K-lab is owned by Equinor, but carries out assignments for both internal customers and various industrial suppliers.
- We test new technology that is to be launched on the market, so that implementation of the technology on installations should be risk-free. The goal is to constantly improve and make technology available, and bring fully qualified equipment or processes to the market. Everything from process equipment, robotics, drones, sensor technology, renewable energy initiatives to industrial plants and, of course, a good deal related to oil and gas. "Of course, part of the purpose is to ensure more good tools in Equinor's toolbox, but we are open to collaboration with other players who want to test different technology solutions," says Kjetil Veslestøl Tveito, head of K-Lab.
K-Lab runs tests in as realistic an environment as possible to avoid production losses as a result of equipment failing when it is put into use. A breakdown of e.g. subsea equipment during commissioning is far from a desirable situation.
- We will be an instrument to enable successful implementation of new technologies and production streams. We see that much of what we have in our portfolio is very compatible with what is happening in the green shift in the energy sector, and several of our applications will be very useful in terms of simulating and testing on a large scale," says Jarle Søvik, resource manager for K-Lab.
K-Lab has the facilities, expertise, infrastructure and power to run real large-scale tests.
- "We have a unique opportunity to get to know the equipment from scratch. We can touch, test, inspect and find the causes of faults, and gain a unique insight into the technologies we test," explains Tveito. "We can thus use the expertise we gain to optimize the design of future equipment.
- And the unique infrastructure means that we have everything we need for different setups and needs; here we have access to fresh water, salt water, steam systems, compressed air, natural gas, various gas compositions, liquids and plenty of power from the Kårstø plant. Large areas at Kårstø also allow for rapid scaling from testing to production facilities," says Søvik.
Optimization of cooling water systems
Cooling water is important for the industry, and K-Lab is currently conducting tests aimed specifically at increasing reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
- With seawater, it is a universal challenge that coatings easily grow, and we are testing new technology that will help the cooling system work better for longer without the need for maintenance. The technology will reduce growth and corrosion, and has robotic solutions for cleaning. This avoids downtime in the plant," explains Søvik.
Testing also involves useful failure.
- Fortunately, we succeed more often than we fail, but uncovering errors in design is an important part of the process of making things work when they go live. It saves a lot of time and money. A customer once put it this way: "This test failed, but that's why it's one of the most successful tests we've had.", he says.
Future-oriented robotics
K-Lab also has a strong focus on robotics, and tests many types of drones and robots. The various robots have different missions and applications. Some will handle emergency situations that could be dangerous to humans, while others will be able to carry out inspections. With robotic inspections, there's no need for a lot of preparation, and you get to collect a good data base," explains Søvik.
- The aim is to make them future-proof and ensure that different systems can talk to each other. We're talking about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, which will completely change the way people and machines interact. By allowing operators and engineers to present all information and analysis in one system, it will make it easier for them to make quick and correct decisions," says Tveito. "K-lab has just been presented as the IIoT lab of the future for Equinor, which we are very enthusiastic and proud of.
- We have just been through an intensive development period for moisture sensors for pipe insulation. In many contexts, damp insulation is a challenge, and the only way to ensure that you don't get corrosion problems today is to replace all insulation regularly. As a result, billions are spent in the industry on replacing dry insulation unnecessarily. With sensors that detect moisture at an early stage, and 3D systems that provide an overview of an entire facility, you have full control. For example, K-Lab has a digital twin of the entire industrial plant and can thus test robotics on the digital twin. "We're also looking at how we can implement new technology that can alert us to the need to replace parts, giving us an easy overview of which parts are needed, and which we will eventually be able to produce ourselves using 3D printing. This gives us control over the entire cycle," says Tveito.
Synergies with Haugaland Business Park
K-Lab sees great opportunities in having Haugaland Næringspark so close by.
- "It's incredibly exciting to see if we can attract technology to the region that we can test here and run at full scale, for example in the business park or at Kårstø. This is where we can help each other, and we are very open to exciting collaboration with industry players. We can't stand alone, and we know that if we land one pilot, we'll quickly land more. This helps to give our region a competitive advantage," Tveito points out.
K-Lab also has a strong focus on renewables, and is looking at which technologies are interesting for Equinor to pursue in the future.
- K-Lab also has many opportunities for a good circular economy here. We're happy to work on projects where hydrogen is left over, and there are certainly others who can benefit from this. We need to think broadly and help to create an entire value stream. To do this, we need to have good contact with many different players. This will give us all a boost," says Tveito - and is supported by the general manager of Haugaland Næringspark, Tiril Fjeld.
- "K-Lab represents unique opportunities for industrial players who want to establish themselves here. We are proud to have a test center of this dimension in the neighborhood," says Fjeld.