New Elliptical Tensioner shapes up wind market
Bolting and machining specialist, Hydratight, has introduced the Elliptical Base Bolt Tensioner, whose unique elliptical-shaped chamber meets head-on the problem of access-restricted base bolts. The new base bolt tensioner is perfect for all OEM tower base bolting. Specially designed for customers with access issues, the elliptical shape of the new device offers a 20% reduction in tool width - allowing it to fit all turbine applications including limited-clearance inner base bolts. This pioneering compact design allows the tool to fit several sizes of Williams and Dyson base bolts. Safety and performance enhancements include asymmetric rams, spring-loaded sockets, spring retraction and a positive stop, to prevent damage through misuse. Like Hydratight’s round-base bolt tensioner, the elliptical model eliminates potential thread-fit problems by using the existing hex nut on the stressing bar to induce the required load. Hydratight’s base bolt tensioners are lightweight and compact, offering up to 25mm stroke one-step operation. They accurately and consistently apply the precise load to critical base bolts. Hydratight has been a major participant in the growth of renewable energy systems for several years - specifically as market leader in bolt tightening systems offering the accurate, uniform bolt loads needed in the construction of turbine towers and blades. The high cyclic loads of turbine operation demand that the bolts securing blades and towers to each other and to the ground are as accurately and uniformly tightened to their design load as possible. Hydratight’s specially-developed hydraulic tensioning tools achieve designed loads simultaneously on all tensioner-fitted bolts, eliminating inaccuracy and ultimately allowing turbines to work safely at their designed stresses.
www.hydratight.com
Aberdeen company develop innovative software solution to isolation management
Aberdeen based Cresent has invested heavily in the development of a unique low cost software solution to isolation management, as part of a planned drive to expand its portfolio of safety products. Developed with the needs of the oil industry in mind, IsoSafe simplifies the process of completing and maintaining isolation tags with auditable records. Jim Land, Managing Director at Cresent, said: “The team at Cresent is dedicated to innovation and excellent customer service and has a passion for simplifying processes and creating easy-to-use robust work control systems. IsoSafe is one such system”. Petrochemical companies need to have tightly controlled isolation management systems to prevent the contents of their process plant coming into contact with their workforce, the environment or indeed, other parts of their process plant. By securely and safely isolating equipment to carry out maintenance, oil and gas companies strive to assure a safe place of work at all of their facilities. Even though the actual isolation is carried out by competent and authorised people, accidents can still happen through procedural weaknesses and human error. Jim continued: “IsoSafe helps tighten the isolation procedures and reduce human error occurring in the isolation process. Research undertaken during the development of the product shows the implementation of IsoSafe could lead to companies seeing a considerable improvement in safety on both on and offshore petrochemical installations. If an isolation scheme goes wrong it can have disastrous consequences, with many high profile examples of this evident over the past years. Using IsoSafe not only saves time and money, it helps to make any place where isolations are used a safer place to work, which is why we have received considerable interest in this system from companies across the globe”. The stand-alone system comprises of a software package, a tag printer and the tags themselves. It is simple to use, provides quick and guaranteed output, and the expert developers at Cresent are always available to provide prompt customer support. Aberdeen-based Cresent provides consultancy, training, e-learning and multimedia services predominantly related to health and safety within the global energy sector.
www.cresent.co.uk
Jacobs receives contract from Centrica for Underground Gas Storage project
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc has announced that it has received a contract from Centrica Plc to provide front-end engineering services for an underground gas storage (UGS) project located in East Yorkshire, England. The project involves conversion of the substantially depleted Caythorpe onshore gas field, located close to the National Transmission System, into an onshore UGS complete with associated onshore pipelines and processing facilities. Centrica is a leading integrated energy provider and the parent company of British Gas, the biggest supplier of electricity to homes in Britain. Centrica's main operations are in the UK, North America, and Europe. The company also owns Rough, the UK’s largest gas storage facility with a storage capacity of approximately 118 billion cubic feet. Working with other clients, Jacobs has successfully designed and managed the delivery of most UGS project investments in Europe. In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Allyn Taylor stated: “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with Centrica. This challenging project marks the beginning of a new relationship for both our firms. We intend to provide added-value over the long term to support Centrica’s business goals”.
www.jacobs.com
Belzona’s long-term CUI solution
The Belzona online CUI solution has enabled global energy giant TOTAL to substantially reduce asset life costs of a number of its vessels, based at its Lindsey oil refinery, Immingham. The initial application at this site remains in good condition, protecting the asset well into its eighth year in service. In 2001 the client identified areas of Corrosion under Insulation (CuI), on an outdoor condensate vessel. Left untreated the corrosion could have caused substantial damage but the client did not want to shutdown. “We really wanted to avoid taking this off-line for any substantial period of time but this was not possible with alternative solutions. Also we needed to avoid abrasive blasting of the vessel shell whilst online,” explained Emlyn Robert, Planned Works Engineer, TOTAL Lindsey oil refinery. A solution was needed to enable production to continue without risk of deterioration and failure of the vessel which would have forced shutdown, costing millions. Belzona was able to provide a solution in the form of Belzona 5851(HA-Barrier). Belzona 5851(HA-Barrier) is a single component system for protecting metal surfaces subject to CUI. This heat activated material can be applied directly onto hot surfaces (70-150C/ 158-302F) with minimal surface preparation avoiding production downtime. Once cured, Belzona 5851(HA-Barrier) provides outstanding corrosion protection. In addition, this solvent free solution also provides good impact, abrasion and chemical resistance. Prior to the application, the areas to be coated were prepared with hand and power wire brushing tools to remove corrosion. Then, Belzona 5851 was applied in-situ, by the client’s contractors, directly to the vessel operating between 90 and 100°C (194 to 212°F). During the application Belzona provided training to the client’s contractor team. This was found to be extremely valuable and the client commented on how “the contractors found the product easy to use as it required no special equipment and could be applied simply by brush thus ensuring the works were completed within the original timescale”. Commenting on the longevity, and his overall satisfaction with the Belzona CUI solution, Emlyn said: “The most recent vessel inspection completed in late 2008 has confirmed that the original application, which was carried out in 2001, still remains in good condition to date and required no further action. We are very satisfied with the performance, durability and overall cost-effectiveness of the product. We have since carried out a number of subsequent applications on site using this product with no problems encountered”.
www.belzona.com
Mott MacDonald wins contract on chemical storage terminal development in UAE
Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Solvochem FZCO, Dubai, and UAE to provide consultancy services for engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services on the expansion of the existing chemical storage terminal at Jebel Ali Free Zone. This development includes construction of additional bulk storage and warehouse facilities. Solvochem Group is a leading chemical distributor operating widely in the Middle East and Africa, with diverse businesses in petrochemicals, solvents, edible oils, plastics as well as process chemicals. The Group has several bulk chemical terminals and marketing offices which are strategically located in Jordan, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon and Holland to serve Middle Eastern customers. Currently, the Jebel Ali terminal has a 1,350m2 warehouse facility for storage of drummed hazardous and flammable materials. The expansion project is designed to meet the substantial demand for chemicals in the GCC region and Indian subcontinent and will see phased construction of an additional 1,350m2 warehouse facility with bulk storage tanks. Mott MacDonald’s team of oil and gas professionals will provide conceptual design, feasibility assessments, engineering services as well as assistance with tendering and construction management. The multi product storage terminal will enable Solvochem to store more products, making the terminal a hub for Gulf, African and Asian markets. The expanded bulk storage facility will store high and low flash chemicals, and allow for drumming and bulk loading to tanker trucks. The project also includes bulk import facilities at adjacent chemical tanker berths. Provisions in the master plan are being made to allow for future storage expansion. Sam Mathew, Mott MacDonald’s Divisional Manager said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious contract, particularly at this time. A long term approach is being considered for the phased development of the facility to meet the expected demand on recovery of the current economic situation”. The project is due for completion by the 2nd quarter of 2010.
www.mottmac.com
Siemens to expand steam turbine production in India
Siemens is to continue the expansion of local value creation in growth markets. The company is to expand its steam turbine production in the state of Gujarat for approximately EUR40 million. A new production facility with a surface area of 14,000 square metres is planned. Production capacity for high-efficiency industrial steam turbines will thus triple by 2010. In addition to the Indian market, the turbines will also be exported throughout Asia and Africa, where they will contribute to providing extensive power supply. “For emerging countries like India efficient, eco-friendly power generation is enormously important,” said Armin Bruck, Managing Director of Siemens India. “By tripling our local production capacity we will strengthen our global manufacturing network and be well prepared to utilise the good growth prospects in India”. Industrial turbines with ratings up to 45 megawatts have to date been produced in Vadodara. The location is part of Siemens manufacturing network for industrial turbines, which is managed from Görlitz. Only recently the company inaugurated a new production facility in Görlitz to be able to better meet the demand for medium-size steam turbines. The additional production capacity in Vadodara will provide the basis for even better serving the markets in Asia and Africa. There are currently still high energy deficits in many emerging countries during peak load periods. However, adequate energy supply is a fundamental prerequisite for moving economic and social development forward in these countries. High-efficiency industrial steam turbines are an important feature of Siemens environmental portfolio, with which the company posted revenue totaling almost EUR19 billion in fiscal 2008. That is equivalent to around a quarter of the company’s total revenue and makes Siemens the world’s leading green infrastructure provider. Industrial steam turbines are deployed above all in cogeneration plants, combined heat and power plants, and small combined cycle plants, which are among the most efficient forms of power and heat generation. Small and medium-size steam turbines are also deployed, for example, in sugar and pulp mills or in the chemical industry to make even better use of process steam.
