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It’s War!!!!!!! Saturday 16th August
Well not the real kind more like the stuff you see in movies. Yes, employees from Rubberatkins Ltd and their families enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Bedlam Paintball down at Edzell. The teams were split up into 2 squads (Red V’s Green).
Lets just say everyone one fired up for this, but to be honest it was the red team that prevailed by dismantling the green team within the first 4 game scenarios.
Roll on to our next adventure!!!
Watch this space…….
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Rubberatkins celebrates milestone of 20 years in business
This month marks the 20th of trading for Rubberatkins. The Altens-based firm was established by directors Nick Atkins and Jill Webster with the aim of solving fundamental engineering problems using innovative rubber technology. Two decades on, Rubberatkins has expanded its operations internationally with the opening of a US base in Houston and company turnover continues to increase year on year.
Rubberatkins has recently made a significant investment in cutting-edge rubber machining technology, testing and measuring equipment. This allows it to further develop its range of products and customize elastomer materials according to parameters of individual applications.
Nick Atkins, director of Rubberatkins explains “Our investment in a CNC lathe and measurement equipment allows us to machine a range of sizes up to 16” diameter and using our new CMM machine we can verify the associated dimensions. By installing this range of equipment and using our extensive knowledge and expertise with elastomers, we have been able to reduce our reliance on 3rd party suppliers, expand our product offering and be able to provide prototypes in any material in fraction of the time.”
The company has entered another phase of product growth; at OTC 2008 it launched a new range of High Pressure Packer Cups. The HP Cup is a product designed to hold differential pressures up to 18.000 PSI at temperatures reaching 160°C. With significantly higher capabilities than any other products currently on the market, the HP Cup provides the operator with increased reliability and safety, reducing the risk of expensive failures.
The team at Rubberatkins designs and manufactures a wide range of custom components in every available elastomer (including NBR, HNBR, FKM, FFKM & TFE-P) as well as bonding rubber to metal components for the oil and gas industry.
Nick continues, “During 20 years in business we have witnessed a number of changes and to meet the diverse demands of the industry, we continue to develop materials for extreme environments. We understand that each job is different and that more clients are looking for solutions that best meets their needs. Our materials are tailored to cope with high temperatures, pressures H2S and compatibility with aggressive chemicals such as completion fluids.”
With offices in Aberdeen and Houston, Rubberatkins elastomer problem solving capabilities are considered industry leading within the down hole and surface sealing sectors.
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EMBARGOED 0001 Monday 5 May 2008
Rubberatkins Launches New High Pressure Packer Cups at OTC
Rubberatkins launched the HP Cup, a new range of High-Pressure Packer Cups, at OTC 2008 (Monday 5 May 2008). Created to hold differential pressures up to 18,000 PSI at temperatures reaching 160ºC, the Rubberatkins HP Cup offers significantly higher capabilities than any other products currently on the market. Providing a reliable and robust solution for liner hanger, well intervention, sand fracturing, sand control and wellhead testing, the HP Cup is designed to contain high differential pressures in an annular gap.
Engineered using specially formulated anti-extrusion elastomers, its custom designed thin walls can accommodate larger outer diameter (OD) mandrels allowing increased flow through the mandrel inner diameter (ID). The HP cup has an integral cup and thimble and its flexibility provides increased reliability when working at very high pressures and temperatures, therefore minimising risk.
Nick Atkins, director of Rubberatkins says, “The HP Cup is designed to maximise production whilst minimising risk by securely sealing high pressures at temperature. We designed the HP Cup in a range of sizes which fit three custom designed mandrels. Cups can be tailored to suit the individual needs of the client and any casing size and weight and mandrel OD. Every job has different issues and problems and therefore different needs. Each requires its own distinct solution. To meet these requirements, we can adapt the rubber compounds in our products in accordance with individual environmental parameters.”
The HP Cup will provide greater reliability, as Nick explains, “Time costs money in the energy industry and the inefficient deployment of a tool can result in wasted resources and project delays. Bearing this in mind, we focussed on making the HP Cup highly reliable and devoted a majority of resources to testing this aspect of the product. By doing this we can provide our clients with the assurance that every time the HP Cup is put in place it will work.”
The launch of the HP Cup marks a landmark period for the company, Nick comments, “This is the second year that the company has exhibited at OTC and marks a significant milestone for our operations in Houston. We officially launched the opening of our base in Houston at last year’s show and now one year on, we are back again to launch our latest range of innovative products. We have spent the last 12 months focusing on the research and development of our materials and products within our Houston office and this has proved extremely successful for us in establishing our presence in the US. The main objectives for 2008 will be to drive the business forward by increasing sales in the international market.”
