Dr. Florin Esanu
In 2001, members of the oil industry in Alberta approached the Alberta
Research Council (ARC) and research scientist Dr. Florin Esanu to begin
researching a ceramic composite effective in the prevention of corrosion
in oilfield equipment. Esanu, who was then involved in researching
ceramics for another purpose, was initially skeptical that they could
offer what was being requested. However, interested in attempting it, he
made the necessary shifts in his research to do so.
Two years later, Esanu and his team have created a ceramic composite so
advanced it cannot even be categorized among existing types of ceramic
compounds. The impact of this invention promises to be astounding, saving
hundreds of millions of dollars in oilfield equipment replacement costs as
well as preventing the money lost during the downtime.
In November 2002, a patent application was filed and while the details of
the ceramic composite coating are still under wraps, ARC and Edmontons
International Polymers Canada (IPC) have since signed an agreement
allowing IPC exclusive world rights to marketing this technology.
Esanu, who was born and educated in Romania, joined ARC in September of
1999. His interest in ceramics and chemistry was sparked when he noticed
all of the research opportunities available to the field while attending
the Polytechnical Institute of Bucharest. His formal education culminated
in 2000 when he received his PhD in chemistry from the University of
British Columbia.
Esanu attributes his success in the field to hard work and the mentors who
have guided him. He remembers Horia Balasoiu, the talented professor who
opened his eyes to the wonders of scientific research. As a young student,
just out of university, Esanu was chock full of ideals. He recalls the
supervisor at his first paid position (with the Romanian research company,
Procema SA) Mannuela Magiopol, who helped him to understand that applied
research was quite different than what he had experienced in school. Upon
moving to Canada, Esanu was working with two more people who had a
profound effect on himhis graduate advisors at the University of British
Columbia, Dr. George Oprea and Dr. Tom Troczinsky.
Although he is not sure what the future has in store, Esanu looks forward
to continuing research on ceramic coating technology. As far as he is
concerned, the possibilities for development are virtually limitless.
[<<back]
Copyright © 2003
Heritage Community Foundation All Rights Reserved
|