Our six worldwide research, development, and technical centers are home to some of the industry's most talented scientists, engineers, and technicians. While much of the effort put forth by our R&D team is focused on improving the company's products and services, Chevron Phillips Chemical also offers a host of research, design, and testing services directly to our external customers through our Technical Service Centers.
At each Technical Service Center, customers and Chevron Phillips Chemical engineers, scientists, and technicians work together to pursue science based solutions to today's market challenges. Using applied problem solving techniques, the Technical Service Centers shepherd design ideas through the production process, and provide valuable scientific expertise where it is needed most. Some of the services offered by the Technical Service Centers include:
- Resin and Polymer Development
- Application Development
- Materials Evaluation & Testing
- Technical Services
- Training
- Modeling & Simulation
Resin and Polymer Development
In the area of new product development, the Technical Service Center's multidisciplinary teams are available to help identify the client's market needs and specify technical targets. Sometimes this involves creating an entirely new grade of resin or polymer, while other situations simply require fine-tuning an existing product. Additionally, Chevron Phillips Chemical's research scientists can provide bench-scale polymer development; pilot plant scale-up and testing; commercial scale-up and testing; and continuous improvement of commercial resins.
Application Development
For specific application needs, our multidisciplinary teams collaborate with our internal sales teams and external clients to evaluate which Chevron Phillips Chemical resin or polymer product would best meet the new design requirements. We then offer design evaluation and assistance in determining how to best build and manufacture the new product.
Materials Evaluation & Testing
Throughout the development phase, the Technical Service Centers provide evaluation services, testing developmental products and applications through a variety of methods. Over 40 of the tests conducted in our Technical Service Centers are A2LA accredited tests.
Technical Services
Many Chevron Phillips Chemical customers leverage our technical team's experience as a resource to help them troubleshoot problems within their manufacturing processes. Technical Service Center representatives often travel to the customer's location to assist them as they put new Chevron Phillips Chemical products in place. Our experts can also develop and recommend ways to improve processing conditions; assist with mold and die design problems; assist with part design (CAD, CAE); conduct prototype evaluations; and help get customer processes back online. Additionally, we can offer advice and counsel on cost-effectiveness as well as prepare and issue technical literature on Chevron Phillips Chemical products.
Training
Chevron Phillips Chemical's Technical Service Centers offer customer support in the form of on-site training to clients, joint venture partners, and licensees. This training is focused on the best ways to process our products in different types of manufacturing situations.
Modeling & Simulation
Chevron Phillips Chemical's Computer Aided Engineering services include a full complement of analysis programs to assist at any stage of the development cycle. State-of-the-art software can be used to provide a 3-D rendering of existing products as well as new designs/prototypes. From design to testing, products are evaluated with the latest technologies by designers and engineers who thoroughly understand the material. Our CAE engineers use a variety of Finite Element-based analysis tools and a specially tailored materials property database to provide services for our clients including:
- Structural Simulation
- Injection Molding Simulation
- Heat Transfer Simulation
- Part Evaluation
- Failure Analysis
Real World Example of a Technical Service Center at Work
As Ford was designing its new flagship sedan, the Ford Five Hundred, the company decided to utilize a new design for the engine's cooling system. During the Five Hundred's developmental stage, Ford paired with Miniature Precision Components, Inc. (MPC) to design and engineer the thermostat housing for the new water pump.
The proposed design was complex. It required a plastic part with nine sealing joints to integrate the thermostat housing and water pump, which in turn would allow the part to fit in the small packaging space. On top of the complex design, the part needed to withstand great load force during the assembly line's coolant fill, not to mention prohibit any corrosion as a result of the long-life, chemically aggressive coolant itself.
With these tough design challenges in mind, MPC began researching thermoplastic materials. Known for its dimensional and thermal stability and chemical resistance, Ryton® Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), another quality product from Chevron Phillips Chemical, provided the stringent properties necessary to complete the task. MPC chose to mold a prototype using Ryton® PPS R-4-220BL, taking advantage of this grade's hydrolysis resistant properties.
The Chevron Phillips Chemical Technical Service Center in Bartlesville went to work supporting that Ryton® PPS R-4-220BL would meet the needs for this application. Using Finite Element Analysis, the molded part underwent rigorous structure and stress analysis, several design iterations and mold-filling simulation. Low creep resistance was achieved by conducting a series of strain vs. time curve tests, applying a constant tensile load at constant temperature. Additionally, Ryton® PPS' durability enabled the part to withstand a grueling three million cycle fatigue test at 90 psi and 240º F. Ultimately, the part was approved by MPC's Design Validation Plant and integrated into an assembly simulation.
Overcoming space and durability challenges, the teams at Ford, MPC and Chevron Phillips Chemical's Technical Service Center found a cool thermoplastic solution for a hot innovative design. Today, Ford's Chicago Plant integrates a MPC molded, Ryton® PPS direct drive water pump into every Ford Five Hundred that rolls off the assembly line.
Technical Experts at Your Service
Our Technical Service Centers play an important role in helping both internal and external customers develop products designed to make your life safer, more convenient, and healthier.\
Global R&D locations:
- Bartlesville Research and Technology Center (BRTC) - Bartlesville, OK
- Kingwood Technology Center (KTC) - Kingwood, TX
- Marietta Technology and Research Center (MTC) - Marietta, OH
- Orange Technology Center (OTC) - Orange, TX
- Plastics Compounding and Development Center (PCDC) - Singapore
- Tessenderlo Quality Control Lab - Tessenderlo, Belgium