Innovative Utilization of Carbon Nanotubes in Marine and Offshore Oil/Gas Applications

Abstract

Nations with an established prominence in nanotechnology will lead the development of the future society by offering superior products to the global market. This thesis encourages Norwegian maritime industries to recognize the potential in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and mark their position as leading innovators. Push innovation has been used to bring science from research papers into business concepts including product design and cost analysis. Material challenges have been discussed with partners in aquaculture, shipping and offshore oil/gas in order to find viable use of CNTs. Two concepts, net cage of CNT yarn in fish farming and oil drier with CNT membrane for hydraulic and lubricating systems, have been developed. The net cage is a potential health risk, but the superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties of CNT membranes provide a novel and promising way of separating water and oil. Fabrication of prototype in NTNU Nanolab have been attempted by growing vertically aligned CNTs by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, but not completed.