Research & Development for Advanced Heat Transfer Solutions

For over 50 years, we have supported major R&D programmes across nuclear, subsea and advanced heat transfer applications. Our work includes developing new welding methods, improved measurement techniques, innovative joint designs and world-first subsea heat exchanger solutions, including contributions to the UK Submarine programme and next-generation offshore energy technologies. Our R&D capability enables clients to push technical boundaries, improve performance and accelerate innovation.

Driving Innovation in High-Integrity Engineering

For over 50 years, Graham Hart Process Technology has supported research and development programmes across nuclear, subsea and advanced heat transfer applications.

Our specialist expertise in high-integrity heat exchangers and pressure equipment, combined with a wide range of in-house engineering disciplines, makes us a valuable R&D partner for organisations developing solutions to new or long-standing technical challenges.

We work with clients operating in extreme environments where performance, reliability and safety are critical.

Manufacturing of High-Integrity Heat Exchangers

A Multidisciplinary Resource for Complex Engineering Problems

Our R&D capability brings together:

Process and thermal engineering
Mechanical and structural engineering
Advanced manufacturing expertise
Materials and joining technology
Fluid flow and heat transfer analysis

This multidisciplinary approach allows us to study problems holistically, from fundamental fluid behaviour through to practical, manufacturable solutions.

We support both early-stage concept development and late-stage optimisation of existing equipment.

Proven Research & Development Expertise

Over the years, our research has addressed some of the most challenging aspects of heat exchanger and pressure equipment performance.

Examples of Previous Research Include:

Studying the effect of harmonic vibration during drilling of exotic materials with high drill length-to-diameter ratios
Evaluating the best available technology to achieve tube-to-tubesheet joints in ultra-high-integrity units operating under extreme conditions
Developing manufacturing techniques to minimise liquid hold-up in highly unstable fluid applications

These studies directly inform improved reliability, manufacturability and long-term equipment performance.

Process & Fluid Flow Innovation

In addition to manufacturing-focused research, we have been heavily involved in process and heat transfer innovation, studying how fluids behave within equipment and how external effects influence performance.

Example Process & Thermal Research Projects:

Studying the effect of glycol injection into natural gas coolers to prevent hydrate formation
Evaluating the best available technology, including both CAPEX and OPEX, to support future expansion planning
Studying the behaviour of falling films and optimising equipment geometry accordingly
Investigating fluid flow behaviour to enable equipment to operate reliably across a very wide range of flowrate conditions

This work allows clients to extend operating envelopes, improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.

From Concept to Deployment

We support R&D projects from initial concept through to implementation, including:

Feasibility studies
Modelling and analysis
Prototyping
Testing and validation
Qualification and production readiness

Our focus is always on delivering solutions that can be safely manufactured, inspected and operated in real-world environments.

Innovation with Integrity

All research and development work is delivered with:

Engineering rigour
Strong safety culture
Regulatory awareness
Practical manufacturability

This ensures innovation does not come at the expense of reliability or compliance.

Explore Our R&D Capability

If your organisation is developing advanced heat transfer solutions, tackling complex fluid or manufacturing challenges, or pushing the limits of high-integrity equipment design, our team is ready to collaborate.

Explore our R&D projects or speak to our engineers about your research requirements.