Bumper year for IMI Critical Engineering in 2022

Another year is almost complete, and it’s been an eventful one for IMI Critical Engineering, so we’re taking time to reflect on some of the biggest successes in 2022. Despite some difficult trading conditions, the business has continued to adapt, develop and innovate across the world. We’ve done this by working closely with our customers to solve complex engineering challenges, helping to create a greener world, as well as inspiring the next generation of engineers. This blog post highlights some standout moments over the last 12 months.

Remaining at the forefront of digital engineering technology

March 2022 saw the launch of IMI Insyt to improve performance, reliability and efficiency in industrial plants. It’s a cloud-based engineering service that helps prevent issues such as cracks and leaks in pipes and equipment. This cutting-edge technology protects industrial processes, optimises plant operations, and minimises costly and unexpected plant downtime, giving plant owners peace of mind and creating a safer working environment. Learn more about how IMI Insyt works.

Retrofit3D additive manufacturing goes large

IMI Critical Engineering upgraded its additive manufacturing process, Retrofit3D, to print some of the largest disk stacks in the world. We can now produce valves up to 20” for bypass and large anti-surge applications, as well as many other processes. Additive manufacturing allows our Retrofit3D designers to respond to, and solve problems, quickly with custom-engineered solutions.

Making green hydrogen a reality

Our renewables research and development continued in 2022 with expansion into the green hydrogen market. We received our first order for the IMI VIVO electrolyser, providing one to a Russell Group university laboratory. It’s powered by renewable or low-carbon energy to generate sustainable hydrogen fuel for use in aviation fuel testing. The electrolyser is a ‘turnkey’ solution, providing customers with a simple, cost-effective means to produce and store hydrogen on site.

An award-winning customer partnership

In October, IMI Critical Engineering was recognised as one of Bechtel Corporation’s top suppliers at its Global Supplier Awards event. Bechtel selects winners based on overall performance, ability to deliver quality services, and meeting or exceeding expectations in safety, performance, technical expertise, and environmental compliance. IMI Critical was one of only 42 businesses among 5,000 global vendors to receive an award.

Inspiring tomorrow’s engineers

Inspiring, developing, and supporting young people into engineering is a key part of our mission of Breakthrough Engineering for a Better World. This year our outreach saw IMI Truflo Marine attending the prestigious Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, UK. The three-day event is the UK’s largest show for students interested in a STEM-based career, with a range of interactive elements to guide the next generation.

Looking back and beyond

Through our IMI-X challenges, we continued to support start-ups developing carbon tech with resources and input to accelerate their progress. You can read more about it here.

Last year, IMI Thompson Valves supplied some of its range for the Ariane 5 rocket that launched the James Webb Space Telescope. These valves needed to meet the most stringent quality checks before being accepted as part of the final design. Over 2022, the JWST continued to transmit awe-inspiring images of the universe, peering back into the depths of space and the beginning of time itself.

The coming year will bring more challenges and successes as we continue working closely with new and existing customers to deliver breakthrough engineering for a better world.  We’re excited to see what 2023 will bring!