www.siemens.co.uk
CTCI standardises on Intergraph® SmartPlant® Enterprise software
CTCI Corp, the largest global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm in Taiwan, has standardised on Intergraph® SmartPlant® Enterprise engineering software and upgraded to the next-generation SmartPlant 3D design solution. The global EPC, which is rapidly expanding in Asia and the Middle East, will now exclusively use Intergraph SmartPlant Enterprise engineering solutions to increase productivity and accelerate schedules for the design, construction and capital Project Lifecycle Management (cPLM) of its customers’ projects. SmartPlant Enterprise is an integrated solutions suite that provides full design, construction, materials and engineering data management capabilities needed for the creation, safe operation and maintenance of large-scale process, power, marine and offshore projects. The software’s life cycle data management also enables a smoother handover for EPCs to owner operators and for owner operators to more easily maintain, refurbish or modify their plants. An Intergraph PDS customer for 24 years, CTCI has deployed SmartPlant Enterprise and upgraded to Intergraph’s 3D data-centric, automated design engineering modeling and visualisation solution on projects. SmartPlant 3D can deliver substantial productivity savings in key plant design disciplines compared to conventional software – and even more when it is integrated using the SmartPlant Enterprise solutions suite as CTCI now is doing. In addition, SmartPlant 3D can cut the time taken to check P&ID consistency and accuracy between the 2D schematic model and 3D digital plant model by more than 90 percent. Not only has CTCI adopted SmartPlant 3D, but also SmartPlant Materials, SmartPlant Instrumentation, SmartPlant P&ID and SmartPlant Foundation, which have enhanced the synergy among the project processes to help them provide high quality services to their clients. “The success we have had in our project execution with the Intergraph solutions has enabled us to increase productivity and quality while shortening project schedules and reducing the risk involved,” said Ike Liao, Executive Vice President for CTCI. “As the backbone of our business, we heavily rely on Intergraph’s expertise and software as it develops world-class standards for design and engineering solutions.” Gerhard Sallinger, Intergraph Process, Power and Marine President, said: “CTCI’s decision to standardise on SmartPlant Enterprise and upgrade to SmartPlant 3D is an excellent example of how Intergraph engineering solutions can help EPCs of all sizes boost their overall productivity, deliver projects faster to their customers and gain a competitive edge”.
www.intergraph.com
Abermed appoints Bryan Bennett as UK Operations Director
Global industrial and occupational health specialist Abermed has appointed an Operations Director to oversee the company’s rapidly expanding business in the UK. Bryan Bennett has joined Abermed from his position as Managing Director of Xm Services in Dundee, which provides engineering, training and consultancy services. Abermed took over the provision of occupational health services from Xm Services last year and is continuing to provide occupational healthcare to employees at the Michelin car tyre factory on Baldovie Road. Having worked for Michelin for 30 years in operational posts in the UK and France, Bryan brings to Abermed extensive experience in quality control, engineering, health and safety, environment and project management. His newly created role will see him supporting the UK team across Abermed’s 10 offices in Scotland and England, including Dundee and the company’s headquarters at Forest Grove House, Aberdeen. Bryan said: “I am delighted to be joining Abermed, which has core values that match my own experience and aspirations. The emphasis on the quality of care provided to clients and the respect shown to its own employees are the cornerstones of a company with integrity and purpose. I am joining a leadership team with the objective of ensuring that the support previously given to the UK operation is maintained and if possible, strengthened further, allowing us to continue to provide the best possible service to clients. Abermed is expanding rapidly and my role will be to take responsibility for the UK operation and help the team become the best it can be”. James Miller, Managing Director of Abermed, added: ““We are pleased to welcome Bryan to the team and know he will be a valuable asset to us. With expertise across a variety of sectors including construction, transport, food and drink but particularly the oil and gas industry, we pride ourselves in offering a first-class service to our clients in the UK and overseas. Bryan will be leading our excellent team, who play a pivotal role in ensuring their needs are met on an ongoing basis”.
www.abermed.com
EC Harris has secured a major oil and gas contract in Saudi Arabia
The built asset consultancy has been appointed by ATCO Group’s engineering and construction division in Saudi Arabia to deliver project control services. The eight to 12 month contract could be worth in excess of $2 million. The contract is being led by EC Harris’ oil and gas team and will involve a group of 15 people from the consultancy’s offices in Dammam. A global organisation in energy and utilities, ATCO is involved in major engineering and construction projects in the Kingdom including most recently Saudi Aramco’s Khurais and Ras Tanura mega projects, and the Prince Mohammed University. EC Harris will work together with ATCO to enhance its delivery on these projects through the implementation of project controls, improvements in supply chain management and organisational re-design. The consultancy will set up procedures, processes and systems, using its specialist software tool CCES, an enterprise platform for estimating, cost management, payment transaction and asset management which will assist in driving efficiencies for the project execution activities. The overall aim is to achieve greater cost certainty on the projects, minimising risk and maximising return on investment. Stuart Arndt, Partner of EC Harris, said: “As our first major contract in Saudi, this is a significant win for us. The challenges faced by clients in the Middle East are truly unique. Scale, complexity, changing stakeholder requirements and a hugely overstretched supply market often impede timely and profitable delivery of major capital projects. It’s our job to minimise the risk of failure, and maximise the value that projects bring to our clients’ businesses. Our skills and expertise will make the projects more predictable in terms of costs by providing rigorous, effective and bespoke project controls and services that enable them to make smarter buying and spending decisions”.
The oil and gas team of leading international consultancy EC Harris has seen its business grow by 80% in the last 12 months since establishing operations in strategic oil and gas locations overseas. Its international network, focused on upstream and downstream oil and gas and petrochemicals, now includes London, Houston, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Dammam and Qatar.
www.echarris.com
KBR awards ABLE fire and gas instrument package for North Rankin redevelopment
The North Rankin 2 project, located in Western Australia, is an expansion to the existing platform, North Rankin A. The second platform, North Rankin B, in conjunction with the existing platform will recover remaining low-pressure gas from the North Rankin and Perseus gas fields. The North Rankin B platform will be connected by a 100 metre bridge to the existing platform and will also include necessary tie-ins and refurbishment of North Rankin A. Upon completion, both platforms will be operated as a single entity with a scheduled progressive start-up in 2013. Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) selected ABLE Instruments and Control Limited to supply the fire and gas instrument package (circa £900k) for the North Rankin 2 project. The full instrument package, which includes flame detectors, point gas detectors, IR gas detectors, acoustic gas detectors and peripheral instrumentation, is being supplied and managed using ABLE’s package procurement services. Value added engineering services are also being supplied by ABLE to ensure all instruments comply with the application and environment for which they have been specified. The instruments, from multiple manufacturers, will be consolidated and supplied solely through ABLE to keep project management costs minimal where services such as sub-supplier co-ordination, expediting, documentation submittal, inspection, packing and shipping are kept consistent and managed through a single point of contact for the customer.
www.able.co.uk
Multi-million Vessel Charter for Marine Renewables by Subocean
Aberdeen based subsea construction company, Subocean Group, has chartered a DP2 subsea support vessel in what represents a £30 million investment for the subsea installation company. The Polar Prince will go on charter to Subocean in late July 2009 for two years, with three one year options. The vessel, which will be supplied complete with survey and ROV spreads, will mobilise to the Greater Gabbard project, the first 140 Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) offshore wind-farm development in the world, off the coast of Suffolk. Subocean was contracted by Fluor Ltd on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity Board to install power cables for the windfarm under the seabed. The company will use its own cable lay spread and cable plough on the vessel to lay and bury the 33kVA power cables in 20 metres of water. The Polar Prince will also be used on the Vattenfall Thanet project off the North East coast of Kent where Subocean has a contract to lay and bury 33kVA power cables. Subocean’s Operations Director, Mike Daniel said: “Demand for vessels in marine renewables remains high. By securing the Polar Prince on a long-term charter, we are in a prime position to meet the needs of renewable energy companies. We continue to win work in the marine renewable sector and are investing significantly in vessels and specialist equipment to maintain our market-leading position and ensure delivery on time and on budget for all our clients in a sector which is noticeably picking up pace”. Subocean Group provides turnkey project design and implementation, including engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of subsea facilities. It also supplies offshore management personnel, divers, life support technicians, ROV operators, subsea equipment operators and offshore administrators. In addition, it is helping to meet the infrastructure gap by hiring out specialist subsea equipment to the major contractors operating in oil and gas and offshore windfarms.
www.suboceangroup.com
Specialist safety systems integrator Hima-Sella will be focussing on 3 key areas of operation at this month’s HazardEx event in Harrogate
Visitors will have an opportunity to see a working demonstration of HIMax, which is their latest HIMA safety product. HIMax is based on HIMA’s revolutionary NONSTOP XMR® technology which utilises testing and diagnostics to achieve safety integrity level 3 (SIL 3). It also has scalable, fault-tolerant architecture, which eliminates false trips and allows unlimited changes, modifications, expansions, upgrades and regulatory proof testing to be carried out, without taking the plant off-line. Control applications specialist, John Lunt will be on hand to discuss the company’s expertise in the design and supply of hazardous area control panels, ranging in size from the basic wall mounted variety to a much larger room size panel. Also present will be Sales Manager Andy Tonge, who will be introducing Hima-Sella’s Tank Overfill Protection Solution (TOPS) which was developed in-house as a direct response to the recommendations which came out of the MIIB following the incident at Buncefield. Hima-Sella supplies engineered solutions for safety, control and automation applications in the oil and gas, chemical, rail, steels, petrochemical and power industries. In 2001 Hima-Sella received the first ever CASS certificate awarded for conformance assessment to IEC 61508, and its quality management system has been certified to BS EN ISO 9001 since 1989
www.hima-sella.co.uk
Rotork valve actuators specified for southwest China’s first major refinery
More than one thousand Rotork intelligent electric valve actuators have been ordered for the US$ 1.6 billion Qinzhou refinery project in South China. The new refinery, which is owned by PetroChina, is designed to improve the energy supply throughout southwest China. Rotork IQPro intelligent actuators with Pakscan P3 network control systems are being installed in areas including the crude oil, LPG, petroleum and diesel tank farms, processing and water purifying plants and waste water treatment works. The actuation contracts are being co-ordinated and supported by Rotork’s office in the city of Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province. The Qinzhou refinery is among the latest in a series of Rotork project successes in the Chinese oil and gas industries, including the 4000km strategic West to East Natural Gas Pipeline, for which over 700 Rotork IQ electric actuators have been ordered. Qinzhou is a port city in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The refinery will process oil imported from Sudan and will have a daily processing capacity of 200,800 barrels after production starts at the end of 2009.
