Researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have achieved a major breakthrough in the oil and gas industry with the development of a novel green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel, branded as GAIA SEAL.
The innovation, led by Dr. Kwame Sarkodie and the FLOW-SCOPE research team, harnesses extracts from a plant species that grows abundantly as a weed across Ghana. This environmentally friendly inhibitor has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in mitigating corrosion, surpassing several commonly used but toxic commercial alternatives.
Why GAIA SEAL is a Game-Changer
- Green and Sustainable – Derived from abundant local plant resources, positioning it as an eco-friendly alternative.
- High Efficiency – Outperforms existing toxic corrosion inhibitors in laboratory trials.
- Low Dosage Requirement – Effective even at minimal concentrations, ensuring cost-efficiency.
- Local Innovation – A proudly Ghanaian innovation that strengthens the country’s role in global oil and gas solutions.
This development holds immense potential for enhancing infrastructure durability, reducing operational risks, and lowering the environmental footprint of oil and gas operations.
The research received institutional backing from the Department of Petroleum Engineering, KNUST, underscoring the university’s commitment to impactful, problem-driven research that advances industry and society.
“This discovery not only advances corrosion management in the oil and gas sector but also showcases how local resources can be harnessed to deliver global solutions,” remarked Dr. Kwame Sarkodie.
Research Team (From Left to Right in Figure 1)
- Ankrah Osei Prempeh Emmanuel
- Ankomah Godwin Kwaku
- Dr. Kwame Sarkodie
- Akuetteh Regimanuel Korley
- Aniwaa Bonsu Akua Blessing
- Anafi Samuel
