Looking for consultant

[esbdmb]

Hi All - we have a material, SM-100, that was developed for bearing and wear applications and recently picked up a valve maker that is saying the material is fantastic for seats and other components. It is an area, however, where we lack any experience or connections and are looking for a consultant to approach the makers and end users and see if it makes sense for us to put efforts here.

Can you recommend a technical/sales consultant in this field - basically we fill a niche where there is corrosion and wear combined.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Eric

 

[SNORGY]

What geographic area are you in, Eric?

 

[esbdmb]

We're in Pittsburgh, but don't care as long as consultant is in the USA.

Thanks.

 

[gerhardl]

Why USA? One of the fastes developing new markets seeking materials with new properties for constructions is the North Sea / Arctic subsea oil and gas equipment developers.

Try to contact FMC or Aker Solutions and check if they are looking for anything your way, not only valves? For both companies main development offices are located in Norway, and yes, the use English as their working language.

 

[jbeckhou]

I wouldn't mind knowing more about the material. We build API-6A valves, FC, FLS, styles.

Petrotrim Services

http://www.petrotrim.com

 

[SNORGY]

The reason for a U.S. consultant might be - I speculate - that any patents might not be protected outside of the U.S., or something along those lines.

Might try entering into a dialogue with Cooper Cameron.

 

[esbdmb]

jbeckhou you can see some summary data at

http://www.sm-100.com

let me know if you want to see more details.

 

[bcd]

Hello. The valve companies will do the missionary work for you and identify opportunities for the product. Any of the major metal seated valve companies would be more than happy to look into this opportunity. It is a pretty competitive market so they will agressively look for anyway to get ahead. Fortunately there are many larger, well known, and technically competant companies still operating in NA. My suggestion is to put a quick package together with the data shown in your web link and include size availability or limits for the material. Then send this package to the heads of Engineering for major valve companies such as Flowserve, Tyco, Fisher, Metso, Masoneilan, Mogas, Valvtechnologies, and others. You can easily find their names through web searches. Or you can send the package to the Valve Manufacturers Association and see if they will distribute to thier members. The VMA is in Washington DC (

http://www.vma.org)

and they represent a majority of NA valve manfuacturers. They have all the contacts you need. This should save you a ton of money on a consultant who is just going to get you leads. Ultimately you will have to do all the work answering questions and providing test samples.

 

[esbdmb]

Great post BCD - thanks for that!