www.rotork.com
Digital Applications International announce the successful delivery of innovative project solutions for Ithaca Energy
DAI, the computer based solutions provider, has announced the successful delivery of 3 innovative project solutions for Ithaca Energy which have contributed to the smooth handover of their newly acquired Beatrice assets from Talisman. The first of these involved functional expansion of an existing VTS SCADA package, originally used solely for down hole monitoring on Beatrice, and now upgraded to handle a full range of metering and integrity applications across the expanded Beatrice and Jacky assets. This innovative approach negated any requirement for a more expensive DCS expansion or replacement. The second project delivered jointly by DAI and project partners Indian Point, the OSISoft PI consultants, trainers and integrators, involved integrating the existing Beatrice and Nigg based PI infrastructure with a new central Ithaca PI environment. This was followed by the separation and migration of all historical Beatrice data from Talisman’s central PI environment to the new Ithaca PI system. The third aspect was the replacement of the existing Talisman PALMS reporting system, with an integrated system for Production and Environmental Reporting. This utilises data sourced directly from PI and the enhanced SCADA package, as well as via an improved manual entry interface. Ithaca Energy said of these projects: “We are pleased to be working with DAI and they are delivering solutions that fit the current business requirements of the mature sector of the North Sea. Ithaca look forward to continuing our relationship with DAI in future developments”.
www.dai.co.uk
Aker Solutions awarded FEED contract for Kashagan full-field project development
Aker Solutions has announced that, in a joint venture with CB&I and WorleyParsons, it has received a front-end engineering and design (FEED) services contract for Phase II of the full-field development of the Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan. The contract value is £90m (US$135 million). “We are very pleased that we have been awarded this important contract for the development of the Kashagan field. It confirms that we are very well positioned for an active role in this field development. The Kashagan field is at the core of our strategy for our international field development business. This contract demonstrates our competitive strengths within offshore technology in environmentally sensitive areas, harsh climate conditions as well as international contracting with a high level of local content. We look forward to working with our partners on this very important field development," said Simen Lieungh, President and CEO of Aker Solutions. The scope of work for Phase II includes the front end engineering and design of both onshore and offshore facilities and pipelines. The FEED contract also includes options for early works, detail engineering, procurement services, technical assistance, and design/system integrity. Additionally, the contract provides for optional FEEDs for other Kazakhstan oil fields (Aktote, Kairan, and Kalamkas). Work on the project, initiated after tender under a Letter of Intent issued by Agip KCO, began on 3 November 2008 and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010. Additional options might extend the work up to an 8 year period. Shareholders in the Joint Venture company (K-WAC Limited) are: WorleyParsons Europe Ltd (45%),CB&I UK Ltd (25), Aker Engineering & Technology AS (30%). Aker Solutions and WorleyParsons are engaged in the execution of Phase 1 of the Kashagan project (the experimental programme) performing detailed design, fabrication and hook-up.
www.akersolutions.com
Novus Energy chooses IPS to help design 2nd generation biofuels processes
Invensys Process Systems (IPS), the global technology, software and consulting firm, has announced that it will supply simulation software and other products from its Process Engineering Suite (PES) of solutions to help design second-generation biofuels processes for Novus Energy LLC, a Minnesota-based renewable fuels development company. As the world migrates to second-generation biofuels that reduce emissions while fueling their energy needs in a sustainable manner, new processes must be designed and developed. This includes building and operating new biofuel plants. Efficient and safe design of these new plants using simulation software has proven that being more environmentally responsible does not negatively impact the bottom line. Instead, it not only improves the bottom line, it also aids in bringing the plant online faster. “Global production of biofuels is increasing in response to worldwide demand. PRO/IITM modeling software and other products within our PES of solutions will not only design environmentally friendly and safe processes, but also help Novus Energy reduce their capital and operating costs," said Joseph McMullen, PES Product Manager for IPS. "Our PRO/II solution provides the functionality and flexibility required to model high fidelity biofuel processes with integrated correlations and reaction models. Additionally, the other products in our PES contribute to efficient and safe process design. It is good for the environment and for the bottom line”. "We chose IPS’ Process Engineering Suite because of its diverse set of programs that allows process simulation modeling to improve our heat recovery processes, data reconciliation, and operational verification and what-if scenarios," said Al Burbeck, Vice President Engineering and Operations of Novus Energy. "Our process is substantially thermal catalytic at elevated pressures and temperatures, and PES is well suited to help us design and maximise our facilities. In addition to that, IPS has provided outstanding support”.
www.invensys.com
Siemens to supply key components to India for advanced steam power plants
Siemens Energy has received a contract from its Indian licensee Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) for the supply of components for two steam turbine-generators. The customer is the state-owned energy utility National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC). The volume of the order is approximately EUR80 million. The coal-fired power plant Barh II is situated 75km southwest of Patna in the state of Bihar. It comprises two units, each with an installed capacity of 660 megawatts. The Siemens scope of supply includes one steam turbine, components for a second turbine, one water-cooled generator as well as the electrical and I&C equipment for these two turbine-generators. This marks the first time that Siemens will supply turbines for supercritical steam conditions via its Indian licensee BHEL for installation in India. These turbines operate at a temperature of 565 degree C and a pressure of over 240 bar, thereby increasing the efficiency of the associated coal-fired power plants. “By using this type of turbine, it is possible to achieve maximum efficiencies of up to 46%," noted Michael Suess, CEO of Fossil Power Generation at Siemens Energy Sector. Coal already accounts for more than 50% of power generation in India. In the future as well, coal will remain the most important source of energy for the country’s power generation industry. Against this background it can be seen that economy of operation and environmental considerations are of decisive importance in the generation of electricity. “Increasing efficiency by a single percent point in a 700MW coal-fired power plant will save around 2.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a lifetime of 30 years of the plant,” remarked Suess.
w1.siemens.com
Mexico contract for Safe Bristolia
Prosafe has been awarded a Letter of Intent by Interpetroleum Services Limited for a bareboat contract of the semi-submersible accommodation rig Safe Bristolia at the Cantarell field for Pemex in Mexico. The firm duration of the bareboat contract commencing mid-February 2009 is 365 days, and the total value is about US$29.3 million. Mobilisation and demobilisation costs to and from the North Sea are for charterer's account. Prosafe is the world's leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation/service rigs.
www.prosafe.com
Aggreko powers Presidential inauguration
On January 20th, America welcomed a new President, and once again Aggreko was chosen to help bring this historic moment to millions of people around the world. Aggreko, the leader in rental power, temperature control and oil-free compressed air solutions, was selected to provide the temporary power and heating systems for nearly all of the Inauguration events and related security needs from January 17th through to the 20th. Aggreko has provided power and temperature control for the last three Presidential Inaugurations. “It is a great honor to play such an integral role in this important moment in our nation’s history,” said Gary Meador, Aggreko’s National Event Services Director. “The inaugural committee worked hard to make all events accessible to record-breaking numbers of people, requiring flawless performance and a high degree of trust in Aggreko” Aggreko had a hand in virtually every element of the inauguration. The company provided power and heat for the Opening Ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial; the press tents, audio delays and security at the National Mall; and the VIP area at Lafayette Park. In addition, Aggreko powered the press areas, video and audio along the parade route, the Armed Forces Security screening area at the Pentagon, the ABC and CNN telecasts, and several inaugural balls. The company sourced equipment from their nationwide network of service centres. “The security and logistics associated with managing this event were awesome,” said George Long, Aggreko Event Services Senior Project Manager. “Each event and venue, from the Lincoln Memorial to the parade route, required co-ordination with different committees, governmental agencies and vendors. Aggreko provided on-site consultants to work hand-in-hand with the organisers to design an integrated solution and provide seamless co-ordination between all facets”.Aggreko was responsible for providing rental power and temperature control for several key events during the 2008 Presidential campaign, including election night festivities in Chicago’s Grant Park, all three presidential debates and the national conventions. In addition, Aggreko was chosen by the Obama campaign for several rallies, including three that featured Bruce Springsteen.Aggreko has a long history of powering the most high-profile events in the world, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2005 Presidential Inauguration, the 2008 Democratic National Convention and National Football League’s Championship games. Aggreko has been chosen to be the exclusive rental power supplier to the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
www.aggreko.com
Met Office supports the UK as cold spell continues
Millions of people across the UK are likely to see additional help with fuel bills as the cold weather continues to affect the country. The Met Office has been working closely with the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure that vulnerable people are prepared for the prolonged spell of cold weather, and they are given support to meet the costs of additional heating ahead of the cold weather. Although not as cold as it has been, the Met Office is forecasting that low daytime temperatures and overnight frosts will continue with the risk icy roads. Dave Robinson, Head of Government Services at the Met Office said: “We are expecting the cold weather to continue with the coldest conditions across southern and eastern parts of the UK. Our forecasts are helping to support vulnerable people across the UK. Support of the Cold Weather Payment scheme, the Cold Weather Alert Service and Healthy Outlook, our forecasts for COPD sufferers for the Department of Health, are all helping to keep the UK healthy throughout the cold spell”. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said: “We don't want people to worry about turning up their heating when it's cold. That is why we've trebled the Cold Weather Payment to £25, to put money in the pockets of the people who need it most. Millions of vulnerable people and pensioners are now in line for this extra help after the recent cold snap”. The Met Office is the UK's National Weather Service, providing 24x7 world-renowned scientific excellence in weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather warnings for the protection of life and property.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
Siemens installs photovoltaic plant for climate-friendly power generation
Siemens Energy has installed a turnkey photovoltaic (PV) plant on the roof of the Siemens Healthcare x-ray systems manufacturing plant in Forchheim. After a planning and construction time of less than three months, the unit has gone into service. The solar power installation will generate more than 750 megawatt-hours of climate-friendly electricity per year. The solar modules' high efficiency makes the output of the power generating plant around one third higher than that of customary units of a comparable size. Thanks to advanced technology, the installation generates the maximum power yield per unit of available surface area. “We are not only successful on the market with our green technologies, we also use them ourselves to make an important contribution to protecting the environment and our climate,” said Barbara Kux, new Chief Sustainability Officer and member of the Siemens Group Executive Management. Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of solar energy into electric power, is one of the key technologies for a climate-compatible power supply. High growth rates of 20% per year are forecast for the photovoltaics market for the coming years. Investment in photovoltaic plants worldwide is thus set to increase ten-fold, from currently 14 billion to 144 billion euros by 2020.