Rubberatkins designs and manufactures custom made elastomer and elastomer to metal components for the Oil Industry. Established in 1988, Rubberatkins problem solving capabilities are recognised as industry leading within the down hole and surface sealing sectors. Providing flexible solutions to a worldwide client base, the firm offers a local and responsive service from its offices in Houston and Aberdeen. For further information call 1-713-784-8640 or visit www.rubberatkins.com.
Rubberatkins will exhibit at stand 2563-9.
Rubberatkins Give Banchory Boys Club Under 13s a Kick Start to the Season
Banchory Boys Club Under 13s has been given a ‘kick start’ to their first season at competitive level. Rubber moulding, design and manufacturing company Rubberatkins Ltd has provided the Deeside club with 18 new away kits. Currently playing in League A in the Aberdeen District Juvenile Football League, the team which was first formed over 5 years ago, recently reached the quarter finals of the BATT Cables Trophy and is in the fourth round of the Colony Park Cup.
Nick Atkins, managing director of Rubberatkins says, “Banchory Boys Club is a rising local team that is showing much promise. Ranked one of the top ten teams in Aberdeenshire, this season is a very important one for the club as it is their first one at competitive level.
“It is important that from a young age, children are given the tools required to build and develop their sporting capabilities. As a big sports fan and local Deeside resident, I wanted to sponsor Banchory Boys Club during this milestone season. I am always keen to support the progression of talent and it will be an honour to play a part in helping the team to reach their full potential. Neil Findlay our customer accounts manager coaches the team so he will be keeping us up to date on their progress. We wish the squad all the best for the coming season and hope that their new away kits will bring the club much deserved victories.”
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North East Company Applies The 'Big Squeeze'
North East rubber mouldings company Rubberatkins has recently commissioned one of the U.K’s largest molding presses, here in Aberdeen.
The six figure investment will allow Rubberatkins to manufacture components up to 1.25metres square.
The 1200 Tonne Press will be used to manufacture large specialist seals and mouldings for the Oil Industry.
Managing Director Nick Atkins said “This investment is the beginning of an expansion of technical abilities, a further 2 smaller presses are arriving in January 2008 and further investment in Lab Testing equipment is planned for the second quarter 2008 to boost our ability to service all our customer needs”.
For further information contact: sales@rubberatkins.com
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Rubberatkins @ Offshore Europe 2007
We would like to thank everyone who visited us at this years’ Offshore Europe 2007.
We were pleased to see so many of our current customers as well as to meet so many new contacts.
During the exhibition we showcased our High Pressure High Temperature Cups and Carrier along with our Packer Elements and Wireline Fins and provided information on our EX-TREME range of elastomers designed specifically for the demands of today's oil and gas market.
Through our attendance at Offshore Europe we were able to realise opportunities in new projects, observe industry changes in the current climate and embrace potential technical solutions and challenges in the Oil & Gas industry.
Please contact us if you have any further questions with regard to our products and services.
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Rubberatkins @ Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) Houston
We would like to thank everyone who visited us @ this years OTC in Houston.
The show was a great success and a good time was had by all. We were delighted to see so many of our current customers as well as to meet so many new companies with exciting technology projects for the advancement of the oil and gas industry.
Rubberatkins have recently opened a new base in Houston and wish to show our commitment to this market. To find out more about the unique service we offer and/or to arrange an appointment, please contact our Houston office.
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High-flying Aberdeen directors sign up for fundraiser
Two Aberdeen directors took to the skies to raise funds for a North-east charity.
Rubberatkins Managing Director Nick Atkins and fellow director Jill Webster signed up to Wing Walk for Urological cancer charity UCAN, as part of the Emmerdale Extravaganza at Inchmarlo Golf Course in June. The charity is hoping to raise £2million over the next three years to create facilities in Aberdeen so scientists can undertake pioneering research, raise awareness of the disease and cancer sufferers can be cared for to the highest standard.
The wing walk involved Nick and wife Jill being strapped to the wing of a 1940s Bi-Plane as it glided through the skies of Royal Deeside on 3rd June, which coincided with a special date – their wedding anniversary.
Nick added: “ This has been the most memorable wedding anniversary we have had and I’m not sure how we can top that. We have been working hard to raise sponsorship over the past few weeks and have had excellent support from family, friends, business colleagues, customers and suppliers".
Jill added: “The experience, although rather terrifying, was wonderful and quite thrilling and it was a great way to raise as much money as possible for UCAN. The two planes were literally a few feet apart and it was just as well we had confidence in our pilots”.
The final figure raised for UCAN was over £5000.
