Service

Technology Assessment

A vital step in the commercialization of a new technology is an objective assessment of its economic impact, safety, fitness for use, and marketability. We have helped clients assess a variety of new technologies including green technologies, sustainable technologies, and process technologies used in petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing. All to keep our clients on the frontier of technology, rather than over the edge.

Case Studies

Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing: From Toxic to Tort

July 26, 2024

A laboratory technician at a synthetic butadiene rubber manufacturing plant alleged that his exposure to the probable carcinogen while collecting and analyzing product samples from reactors caused his blood disorder. Baker & O’Brien assessed his exposures based on his regular work activities by reviewing the reaction rate/product composition data and modeling near-air dispersion. Our expert report, which compared calculated exposures from empirical data to nationally recognized exposure studies, refuted the opposing expert’s opinions and facilitated the resolution of the dispute.

A Difference of Opinion - Major Offshore Incident

October 1, 2019

The responsibility for damages pursuant to an offshore oil and gas production platform explosion and fire resulted in a dispute between the insurers regarding cause and origin. Baker & O'Brien was engaged to test two different expert opinions developed during the incident investigation through a review of cited evidence and extensive operating records. Following an open pre-mediation expert conference and supplementary written reports, the dispute was quickly resolved in an international mediation.

Heat Exchanger Performance Failure - What Went Wrong?

July 1, 2019

Specialty equipment is essential to the effective and efficient operation of process plants; hence, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) may guarantee that installed-performance meets owner specification parameters. In this case, the owner claimed a flawed design of new heat exchangers while the OEM countered the equipment was being operated outside of owner-provided design specifications. Baker & O'Brien produced an expert report that reduced a very complex technical and economic evaluation into readily understandable concepts.