www.powergeneration.siemens.com
KBC releases new version of Petro-SIM and SIM suite
KBC Advanced Technologies Plc (KBC) has announced the release of version 3.2 of Petro-SIM and the KBC SIM suite, the world’s leading process simulation software for refineries and petrochemical plants. New Petro-SIM features include a unique Viewer option for easy access to cases, as well as enhanced custom Microsoft Excel tables, which are especially useful for managing case studies of larger flowsheets. KBC continues its commitment to technology improvements with enhancements to its market leading refinery reactor models FCC-SIM for FCC Units, HCR-SIM for hydrocrackers, and DC-SIM for delayed cokers. Also with this release, Petro-SIM and the SIM models are fully compliant with the Microsoft Vista operating system. KBC Advanced Technologies Plc, a leading independent consulting, process engineering and software group, delivers improved operating performance to the oil refining, petrochemical, and other process industries worldwide.
www.petro-sim.com
Fluor forms new business unit to focus on offshore market
Fluor Corporation has announced that it has formed a dedicated business unit within its Upstream business line to address the specific needs of its global oil and gas clients in the offshore market. The entity will be known as Fluor Offshore Solutions and build off the company's strong history of project execution on complex and remote offshore projects around the globe. The Fluor Offshore Solutions business unit will be headquartered in Fluor's Sugar Land, Texas, location. It will also have offices in Trinidad, Abu Dhabi and Manila and leverage Fluor's global office network to offer execution capability around the world. Fluor is a well-known entity in the offshore market dating from the 1960s when it performed work under the Fluor Ocean Services' banner. The company maintained that strong reputation in the offshore industry by providing key engineering and construction services on a number of projects in the ensuing decades. In recent years, Fluor performed significant roles on a number of high-profile offshore projects for a variety of clients around the world. Fluor Offshore Solutions will continue to offer its clients of all sizes a wide range of services including: studies, engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning and other related services.
investor.fluor.com
Hima-Sella introduces nonstop safety to the UK
Systems integration specialist Hima-Sella is introducing HIMax®, the latest HIMA safety product into the UK. HIMax complements the existing HIMA range of HIQuad, HIMatrix and Planar 4 and is the only safety system designed to guarantee uninterrupted system operation throughout the life of a processing facility. HIMax is based on HIMA’s revolutionary NONSTOP XMR® technology which utilises testing and diagnostics to achieve safety integrity level 3 (SIL 3). It also has scalable, fault-tolerant architecture, which eliminates false trips and allows unlimited changes, modifications, expansions, upgrades and regulatory proof testing to be carried out, without taking the plant off-line. All safety-critical applications in the process industry can be implemented with HIMax including, for example, emergency shutdown systems (ESD), burner management systems (BMS), fire and gas systems (F&G), turbo machinery control (TMC), or pipeline automation. Having flexible system architecture, various rack sizes, different assembly and wiring concepts, centralised and distributed installations means that HIMax can easily be adapted for virtually all application requirements. Its flexibility allows for integration into any distributed control system (DCS) and by using open-standard protocols guaranteed by HIMA, enables customers to choose the best DCS for their plant. Andy Tonge, Hima-Sella Sales Manager, said: “The UK launch of HIMax means that Hima-Sella - as sole UK distributor - can now offer clients more choice and a product that will deliver tangible operational cost benefits. In November, we received our first HIMax order from a major blue chip company, which clearly demonstrates the confidence customers have in this exciting new product”.
www.hima-sella.co.uk
KBC awarded planning consulting contract complete with associated simulation software licensing
KBC Advanced Technologies has announced that National Co-operative Refinery Association (NCRA) has awarded the company a contract to redesign and enhance the Linear Program (LP) model of NCRA’s McPherson, Kansas refinery. As part of this contract, KBC will utilise best practice industry standards to improve the data, structure, accuracy, and methodologies of an enhanced LP to allow development of improved refinery operating plans for the site. The KBC SIM Suite of kinetic reactor models running in a Petro-SIM flowsheet will be used to create accurate representations of the refinery’s units as part of the project. The Petro-SIM LPU (LP Utility) will be configured for each crude distillation unit and processing reactor unit to generate accurate, consistent operating yield and property data for direct entry into the NCRA LP model. NCRA will also execute a multi-year license with KBC for the same simulation software tools, which are expected to make continuing optimisation and improvement of the facility possible in the future. Included in the licensing is Petro-SIM, the KBC proprietary flowsheeting tool, plus the FCC-SIM (fluid catalytic cracking), HCR-SIM (hydrocracking), DC-SIM (delayed coking), and D HTR-SIM (distillate hydrotreating) unit models. “In today’s competitive environment, it is important to have an LP model that can produce truly optimum crude, operating, and production decisions,” commented George Bright, KBC CEO. “Not only will NCRA have the best possible LP model for their planning optimisation activity, NCRA’s LP model maintenance man-hours will be significantly minimised through their use of the automatic LP model updating solution within Petro-SIM”.
www.kbcat.com
TDW Offshore Services completes double-block onshore pipeline isolation operation
TDW Offshore Services has announced that it has successfully completed an onshore pipeline isolation operation for OMV Gas GmbH. The operation was carried out for OMV Gas GmbH in Austria in conjunction with the company’s Trans Austria Gas pipeline (TAG) expansion programme. One of the key developments of the expansion programme is the newly constructed compressor station in Eggendorf, Austria. OMV Gas GmbH needed to safely re-route the existing pipelines to this new station. To achieve this, TDW was retained to carry out pipeline isolation services on the 38 inch import pipeline that stretches approximately 70km from Baumgarten to Eggendorf, and on the export pipeline that runs approximately 70km from Eggendorf to Grafendorf. The Norwegian-based company serves as the offshore technology Centre of Excellence for TD Williamson Inc. The major markets for offshore services - where the company has established business offices - are Houston, Singapore and Aberdeen. The company is a subsidiary of TD Williamson Inc, the world’s most recognised name in pipeline equipment and services. TD Williamson delivers safe integrity solutions for onshore and offshore applications. Experts provide hot tapping and plugging, pipeline cleaning, geometry and MFL inspection, pigging and non-tethered plugging pig technology services for any pressurised pipeline system, anywhere in the world.
www.tdwilliamson.com
Fluor awarded EPC contract for Jack County Unit 2 power plant
Fluor Corporation has announced that it has secured a contract for the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning for Brazos Electric Power Co-operative's Jack County Generating Facility Unit 2 power plant located near Bridgeport, Texas. The new 620 megawatt gas-fired, combined cycle expansion will provide reliable electricity with low emissions to serve growing demand required by Brazos Electric's member utilities. Project completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2011. Fluor will book the undisclosed project value in the fourth quarter of 2008. “We appreciate Brazos Electric's continued confidence in Fluor as demonstrated by this second Jack County project award,” said David Constable, President of Fluor's Power business group. “Our strong performance on Jack County Unit 1 will serve as the basis for providing greater value for this new power plant.” Jack County Unit 1 has proven to be a reliable source of power for Brazos Electric's member co-operatives with a 93% 2007 annual plant availability factor while generating more than 3.5 million megawatt hours in 2007. Brazos Electric issued Fluor a limited notice to proceed in June 2008 to begin preliminary engineering and procurement of the new unit. Site mobilisation for construction is expected in July 2009 with a peak of 400 craft workers. Fluor's Irvine, California, operations centre will execute the project.
investor.fluor.com
Climate scientists' warning on air quality
Actions to improve air quality and reduce climate change need to be linked claim scientists. By the 2090s close to one-fifth of the world's population will be exposed to ozone levels well above the World Health Organisation recommended safe-health level. Met Office Hadley Centre models project year-round increases in ozone will be large, representing more than a threefold increase in the percentage of population affected. Scientists claim that many greenhouse gases and aerosols linked to climate change are also linked to air quality and human health. For example, ozone contributes to global warming and is also a powerful respiratory irritant in levels frequently observed in urban areas. New scientific evidence shows much stronger interactions between the carbon cycle, low-level ozone and atmospheric aerosols than previously thought, strengthening evidence for linking action to curb different types of pollution. Vicky Pope, head of climate change advice at the Met Office commented: “This complex cycle means that increased carbon dioxide reduces the removal of ozone by plants during the growing season, resulting in higher atmospheric ozone concentrations. High levels of ozone poison plants and reduce the rate of photosynthesis which, in turn, reduces the absorption of CO2 by plants, leading to increased global warming”.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
KCA DEUTAG’s young engineers development scheme gains professional reaccreditation
KCA DEUTAG’s Professional Development Programme for young engineers has achieved re-accreditation from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under its Monitored Professional Development Scheme (eMPDS). This means that KCA DEUTAG’s programme continues to be a preferred, approved and quality controlled route for young engineers to become members of the Institution and register with the Engineering Council UK as a Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer. Sandra Mulligan, IMechE's Regional Manager for Scotland, who presented Malcolm Ward, General Manager of KCA DEUTAG’s Engineering Services Division, RDS, with the company’s accreditation certificate, said: “I am delighted to present RDS with its MPDS re-accreditation. The IMechE upholds very high standards to ensure the professional engineers of tomorrow receive the best training and support today. “The scheme run by RDS is a fantastic opportunity for their engineers to develop strong technical ability together with good business understanding and leadership skills. Accreditation has been awarded for three years recognising the commitment of RDS to training and development”. Ross Richardson, KCA DEUTAG Director HR & HSEQ said: “Reaccreditation by IMechE of our young engineers’ development programme reflects the continuing high standard of the programme and is a real demonstration of KCA DEUTAG’s commitment to attract young graduates to our industry. The reaccreditation will ensure KCA DEUTAG can recruit the highest caliber engineers to be the company’s future leaders”. Companies and corporations with an IMechE accredited profession development scheme generally find it valuable for recruiting and retaining high quality students and engineering graduates. Participating companies are stimulating an innovative and flexible approach within the company as well as providing continual professional development for mentors within the scheme.
