WINTERTHUR, Switzerland (Dec. 20, 2016)—Sulzer has signed a binding agreement to acquire Wärtsilä’s Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) business, according to a statement released by Sulzer. The VIEC business employs 13 people and is based in Asker, Norway.

VIEC’s patented technology separates oil from water in a highly efficient manner, and it greatly reduces operating costs due to its exclusive in-vessel design, according to the statement. It is suitable for offshore and onshore installations improving oil and produced water quality. The proven technology has been delivered to more than 40 clients over the last 15 years.

This acquisition allows Sulzer to further extend its Chemtech upstream product portfolio for advanced oil and water separation applications. It is a complementary technology to Chemtech’s current product portfolio and will enhance Chemtech’s business activities in the upstream segment. Chemtech will focus on delivering the full product and application portfolio to customers worldwide.

Torsten Wintergerste, Chemtech division president, said, “We are very excited to welcome VIEC’s team of experienced professionals and their unique technology to the Sulzer family. In-vessel coalescers further complement our product portfolio in the upstream segment which will benefit our customers worldwide.”