By: Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, July 1, 2022
Marcelo Cerna, a 53-year-old metallurgist, received the Valor Argentino award for the invention of the LVP Filter, a reusable sand filter to be installed in oil wells with mechanical or electrosubmersible pumps.
Cerna’s invention differs from the traditional filters used in the industry because it is made of polyamide with an epoxy coating, which makes it resistant to temperature and prevents adhesion and carbonate incrustations, which cause clogging. It can be manufactured in different sizes according to the needs of each oil well and is almost 100% reusable.
“From the number of filter repairs we have done, I started to think about how to replace the material with a more resistant one. And with a chemical engineer we started with the prototypes until we arrived at this one, which is made of polyamide with plastic, glass and other components,” he recalled about his beginnings in its creation.
The tests and trials of the LVP Filter were carried out by professionals from the Universidad Nacional del Comahue. In the process of materialization of the first samples and their patenting, the company was supported by Seed Capital, a type of initial financing that consists of helping the venture to develop and consolidate.
“This is the second award that we give from the Instituto Valor Argentino, and we chose Marcelo because from his dedication, creativity and commitment he developed a component that generates value for the hydrocarbons industry. Marcelo is confident that an invention developed entirely by Neuquén brains and hands will be key to revolutionize the sector”, said Federico Martelli, member of the institute.
YPF recently contacted Grupo Cerna to request a prototype of the filter for testing at its facilities. “We have cost analysis, projection of product insertion, development of commercial engineering and logistics. But if everything goes well, we will need a bigger infrastructure than the one we have, and that means more investment”, said Cerna after receiving the statuette that recognizes the Argentine men and women who stand out contributing to the greatness of the Nation.
This material from the RunRunEnergético portal was edited for clarity, style and length.
Source and Photo: https://www.runrunenergetico.com/industrial-neuquino-fue-premiado-por-inventar-un-filtro-reutilizable-para-la-extraccion-de-hidrocarburos/
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