www.kcadeutag.com
Lloyd’s Register Group reports strong performance in 2007/08
In his report on the accounts for the year ended June 30, 2008, David Moorhouse, Chairman of Lloyd’s Register, has announced that Group income rose by 19.6% to £594 million (2006/07: £497 million) with a marginal increase in surplus before tax generally in line with the budgeted target. The budgeted surplus for the year allowed for a significant increase in spending on projects and personnel in support of the Group’s medium and long term business objectives. “Following very strong growth in 2007, I am pleased to be able to report another year of strong underlying financial performance in 2008. While the recent global financial chaos had little effect on our results for the year to June 2008, it is clear that next year will pose a significant challenge to the Group. I am confident that if we take appropriate action in the short term the Group will achieve a positive outcome next year. Our charitable giving this year was £6.3 million, with £6.0 million going to the Lloyd’s Register Education Trust and £0.3 million being awarded to various community charities. The acquisition in the year of ModuSpec represents the largest purchase ever made by Lloyd’s Register and provides the opportunity for us to expand our oil and gas activity significantly in an area that has the potential to utilise other components of our oil and gas, marine and management systems businesses. Other acquisitions in the year were Knowledge Based Management Limited (UK), Marine Container Consultants Limited (UK) and Martec Limited (Canada),” Mr Moorhouse said. Richard Sadler, Chief Executive Officer said: “2007/08 has seen yet more investment in client relationship management and ensuring the alignment of our services with specific client sector needs. The Group recognises the role that our clients have in complex global supply chains and we aim to be able to support them at a local and global level, dependant on their need, by providing a wide portfolio of services in the energy and transport sectors. This vision drives our service development and acquisition strategy”.
www.lr.org
Tyrihans pumps complete and ready for testing
The subsea raw seawater injection (SRSWI) pumps that will be installed at StatoilHydro's Tyrihans field in the Norwegian Sea, have been transported from Aker Solutions' facility at Tranby to Horten, where they will undergo installation testing. Once installed, the record-breaking pumps are expected to increase oil production from the Tyrihans field by 10%. The pumps, which are utilising Aker Solutions' LiquidBoosterTM technology, will be installed in 270 metres water depth approximately 31 kilometres from the Kristin platform. Both the tested pump duty of 2.7 megawatt and the 31km step-out represent new world records for subsea pumps. Aker Solutions supplies a complete system for injection, consisting of three subsea pump modules, including one spare pump module, complete power system, structure and manifold and a comprehensive condition monitoring system. The pumps will sunck in 14,000 cubic metres of untreated seawater each day, and inject this into the reservoir. The pumps drive the water into the ground between the oil reservoirs Tyrihans North and South. When this is combined with gas injection, optimal pressure support is obtained in the reservoir and a higher degree of oil recovery and production is achieved. It is expected that the pumps alone will help increase production by 19 million barrels of oil during the field's lifetime.
www.akersolutions.com
Six figure contract for Weir Valves & Controls UK Ltd
Weir Valves & Controls UK Ltd, part of the Weir Power & Industrial Division, has announced that it has won a six figure repeat order for its Batley Butterfly Valves (BV) 22000 series from British Energy. The new order follows on from the successful development and delivery, in only 20 weeks, of a solution specifically developed for British Energy. The BV 22000 valves are destined for Heysham 2 nuclear power station, near Morecambe in the UK, where they have been installing polyethylene pipe work within the reactor sea water system. The new pipe work is being installed to reduce the effects of corrosion within the reactor cooling system and support increased pipe work life, and part of the work involves using BV 22000 valves to replace existing valves. The BV 22000 valves were manufactured using Super Duplex stainless steel which gives better strength and corrosion resistance than conventional 300 and 400 series stainless steels, particularly on ambient sea water applications. Mike Craddock, System Health Engineer for Steam & Rotating Plant for Heysham 2 power station said: “We are extremely pleased not only with the performance of the BV 22000 valves but also with Weir Valves & Controls UK’s ability to develop, manufacture and deliver the valves in only 20 weeks, which was a key requirement”.
www.weirvalve.com
StatoilHydro has entered into frame agreements for pipe and pipe fittings with four suppliers, to take effect from 1 January
The four group-wide agreements will run from 2009 to 2011, with two extension options of two years each. These deals secure access for StatoilHydro to pipe, pipe fittings and flanges for production and projects. The agreements apply primarily to the Norwegian continental shelf but can also be exercised in the group's international projects. These frame agreements replace the previous agreements with Scandinavian Fittings and Flanges and Ahlsell Oil & Gas which expired earlier this year. The other suppliers, Norwegian Piping and Vector International, have not had such contracts with StatoilHydro before. As a major player in the market, it is important for StatoilHydro to encourage competition and give new suppliers a chance. All suppliers offer the same products and the four identical, parallel agreements make it possible for StatoilHydro to secure the best possible price, availability and quality of pipe and pipe fittings during the contractual period.
www.vectorint.com
Second option exercised for Safe Esbjerg
Mærsk Olie og Gas AS has exercised the second of two six-month options available for continued use of the Safe Esbjerg accommodation jack-up. Total value of the exercised option period is EUR8.2 million. The exercised six-month option will commence immediately after the existing firm period and continue through to 29 June 2009. Thereafter, Safe Esbjerg will start the recently awarded two-year contract with one-year option for Mærsk Olie and Gas AS at the same field in the Danish sector of the North Sea. Prosafe is the world's leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation/service rigs. Operating profit reached US$222.2 million in 2007.
www.prosafe.com
Abermed opens third office in Aberdeen
Occupational health care specialist Abermed has opened a third medical centre in Aberdeen, situated within the offices of e-learning leader Atlas Interactive. A range of occupational health services, including offshore medical assessments, are being offered at the new base at Offshore House, located at Bridge of Don’s Science and Energy Park. The medical centre is staffed by a doctor and nurse and is open to all of Abermed’s clients. Both Abermed and Atlas Interactive service the international oil and gas sector and combining medical check-ups and training is a well-established practice where a person’s fitness impacts on their ability to perform their role, such as working offshore. Sue Jordan, Aberdeen Units Manager at Abermed, said this was an exciting development for Abermed, which is now the largest provider of oil and gas UK medicals worldwide. “Abermed and Atlas Interactive are world leaders in their respective fields of industry medical services and e-learning and we are delighted to be working with Atlas Interactive and to have opened our third base in Aberdeen,” she said. “The new medical facility is fully equipped to allow our staff to carry out offshore medical checks and other services offered to clients, such as pre-employment, drug and alcohol testing, consultations and health promotion. The location at Offshore House means that clients who are based in or around Bridge of Don can opt to go to the new office instead of travelling to our headquarters at Foresterhill or our other centre in Dyce”.
www.abermed.com
New sales direction for Furmanite International
Furmanite International, the specialist engineering and technical services company, has appointed a new Director of Sales, Gareth Morgan, to head up its national and international sales network. The appointment follows the move of Mike Tucker to take up the role of Business Development Director for the company. Morgan will be responsible for driving Furmanite International’s sales activity for its raft of products and services, across the broad range of industries Furmanite services in the UK and overseas territories. He is tasked, in his new role, with supporting the company’s continued growth, and achieving some ambitious expansion targets. Morgan joins the company with in-depth knowledge and extensive experience of the marketplace in which Furmanite operates. He has previously held senior posts within international oil services company Expro International Group, where he was responsible for West Africa, North Africa and Middle East sales through hands-on leadership of business departments and teams. With ten years in the oil and gas sector, as well as previous experience including energy and engineering consultancy and a regional business manager role in the pharmaceutical sector, Morgan brings a valuable insight into the needs of national and international companies across a range of industry sectors, for whom sustained, uninterrupted production is critical. “I am tremendously enthused by the value proposition that Furmanite’s services represent and am convinced that our product offering is second to none,” Morgan said. “The benefits for clients using our wide range of services geared to minimising downtime and keeping their assets operating and earning are enormous. It’s very exciting to be able to take such a strong service and product offering to market and work with the team to develop the opportunities to help clients reap the benefits”.
www.furmanite.com
AMEC appointed to BP Clair Ridge project
AMEC has been appointed by BP to begin conceptual engineering studies to test the potential for further development of the Clair oil and gas field in the North Sea. The work will continue until the end of 2009. The project will be executed under AMEC’s recently signed global agreement with BP for offshore engineering and project management services. The scope of work includes both conceptual and front-end engineering and design work for a number of fixed platform solutions being considered by BP and partners. Clair had been one of the largest undeveloped reservoirs on the UK Continental Shelf. The first stage of the development started up in February 2005 and accessed estimated recoverable reserves of 250 million barrels of oil. The potential next stage of development will target the Clair Ridge area of the field, which has been extensively appraised over the past three years. "The Clair Ridge project is important to the continued growth of BP's global portfolio," said Neil Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of AMEC Natural Resources division. "The project is the most significant development in the UKCS at this present time. This award reflects BP’s confidence not only in AMEC’s technical competence but also in our ability to support its continuing efforts to reach out into more challenging areas to expand production".
www.amec.com
New appointment at Stapleton International
Stapleton International has announced the appointment of Ian Basford as both Managing Director of Stanhope Project Services (formerly Stanhope Oil and Gas) and Executive Director of Stapleton International Ltd. Ian will be based in Darlington but has a global remit to develop the project resource business as well as Stapleton’s core consultancy business. Ian joins Stapleton from Balfour Beatty Management Ltd where he was the Director responsible for developing the business in the North of England and before that he spent 32 years with Faithful and Gould where he progressed to Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the global business. Stapleton’s Group Managing Director Bob Breeze said: “While the current economic conditions are a threat to many businesses I see this period as an opportunity to develop Stapleton’s core business as more high calibre resources become available. Stapleton has a planned programme of international expansion and Ian’s appointment comes at a time when Stapleton is in demand internationally and is seeking to capitalise on this success”.
www.stapletonint.com
BJ Services expands nitrogen tank fleet
BJ Services Company has announced that its Process and Pipeline Services division has significantly expanded its fleet of liquid nitrogen storage tanks in Australia and Dubai. Storage of liquid nitrogen is integral to carrying out nitrogen purging, nitrogen gas stripping and nitrogen helium leak detection services both onshore and offshore for production platforms, FPSOs, petrochemical plants, refineries, power generation plants and pump stations. BJ Services recently purchased 16 new tanks, valued at US$1.2 million, in Perth, Western Australia. The tanks are used to support commissioning service contracts for several major clients currently operating in Australia and have already carried out a variety of services on Australia’s North West Shelf. Each tank can store up to 2,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen, and function safely in pressures ranging between 3 to 16 barg. BJ ensured that each tank is fully accredited and registered in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection of the Government of Western Australia. BJ Services has also added its largest nitrogen pump unit to its Middle East fleet. Based permanently at the BJ base in Dubai, the 660,000scf/hr trailer-mounted nitrogen pump unit features a tractor unit and integral 3,000USG LN2 tank. The LN2 tank can pump and vaporise nitrogen at flows of 11,000scfm, which is a major benefit. Previously, 16 personnel using smaller pumps were required to pump at this rate. With the new LN2 tank, only four crewmembers are required to achieve this level of flow, which translates to reduced labour and equipment mobilisation costs.
