Perth-based manufacturer Cetra Technologies has won a major innovation award for a product designed to improve insulation in the LNG market.
The company has developed Cetrafoam – a type of insulation used on cryogenic applications.
It’s designed to restrict the inflow of atmospheric heat into the gas pipe or equipment; keeping the liquid cold and allowing it to keep its form.
The liquid is therefore easier and cheaper to transport.
The insulation is also said to have saved companies up to 95 per cent of waste borne from other types of insulation because it is pre-moulded – avoiding waste produced by cutting insulation to fit.
The invention was named the winner of the commercial category of the inaugural Australian Gas Innovation Awards, held in Perth last night as part of the Australian Gas Technology Conference and Exhibition.
It won over finalists which included pipeline installation company Murphy Pipe and Civil and Perth-based Integrated Energy.
The award was judged on criteria which assessed the product’s originality, impact and practicality.
Cetra Technologies has licensed Cetrafoam to Perth company Matrix Composites and Engineering.
The innovation awards have been introduced to the annual Australian Gas Technology Conference to raise awareness of innovation as a driver of economic and technological change.
Event director Bill Hare said they are also intended to maximise the commercialisation of ideas by building links between industry, research and learning.
“Australia is poised to become the world’s leading LNG exporter by 2020 and this growth is driving an extraordinary range of innovative products, projects and technologies.”
