McLellan_edit.qxp 28/10/08 1:26 pm Page 73
Opus Plus Ltd and Robert Gordon University – An Innovative Research and Development Programme
operations. Opus’ Flotta operation specialises in the design, (a higher education institution) and a KTP associate (each
optimisation and supply of separation technologies for the oil and gas partnership employs at least one recently qualified, high-calibre
industry alongside services that include fluids characterisation studies associate). This particular project will be funded by the Technology
and toxicity testing for chemical suppliers and major oil companies. Strategy Board (TSB) and the Scottish Government, as well as
through financial contributions from Opus.
The KTP programme involves the employment of an associate who is
stationed at Opus Plus and has access to the company’s test facilities. The Glen McLellan, Engineering Manager at Opus Plus and the facilitator
research will contribute to the associate’s degree through the KTP of the partnership, recognises the many benefits the innovative
scheme, which is a UK-wide programme that assists businesses in scheme will provide. According to Mr McLellan, “Our Mare’s Tail
technology has really taken off over the last two years, with us
The company has recently
selling a number of units to the North Sea, South-east Asia, Gulf of
Mexico and West African markets. The KTP scheme will allow Opus
secured and completed
to optimise and advance the technology, build on its expertise and
contracts involving the Mare’s
capitalise on market opportunities. It will make a substantial
contribution to our research and development programme, which
Tail technology for a host of
seeks to keep Opus at the forefront of technological advancements,
organisations based in various
allowing us to continue to offer clients the very latest in cutting-
international locations.
edge technology.”
Babs Oyeneyin, a Professor at RGU’s School of Engineering, feels
improving competitiveness and productivity through collaborative that this is an exciting project for Opus and RGU and believes that
projects between UK firms and higher education institutions. Each both will reap the rewards from the detailed research and
scheme is put into place to help organisations meet a core strategic need, development programme. According to Professor Oyeneyin, “The
and identifies creative and innovative solutions to help the business project will greatly benefit our research group in a number of
involved enjoy continued growth and success. extremely valuable ways, including, of course, enhancing the
expertise and experience of our academic staff – particularly in
Three principal parties make up each partnership: the company the area of water–oil separation. With legislation pertaining to the
partner (the organisation taking part), the knowledge-base partner discharge of oil into the sea changing and becoming significantly
Z H P D N H \ R X U Z R U N S O D F H V D I H U
0 D Q X I D F W X U L Q J + L J K T X D O L W \ 1 R Q V S D U N L Q J
1 R Q P D J Q H W L F D Q G 1 R Q F R U U R V L Y H &