www.bjservices.com
Petrofac awarded US$543 million lump-sum contract with Kuwait Oil Company
Petrofac, the international oil and gas facilities service provider, has announced that it has been awarded a KD147 million (approximately US$543 million) lump-sum contract by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The contract is for engineering, procurement and construction services for a new gas pipeline running from KOC’s Booster Station 131 in North Kuwait to its liquefied petroleum gas plant located at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery. Petrofac is the main contractor and will commence work shortly, undertaking engineering design, procurement and construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning of the pipeline. The project is expected to last for 21 months. The pipeline, approximately 140 kilometres long, will transport gas from Kuwait’s northern fields for processing at Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery before being transported to Kuwait’s power generation plants. Commenting on the project, Maroun Semaan, Chief Executive of Petrofac’s Engineering and Construction division, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by KOC for this contract which continues our longstanding involvement in Kuwait with KOC with whom we have an excellent relationship and consolidates further the group’s position in the Middle East”. Petrofac is a leading international provider of facilities solutions to the oil and gas production and processing industry, with a diverse customer portfolio including many of the world’s leading integrated, independent and national oil and gas companies.
www.petrofac.com
KCA DEUTAG wins major Russian land drilling contract
KCA DEUTAG, the international drilling contractor, has been awarded a US$50 million land drilling contract from Russian oil and gas operator Arctic Gas Co. The contract, which is for an initial three years with extensions, saw KCA DEUTAG’s rig T-505 commence operations in the fourth quarter 2008, in the Severo-Samburgskoye field in Novy Urengoy, western Siberia. Holger Temmen, Chief Executive of KCA DEUTAG, said: “Russia is a key strategic growth area for our business and this contract further strengthens our position in that market, where our HR-5000 series of rigs have continued to make inroads since their introduction in 2006. “We continue to build on our relationships with key clients and potential clients in Russia, based on our track record of performance improvement and delivering results on time and on budget”. This latest contract follows that awarded earlier this year, by Burgaz Gazprom’s drilling subsidiary, for KCA DEUTAG’s rig T-500 for a drilling campaign in the Novyi Urengoi field in the Yamburg region of west Siberia.
www.kcadeutag.com
Sensornet marks 10th anniversary with DTS world first
Sensornet, provider of the world’s most advanced monitoring solutions, celebrated its 10th anniversary with another world first with its Sentinel DTS system recording a ground-breaking temperature resolution of just 0.004ºC in a 4,500m horizontal well. Detecting and interpreting the extremely fine temperature changes in the long horizontal well was essential to providing the major Middle East operator with the information required to optimise production. This is just one of Sensornet’s latest permanently installed distributed temperature systems to prove their continued ability to measure better than 0.01ºC. During their tenth anniversary year, the company has also installed the world’s first distributed fibre optic monitoring system in a Maximum Reservoir Contact well in the Middle East. Neither would have been possible without the significant investment in technology and people since the company’s inception a decade ago. Established by two fibre optic experts at its headquarters in London, Sensornet has grown exponentially across all five continents and currently has bases in Dubai, Bahrain, Calgary, Houston, Kuala Lumpur and Aberdeen. The company has been experiencing rapid financial growth and this year has been recognized with a 24th place positioning in the prestigious 2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards, which is a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the UK.
www.sensornet.co.uk
Foster Wheeler wins major refinery upgrade contract in Colombia
Foster Wheeler Ltd. (Nasdaq: FWLT) announced today that two of its subsidiaries, Foster Wheeler USA Corporation and Process Consultants, Inc., part of its Global Engineering and Construction Group, has been awarded a front-end engineering design (FEED) and project management consultancy (PMC) contract by Ecopetrol S.A. for the Barrancabermeja Refinery Upgrade Project in Colombia. The project will increase refining capacity from 250,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD) to 300,000 BPSD, add heavy crude processing capability, and provide a processing configuration to meet the projected 2013 Colombian clean fuels product specifications. The scope includes the following new units: a crude unit, delayed coker, hydrocracker unit, coker naphtha hydrotreating unit, hydrogen unit, sour water strippers, amine regeneration unit, and sulfur recovery unit, plus associated utilities and offsite units. The project will also include revamps to the diesel hydrotreater, gasoline hydrotreater and dismantling of two existing atmospheric and vacuum distillation units. In addition, the contract includes the procurement of long-lead items. "Foster Wheeler is pleased to be working with Ecopetrol on this major upgrade," said Troy Roder, Chief Executive Officer of Foster Wheeler USA Corporation. "This award demonstrates Ecopetrol's confidence in the quality of our team, our in-depth refinery expertise, and our ability to execute large, complex projects. We look forward to building an excellent working relationship with our client's project team".
phx.corporate-ir.net
Aker Solutions signs subsea supply agreement with Shell Malaysia
Aker Solutions has been awarded a five-year supply agreement from Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB) for supply of subsea production systems equipment and services. SSB has several existing platforms offshore Sarawak, Malaysia, as PSC operator to PETRONAS and with partners PETRONAS carigali and Nippon Oil Exploration (M) Ltd, where new subsea wells will be tied back to. The wells are found in water depths down to 200 metres. "This supply agreement is a significant milestone for us as it is our first collaboration with Shell in this country. It is also an important recognition from one of the world's major oil and gas companies to our Malaysian operation and unique subsea manufacturing centre," said President of Aker Solutions in Malaysia, Egil Martinussen. "The potential in the Sarawak area is big, and we look forward to working with SSB to develop it further over the coming years". The scope of work for the five-year supply agreement includes design, manufacturing, testing, installation, commissioning, follow-on support and maintenance of wellheads, subsea trees, subsea control systems, flow bases and tie-in equipment. Manufacturing and testing of all equipment will take place at Aker Solutions' hi-tech subsea manufacturing centre in the Port Klang Free Zone, Malaysia.
www.akersolutions.com
Hydratight intervenes
Even the most exhaustive inspection and maintenance regimes can’t always predict every eventuality - as a major name in the petro-chemical industry discovered when the time came to vent a propylene storage well at a key UK site. An isolation valve on a disused branch had seized shut, hampering activities to prepare the well for de-comissioning. This was a prime test of Hydratight’s new well-head intervention service, which offers a fast, safe solution to all kinds of well-head and storage tank faults. A cutting-edge combination of online leak sealing, hot bolting and tapping expertise are used to clear blocked systems and return them to full operation. In this case, the plant’s owners knew of Hydratight’s reputation in joint-integrity services and engineered solutions, and called in the company’s engineers. “As an operating company, we occasionally commission hot and cold tapping activities on pipework,” the client’s asset manager explained. “What pleased me in this instance was the ability of Hydratight to develop a safe and methodical approach for a controlled breakthrough of a blind flange. Hydratight’s design of the adaptor, and the way that it was safely and securely integrated on to the blind while online was the innovation that impressed me and made this activity possible. All equipment was designed and tested, with full documentation of the method made available to give us the confidence that Hydratight could be trusted with this critical task.” Hydratight’s Mainland Sales Manager Stuart Hought said: “The job’s success was down to team effort - our staff and procedures integrated seamlessly with our client’s safety measures, so all risks to people and the environment were removed. This was a very tough test - and our people passed with flying colours”.
www.hydratight.com
Jobs boost for Noble Denton
Noble Denton, the global offshore, marine and engineering consultancy has increased its headcount in Aberdeen by more than 40% this year and is on track to treble its global workforce over the next few years. The growth, which has seen employee numbers rise from 45 to 66 within a year, follows the successful integration of Poseidon Maritime (UK) Ltd and the doubling of the company’s office space in Aberdeen earlier in the year. Noble Denton is actively recruiting in all its engineering and marine disciplines across its global network and plans to increase its workforce from around 600 to 2000 within the next few years, with bases in all the major energy markets in the Americas, Middle East, Europe and the Far East. The company is an independent, market-leading firm of consultants offering an integrated range of marine and engineering consultancy services to the global shipping, insurance and offshore energy industries which continues to lead the way in the development of industry standard marine operations guidelines. Graeme Reid, Noble Denton’s Northern Operations Director, commented: “We have successfully attracted a very high quality of expertise into our business including Master Mariners, Marine and Electrical Engineers, Naval Architects and HSSE professionals. In addition, we have achieved our highest ever number of university summer placements and graduate hires. Our recruitment efforts continue to gather momentum allowing us to meet the demands of our clients and improve our portfolio of services.” Damian Skelly, Northern Operations Recruitment Advisor, added: “In today’s market place employers are exploring new and more creative methods to grow their business and we have successfully recruited at all levels, from graduates to experienced consultants. We are continuing to recruit talented and experienced individuals and Noble Denton is fast becoming an employer of choice offering the opportunity to work on varied and interesting projects all over the world”.
www.nobledenton.com
Hima-Sella secures British Energy contractor approval for 3 more years
Stockport based systems integration specialist Hima-Sella has successfully completed a recent assessment by British Energy, and will be included on their register of approved contractors for a further 3 years. The in-depth assessment addressed the company’s record on health and safety, environment, risk assessment, training procedures and provision of method statements. Hima-Sella is IEC 61508 certified and has been involved with British Energy for over 10 years, delivering safety-critical panel design and build for the Heysham, Hartlepool, Sizewell and Hunterston sites. Projects Manager Vincent Stanley commented: “We’re delighted to have received contractor approval from British Energy for the next 3 years. This indicates that by maintaining the highest possible safety standards we can continue to be regarded as a competent and reliable supplier not only to British Energy, but also to the wider nuclear industry in the UK”.
www.hima-sella.co.uk
AMEC signs Memorandum of Understanding to help grow South Korean energy industry
AMEC Plc, the international engineering and project management company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) to develop energy-related business opportunities and projects both in South Korea and internationally. The MoU is intended to help South Korea play a pivotal role in the energy economy in Asia and developing the country’s energy assets around the world including, for example, gas fields in the Middle East. The three companies will work together, sharing their respective expertise to achieve mutual benefits across a potentially wide range of energy projects including thermal and nuclear power, gas, coal, renewable energy and carbon reduction. The agreement will also play a part in expanding and improving the country’s skill base in project management consultancy, enabling the partners to pursue international opportunities in that field.
