By Philip Enegela
Following its launch earlier in 2024, the new Central Scotland Branch had an eventful and productive 2024, marked by significant growth in membership and excellent technical meetings. The number of companies and academic institutions represented in our meetings continues to grow. Sponsorship engagement sponsors has been remarkable—3 new companies have indicated interest in becoming branch sponsors, in addition to our two existing sponsors. The Chair, Dr. Philip Enegela, welcomes all enquiries on this matter.
On 27th November 2024, Graham Murray (Head of Metallurgy, Manufacturing Test and Equipment Qualification at Altrad Babcock) provided a seminal presentation on “Refurbishment and Improvement of Operating Assets” to close out the branch’s 2024 activities. It was a very stimulating talk that elucidated challenging modifications and repairs on long-lead, high-criticality fixed equipment that are safety critical in industrial assets. Case studies were presented covering intricate valves in power plants and pressure equipment in petrochemical facilities. Graham demonstrated how innovative thinking
and novel solutions are being used to help enhance asset longevity. Flyers and registration links will be issued in due course to members.
Interested presenters can contact cschair@icorr.org to supply abstracts for consideration for the 2025-2026 technical programme.
The Central Scotland Branch remains committed to collaborating with other Institutes of repute. Discussions are underway with the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) for a joint meeting in 2025.
The Branch has a full and very varied programme up to Summer 2025. Presentation topics include:
| Topic | Month | Presenter / Company |
| Deep optimisation for cathodic protection: advanced technology for transformer rectifiers output current optimisation. | January | Nicolas Rossi, Automa srl |
| Cost-effective corrosion protection using two-pack epoxy coatings in an aerosol and protecting nozzles and flange faces, using alternatives to hand coating. | February | Graham Greenwood-Sole, Corrocoat |
| Linings and PFP (Cementitious or Epoxy). | March | Robert Allan, Carboline |
| Selection of internal coatings for pressure vessels. | April | Simon Daly, Safinah Energy & Infrastructure |
| Enhancing spot-welding efficiency: assessing the precision of response surface methodology in predicting optimal parameters. | May | Ahmed Elgahani, Brega Petroleum Marketing Co. |
| Catching the IR-free potential: an overview of the remaining IR components in off measurements and the importance of the design for PRE with integrated coupon. | June | Ivano Magnifico, Automa srl |
| Composite repairs for pipework—standard and advanced. | July | Stuart McKay |
Photo: Graham Murray (Head of Metallurgy, Manufacturing Test & Equipment Qualification at Altrad Babcock), November 2024 Presentation.
Photo: Delegates for the November 2024 Presentation.
