud to integrate these high tech solutions into our work and offer industry-leading services to our clients. Differentiating ourselves through innovation is essential in this competitive marketplace. And, thanks to our position within Wood Group, we have been uniquely able to leverage an exceptional academic research/commercial development partnership with Memorial University and deliver services that tangibly benefit our clients," concludes Mr. O'Brien.

Notes to editors

IMV Projects is a project execution company for the energy industry that delivers project management, engineering, procurement and construction management services with efficiency and integrity. Founded in 1999, IMV Projects is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. www.imvprojects.com

Wood Group (John Wood Group PLC) is an international energy services company with $6B sales, employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in 50 countries. The Group has three businesses - Engineering, Wood Group PSN and Wood Group GTS - providing a range of engineering, production support, maintenance management and industrial gas turbine overhaul and repair services to the oil & gas, and power generation industries worldwide. www.woodgroup.com

SOURCE: IMV PROJECTS

Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications
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Bobbie Ireland, Director, Corporate Communications - Americas
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