www.amec.com
Aker Solutions in Joint Venture with WorleyParsons and CB&I
The Aker Solutions Joint Venture has received a Letter of Intent for the Kashagan full field development FEED contract. Shareholders in the Joint Venture company (K-WAC Limited) are: WorleyParsons Europe Ltd (45%), CB&I UK Ltd (25%), Aker Engineering & Technology AS (30%). Agip KCO is Operator of the consortium comprising ENI (18.52%), Shell (18.52%), ExxonMobil (18.52%), Total (18.52%), ConocoPhillips (9.26%), KazMunayGas (8.33%) and Inpex (8.33%). The Phase II Project FEED Scope of Work includes onshore and offshore facilities and pipelines. There are also options for services post-Phase II FEED, which include early works, detail engineering and procurement services, technical assistance, and design/system integrity. Additionally there are optional FEEDs for additional fields (Aktote, Kairan, and Kalamkas). “We are very pleased about this important milestone for the development of the Kashagan field. It also confirms that we are very well positioned for an active role in this field development. The Kashagan field is at the core of our strategy for our international field development business. This LoI demonstrates our competitive strengths within offshore technology in environmentally sensitive areas and harsh climate conditions, as well as our international contracting with a high level of local content. We look forward to working with our partners on this very important field development,” said Simen Lieungh, CEO of Aker Solutions.
www.akersolutions.com
Kildrummy announces CostMANAGER Express
Kildrummy, the world’s leading supplier of cost management solutions, has announced the general release of Kildrummy® CostMANAGER Express. CostMANAGER Express is the newest member of the Kildrummy® CostMANAGER family of project cost management solutions, bringing simplicity, visibility and industry best practice to projects from £50 million upwards. “Kildrummy has unrivalled experience of managing cost on mega-projects,” explained CEO Marie Palmer. “In recent months the industry has been asking us to bring our expertise to smaller projects and project phases. Kildrummy ® CostMANAGER Express does just that”. Kildrummy® CostMANAGER Express is a simple solution, including software, training, implementation and start-up in a single package. “We find that our customers with smaller projects and project programs want to buy an off-the-shelf solved problem,” said Director of Global Sales Nick Brown. “We bring them everything they need to start controlling expenditure immediately in line with proven best practice. CostMANAGER Express has all the standard set-ups built in and ready to roll”.
www.kildrummy.com
Fabricom SUEZ expertise reaps rewards
Fabricom SUEZ, the leading national engineering project management M, E & I construction organisation, has secured a multi-million pound contract for their Immingham facility from CB&I. They have won the project to build 48 pre-assembled pipe rack units, together with an export pump module for National Grid’s Phase III expansion of their LNG plant at Isle of Grain, Kent. Prior to being awarded this major contract, Fabricom SUEZ had already worked closely with CB&I on the LNG plant at the Isle of Grain. They successfully delivered prefabrication pipework to the site for Phase II and then were invited to support tie-in activities and site installation of a number of prefabricated packages. On completion, the 48 pre-assembled units, with approximate dimensions of 24 metres by 9 metres each, will be constructed at Fabricom SUEZ’s Immingham facility and transported by sea via Immingham dock to London Thamesport Medway, located less than a mile from the LNG plant in Kent where it will be installed. Each pipe rack will weigh approximately 45 tonnes, with the export pump PAU weighing in excess of 200 tonnes. It is planned that 120 Fabricom SUEZ personnel with be working on the delivery of this project at its peak. Nigel Carlton, Fabricom SUEZ Managing Director said: “Securing this significant contract with C B & I for this major package of work is not only excellent news for Fabricom but it is also testament to the good relationship that we have built with CB&I during the previous packages of work that we have managed and delivered and also during the negotiation process to win this contract. This is down to the professionalism of both Fabricom SUEZ and CB&I personnel that have worked together to negotiate this bespoke project. We are looking forward to working closely with CB&I through all stages of this project to ensure the successful delivery of the modules to National Grid’s LNG plant in Kent”.
www.fabricom.co.uk
Petrofac raises environmental awareness
Petrofac, the international oil and gas facilities service provider, is encouraging employees to help the environment as part of its Planet Petrofac campaign. The campaign, which launched in November, is designed to get as many of the company’s 10,000 employees as possible engaged to make a positive difference to the environment across the globe. A range of environmental events and initiatives will run under four themes; reduce, recycle, educate and replace. In addition to the group-wide global activities, each Petrofac site will hold local events and initiatives; from the collection of unwanted clothing and books for charities, to clean-up events and tree planting. John Methven, Director of group HSSE and integrity assurance for Petrofac, said: “Following the success of previous environmental initiatives, which have taken place at a number of our sites, we have extended the initiative across the whole organisation. We hope to encourage our employees to consider the environment not only in the work place, but also in their personal lives and to understand that small steps really can make a big difference. Our environmental month is the launch of our renewed focus on the environment and we intend to keep it front of mind for all of our staff going forward, together with meeting our own targets and objectives in this area”.
www.petrofac.com
KnitMesh Technologies appoints Hart & Associates Ltd as USA agent
KnitMesh Technologies, the specialist knitted wire design, development and manufacturing company, has appointed Hart & Associates Ltd as its official agent in the United States. Comments KnitMesh Technologies’ General Manager, Peter Evans: “Across the United States, Hart & Associates Ltd is a well-established supplier of automotive components, particularly for the more compact European-style cars that are becoming increasingly popular. With its extensive relationships with various US automotive producers, and considerable manufacturing capabilities, the business offered all the right credentials to become our agent. Perhaps most importantly, our knitted mesh technologies, particularly for use in vehicle airbag manufacture, will provide a natural extension to Hart & Associates Ltd.’ existing product range. Additionally,” added Peter Evans, “with America’s increasing drive towards the production of smaller, more fuel efficient cars, we have the technology in place to assist Hart & Associates Ltd in establishing a strong foothold in this area of the market”. With state-of-the-art manufacturing and product development facilities in the UK and manufacturing centres in South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, KnitMesh Technologies frequently works with clients to assist in their product development and provide new manufacturing opportunities.
www.knitmeshtechnologies.com
Drax signs contract with Doosan Babcock for EPC supply of biomass co-firing systems
Drax Power Limited has announced that it has signed a £10 million ($18 million) Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract with Doosan Babcock Energy Limited to supply direct injection biomass co-firing systems to all six coal-fired generating units at the 4,000MW Drax power station in North Yorkshire. Co-firing involves the mixing and burning of renewable biomass materials with coal and, given the carbon neutral status of biomass, is a recognised carbon abatement technology that has significant potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power stations. The direct injection firing systems represent a major component of the new co-firing facility at Drax and are designed to receive and transport processed biomass materials to the power station’s coal-fired boilers. On completion, the biomass co-firing facility will be the largest of its type in the world, which alongside Drax’s existing co-firing capability will provide a total of 500MW of renewable electricity, or the equivalent output of over 600 wind turbines. The biomass co-firing facility will reduce Drax power station’s emissions of CO2 by over two and a half million tonnes per annum supporting Drax’s commitment to tackling climate change by reducing its CO2 emissions.
www.doosanbabcock.com
Noble Denton appoints John Wishart, Group Managing Director Designate
The Board of Noble Denton has announced the appointment of John Wishart as Group Managing Director Designate, Noble Denton. John Wishart, previously President, North America, Technip will succeed David Sutton on 1 January 2009. Mr Wishart, himself a chartered engineer, has enjoyed success in a diverse range of executive, project, technical, operational and commercial management roles in both the contracting and operating sectors. He brings extensive international experience and will be returning to London to take up his new leadership role. Mr Teck Soon Kong, Chairman, Noble Denton said: “John’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process by the Nominations Committee to find a strong, charismatic leader who will not only deliver our aggressive growth targets but also direct the company through the IPO process. The Board is confident that John will build on David Sutton’s considerable achievements which have positioned Noble Denton as a leader in the field of marine operations and offshore engineering”.
www.nobledenton.com
Swagelok Senior Research Fellow honoured by ASM International
ASM International has elected Sunniva R Collins, Ph.D, Senior Research Fellow at Swagelok Company, a Fellow of the Society. Joining an elite group of technical and professional leaders, Collins was selected for her contributions to the technical advances in stainless steels used in fluid systems applications. She was formally inducted as an ASM Fellow (FASM) at the 2008 Materials Science & Technology Conference and Exposition Awards Dinner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 7. The honor of Fellow was established in 1969 by ASM International to provide recognition of members for their distinguished contributions to materials science and engineering, and to develop a broad forum of leaders to serve as advisors to the society. Members are chosen by their peers. Collins joins 18 other society members in this year’s class. “Sunniva’s technical expertise and leadership have been instrumental in helping Swagelok grow in innovative ways,” said Dave Peace, Vice President, Engineering. “In addition, her work has resulted in impressive contributions to the overall science of metallurgy, specifically stainless steels. We are proud to have Sunniva as part of the Swagelok team”.
www.swagelok.com
Hydratight gets full credit
Walsall-based joint integrity and engineering services group Hydratight has become the first company in its field to gain full BS health and safety and ISO quality and environmental accreditation across its UK operations. The awarding of the full BS OHSAS 18001:1999 international standard for the company’s centres in Walsall, Morpeth and Aberdeen follows a rigorous, 12 month revision of safety management practices that is currently also extending to its international divisions across America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. “We want to make sure we’re the preferred contractor for our clients. So, we must demonstrate that Hydratight is one of the safest companies in the world - both as an employer and as a contractor,” said Hydatight’s Global Safety and Environmental Manager, Dave Stout. “The company’s impressive safety record is being improved every year,” he said. “In the last five years we have reduced our Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) year on year from 1.13 in 2003 down to 0.04 in 2008. We are in a business where safety is a top priority: one error can lead to loss of life, or of millions of pounds in lost operations,” he added.