Rubberatkins provide EX-TREME advantage
Rubberatkins have 18 years experience in developing unique elastomer compounds for specific applications.
The companies’ new Ex-Treme range includes materials that have been developed to suit extreme applications where for instance high temperatures, pressures and aggressive chemicals combine to create a demanding environment.
Materials within this range include EX-THERM-HiT, EX-THERM-LO, EX-SHOCK-HiT & EX-STEAM.
EX-THERM-HiT is a high performance material for high temperature applications up to 175ºC with improved flexibility and tensile strength. The material has been used for various downhole applications requiring a high performance seal.
EX-THERM-LO has been formulated for use in arctic conditions, maintaining its properties in temperatures below -40ºC. This material, developed for sub-surface seals subject to sub zero temperatures, also withstands temperatures up to 160ºC.
EX-SHOCK-HiT is used for improved shock absorption and vibration control at temperature.
EX-STEAM has been created for use in geothermal wells and significantly outperforms conventional materials on the market retaining properties after being aged in steam and hot air.
Other properties of the EX-Treme materials range include chemical & oil, extrusion and abrasion resistance.
Rubberatkins are continuously active in material developments and are currently working on anti-extrusion materials for packing elements for applications up to 250ºC as well as finalising trials of an H2S resistant material, both of which will have a significant impact on elastomer performance within the Oil & Gas industry.
Rubber Technologist Himanshu Verma commented that:
'It's a great challenge to develop materials that push the boundaries of extreme conditions associated within the oil & gas industry. It's exciting times to be working for a company that recognises future requirements as well as providing immediate solutions to existing problems that our customers' face'.
‘It’s a Knockout’ for ‘The Elasto Warriors’
Employees from Rubberatkins have helped to raise £16,000 for Mercy Corps with additional fundraising going to Cancer Research by taking part in the recent ‘It’s a Knockout’ event held at Duthie Park on Sun 7th August.
The event was hailed a great success with fun and laughter being the focus of the day!
We have included some images which are sure to raise a few smiles! Enjoy…
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Rubberatkins bringing industry to the classroom
A representative from rubber molding, design and manufacturing company, Rubberatkins visited Banchory Primary on Friday to give a lesson on the importance of mathematics in industry.
Neil Findlay, Business Development Executive at Rubberatkins explained volumes to the P5 pupils, highlighting how these calculations are extremely important in industry. The pupils learnt that within the rubber molding and manufacturing industry and various other manufacturing sectors, it is very important to calculate volumes precisely as to ensure maximum usage of raw materials in order to avoid wastage.
The pupils found the visit very interesting and a lot of fun was had by all. The pupils were asked to calculate volumes on specific rubber products, giving them an understanding of the application of volume calculations in the workplace.
Neil Findlay found the visit very rewarding having commented that
“It is nice to be able to use my own industry knowledge and experience in order to show children how their classroom learning can be used in day-to-day business”
Rubberatkins keeps drillers on track
A joint development project between Aberdeen based Rubberatkins Ltd and Pilot Drilling Control Ltd has lead to a prestigious award in recognition of innovation and excellence within the oil and gas industry. The Amec award – part of the IChemE awards programme - was presented to Pilot Drilling Control Ltd on 26 June 2003 at a gala awards dinner in Alexandra Palace in recognition of their Harmonic Isolation Tool which 'decouples' the various modes of vibration between the drill bit and the drill string.
“We were thrilled to accept this award and especially happy that it was the Harmonic Isolation Tool that was the cause. Our hope is that the wider industry will embrace the tool and realise the benefits to be gained from it” George Swietlik, Managing Director of Pilot Drilling Control Ltd.
The importance of its shock absorbing properties lay within the design of the tool and the elastomeric material used, a compound material, designed and developed in conjunction with Rubberatkins. The tool was made reliable and possible for downhole deployment by using a unique formulation, giving the material enhanced dynamic strength and tear resistance at elevated temperature whilst immersed in an oil environment.
Rubberatkins Managing Director, Mr Nick Atkins said: “It is great to have had our efforts recognised by the industry as the rubber component is often overlooked even although it is a crucial part of an engineering application”.
The material developed has shown outstanding shock absorbing properties providing a unique solution to a long outstanding problem in downhole drilling dynamics, enabling longer bit runs and less damage to MWD tools and drill strings.
Rubberatkins shape up for a flexible future
A team of Rubberatkins employees took to the hills of Balmoral on Sun 27th July, joining in on a charity walk to raise money for the Archie foundation. The team walked 6 miles through the Balmoral Estate and raised £500 for the foundation. Taking in the spectacular views along the way, the team thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
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