Heat Exchanger World magazine July 2025 | Page 11

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Cover Story
properties.“ This helps us to design efficient test matrixes, saving time and resources,” says Eleonora.“ It brings down the lead time from idea to prototype.” Once a candidate passes modelling, Alleima can produce it at lab or pilot scale, test it in-house for mechanical, physical, and corrosion properties, and bring it to full industrialisation, all within its own facilities. This agility is supported by Alleima Guru, the company’ s custom AI interface utilising decades of internal research.“ We have close to 60,000 technical reports stored,” explains Daniel.“ With the Guru, we can now access them through an AI engine that delivers instant insights, turning legacy knowledge into real-time value.”
Built to keep pace with a changing world As industries evolve and regulations tighten, R & D at Alleima is constantly adapting. The team is not only solving present challenges but investing in future knowledge through university partnerships, industrial PhDs, and internal research programs.“ We build everything from immediate product enhancements to 10-year exploratory projects,” says Karin.“ Our span goes from the fundamental to the practical.”
“ At Alleima, research and development is more than just a department— it’ s part of our DNA. It’ s a critical enabler of the advanced materials that define us today and will lead us into the future.”— Eva Lindh-Ulmgren
Eva Lindh-Ulmgren, Vice President & Head of Alleima’ s R & D tube division.
One of the company’ s biggest R & D strengths is its sophisticated use of digital tools, particularly in alloy design and knowledge retrieval.
The global transition toward electrification, green ammonia, CO 2 capture and storage, and energy efficiency is driving new materials needs. According to Eleonora, success in these spaces demands deep understanding at both atomic and system levels.“ We work at multiple scales, from crystal structures to full-plant applications. That’ s what allows us to deliver materials that perform in entirely new environments.” Examples include:
• Hydrogen-compatible stainless steels with high strength
• High-temperature alloys for more efficient energy conversion
• Corrosion-resistant materials for bio-refinery applications
Why Alleima’ s R & D is more relevant than ever As Karin reflects, the team’ s unique mix of history, expertise, and forward-thinking makes it well-positioned to meet today’ s industrial and environmental challenges.“ It’ s not just the facilities, or even the alloys. It’ s the people,” she says.“ We have incredibly skilled engineers and technicians, many with PhDs, many who’ ve worked here for decades, and several who are currently pursuing industrial PhDs with university partners. It’ s that accumulated knowledge that lets us be bold.” Daniel agrees.“ Whether it’ s expanding the duplex family, refining Sanicro ® 35, or simulating the next generation of alloys, our R & D team is working with intention. The complexity of materials today demands that level of insight.” Eleonora adds one final thought:“ Innovation is never just technical, it’ s human. And the way our team collaborates, questions, and shares knowledge is what truly sets us apart.” www. heat-exchanger-world. com Heat Exchanger World July 2025
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