www.hydratight.com
Jacobs wins contract for Singapore renewable diesel project
Jacobs Engineering has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Neste Oil Singapore to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services for Neste's Tuas Power Scope project, which will support the NExBTL Singapore renewable diesel facility that is currently being developed at Tuas, Singapore. The NExBTL renewable diesel plant, which is estimated to cost Euros 550 million, is designed for 800,000 tons per year NExBTL capacity. It will be the world's largest ‘new generation’ renewable diesel manufacturing plant and uses Neste's proprietary technology. Under a separate contract Jacobs is providing detailed design services for the offplots portion and is also responsible for permitting scope for the overall facility. The Power Scope project is intended to deliver utilities to the renewable diesel facility from the adjacent Tuas power plant. Jacobs has already performed the engineering for this project's preliminary design package and developed a control estimate. Jacobs will execute the work from its office in Singapore. In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Chris Nagel said: “This new contract demonstrates Neste Oil's confidence in the services we have delivered so far on this milestone project. We are delighted to continue to support the facility's development and to help Neste Oil achieve its market goals”.
phx.corporate-ir.net
Siemens to supply steam turbine for Solar Tres solar tower power plant in Spain
Siemens Energy is to supply an industrial steam turbine for one of the world’s first commercial solar tower power plants. The Spanish company Sener will build the innovative solar thermal power plant with a capacity of 19 megawatts at a site in the vicinity of Seville in Andalusia. For the Solar Tres project Siemens will supply an industrial steam turbine specially adapted to meet solar technology requirements. The turbine will thus become a reference product for solar tower power plants. In the Solar Tres solar tower power plant operated by Sener the sunlight will be bundled by sun-tracking mirrors (known as heliostats) and reflected directly to a receiver located on top of an approximately 120 metre-high tower. The heliostats will be arranged over a surface area of 320,000 square metres, which is equivalent to the size of more than 40 football fields. A unique feature of the Sener project is the use of salt for heat transfer in the interior of the receiver instead of the thermo oil normally used in solar thermal power plants. Bundling of the sunlight produces temperatures of over 850°C at the solar receiver. The salt heated to approximately 565°C flows in a molten state through a heat exchanger, in which sufficient steam is produced to operate a steam turbine-generator.
www.siemens.co.uk
Clearer view of the future for fund managers
As the financial markets continue to face an uncertain future the Met Office has announced an agreement with HSBC to provide weather and climate change information to fund managers through the creation of a Climate Change Research Facilitation programme. As the potential impacts of climate change on investment portfolios are examined by fund managers globally, the demand for highly specialist research from independent companies has accelerated. The Met Office, a world leader in weather and climate change research, will provide high level independent advice to enable fund managers, often responsible for pension funds, to reduce the risks from both natural and man-made climate change on their investments. Robert Napier, Met Office Chairman said: “The impact of climate change and weather on our world has been accepted by the finance industry as a key driver of financial decision making. Through the use of our expert research and advice, fund managers will be able to better manage their risks and adapt portfolios to meet the challenges of our changing climate”.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
Contract extension for Safe Scandinavia
Prosafe has been awarded a Letter of Intent for the extension of operations of the Safe Scandinavia at StatoilHydro’s Sleipner facility on the Norwegian continental shelf. The duration of the extension is 26 days and has a value of approximately US$9.1 million. Accordingly, the rig will be on contract for StatoilHydro until 26 November 2008. After a short yard stay, Safe Scandinavia will thereafter commence operations at the Valhall field for BP Norway in the middle of December.
www.prosafe.com
Imtech signs framework contract for oil output measurement in Romania
Imtech has announced that it has signed a major framework contract with the Romanian oil industry for measuring the quantity and quality of oil extracted across dozens of oil-producing locations in Romania. The Romanian oil sector is making significant investments in improving its production facilities. One of its key objectives is to modernise the measuring of the quantity and quality of its extracted oil with a view to meeting European and international standards. Imtech will be installing dozens of high-tech modular measuring stations in Romania. These will consist of a combination of automated measuring systems, data collection systems, data transmission solutions and direct links to clients’ information management and monitoring systems. This will make automated settlements possible. Imtech’s innovative flow computer, Flow-X, is one of the systems that will be used for this. Imtech has received the order to start supplying 29 measuring stations, with the relevant hardware, software, power distribution and monitoring systems, and has also signed a framework contract for dozens more of these stations in the future.
www.imtech.eu
Fluor Chosen by REC to design-build new solar panel manufacturing complex
Fluor Corporation has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) Group for the engineering, procurement, construction management (EPCM), and commissioning services for a new solar panel manufacturing complex in Singapore. REC is one of the most integrated companies across the solar value chain and this new complex will produce wafers, cells and modules for its growing global market. Fluor's contract is worth approximately $420 million and its scope of work includes the utilities, infrastructure, facilities and roadways. “Fluor has established a great relationship with REC working with the company in both the polysilicon production and solar component production arenas,” said Ivor Harrington, Senior Vice President of Fluor's Manufacturing & Life Sciences business line. “This important project will be executed from our newly expanded Singapore office and will draw upon our global expertise of executing some of the most complex projects around the world”.
investor.fluor.com
Hima-Sella defies recession fears with growing workforce and new panel building brochure
Many UK firms may be tightening their belts and fearing the worst but things are definitely on the up for Hima-Sella, leading panel manufacturer and safety-critical system designer in the north-west of England. Since a successful management buy-in last year, the firm has steadily increased its workforce, from 80 to 101. Hima-Sella designs and manufactures safety and control panels, largely for the world’s petrochemical, gas, steel, nuclear, transport and defence industries. In recognition of its greater working capabilities, Hima-Sella has produced a new, fully comprehensive panel building brochure, which emphasises Hima-Sella’s high degree of understanding of numerous industrial sectors. Panel building services range from initial consultation and project management, to post-project staff training and 24 hour technical support. Panels can be tailor-made, from the smallest, basic wall-mounted variety, all the way up to room-size panels - and anything in between. Managing Director Ian Wright said: “Our latest panel building brochure goes some way to showcasing our extensive range of services and products, but we can make almost anything to meet individual client specifications. We’re very proud of our versatility and high level of expertise”.
www.hima-sella.co.uk
StatoilHydro and Aker Solutions sign drilling equipment frame agreement
Aker Solutions has signed a Letter of Intent with StatoilHydro to enter into a frame agreement for the delivery of drilling equipment and related operational services. The agreement will put Aker Solutions among the preferred suppliers of drilling equipment and operational services to StatoilHydro operated fields. The agreement for the delivery of Aker Solutions drilling equipment is awarded for a three year period with an optional period of two x two years. The agreement for operational services will run for five years with an optional period of two x five years. “We are very pleased that StatoilHydro has considered our drilling equipment solutions to be among the best and most effective ones, which makes us a good match for a leading operator like StatoilHydro,” said Roald Amundsen, President of Aker MH AS. The contract party is Aker Solutions subsidiary Aker MH AS.
www.akersolutions.com
AMEC expands into offshore oil and gas decommissioning
AMEC, the international engineering and project management company, and the marine heavy lifting company SeaMetric International AS, have signed a co-operation agreement to provide a new international offshore decommissioning service for clients. The combination of skills from the two companies will provide a unique decommissioning service for maturing offshore oil and gas facilities. AMEC and SeaMetric will co-operate to support each other with their respective skills and experience on existing and new projects. For example, AMEC will provide project management and technical support to SeaMetric’s Twin Marine Lifter (TML) projects in Asia and Latin America. Lifting very heavy objects weighing up to 30,000 tonnes, such as offshore platforms at the end of their life, in a cost effective and safe manner, is a vital part of the decommissioning process. Adding project management and technical support to ensure the process is successfully completed across the globe gives this agreement a unique combination of skills. “The market for the decommissioning of offshore oil facilities is huge and working with SeaMetric will enable us to enhance our portfolio of asset support services to provide an integrated ‘end-of-life’ solution,” said Neil Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of AMEC’s Natural Resources division.
www.amec.com
Custom double-block-and-bleed valve helps pack functionality into the world's largest chemical injection skid
A custom compact double block and bleed valve from the Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin - the global leader in motion and control technologies - is helping to reduce the size and weight of a groundbreaking skid produced for the Chevron Tahiti platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Built by Test Automation & Controls, the equipment is believed to be the largest chemical injection skid ever produced, and has been designed to operate at 15,000PSI to withstand the pressures required for operations in the Tahiti field's deep, sub-salt reservoirs. Parker Hannifin's integrated valve provides a 15,000PSI rated double block and bleed function. At this operating pressure, such valve configurations are usually constructed using discrete components - involving a large amount of space, extensive weight, and a large number of potential leak paths. The number of components is often made higher because the cone and thread interfaces used to make connections at these pressures are usually fitted with an additional anti-vibration accessory, to combat the common issue of vibration-induced problems associated with threaded connections. “The size and weight reductions contributed by this manifold have helped to reduce the topside equipment budget,” said Kevin Burke of Parker Hannifin. “The manifold also helps to eliminate threaded connections, a common source of reliability problems”.
www.parker.com
ABB’s System 800xA provides foundation for process and electrical integration
ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA serves as the foundation for integrated process and electrical automation; it provides a platform for unified operations to increase productivity and power reliability for process manufacturing customers in all industries. The combination of these systems into one yields significant savings for customers in terms of costs and manpower. By integrating these systems on the common 800xA platform, customers optimise the design and performance of their electrical and automation systems and see additional benefits in reduced maintenance, engineering and overall lifecycle costs. In addition to overall operational advantages, the initial investment costs for an integrated system can be 20% less than the cost of two non-integrated systems. “By using System 800xA as the integration foundation for power management and automation, our customers can realise tremendous operational advantages in terms of engineering effort and costs, increased optimisation of all process and electrical assets, and streamlined maintenance, to name a few,” said Mats Pettersson, Product Manager System 800xA, ABB. “Integration of these systems provides our customers with continuous cost and manpower savings throughout their lifecycle; all of these benefits support the goal of sustainable manufacturing”.
www.abb.com
IPS to supply control technology to world’s first hydrogen power plant
Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, has announced that it has been selected by Enel to supply control and automation technology for the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled power plant, to be constructed in Fusina, near Venice in the Veneto region of Italy. Enel is Italy's largest power company with more than 50 million power and gas customers and a presence in 21 countries. The new facility, which places Enel and Italy at the forefront of technological innovation for environmentally compatible energy development, is part of the Environment and Innovation Project, which envisages investments of €7.4 billion by 2012. The €40 million plant will be built next to Enel’s existing coal-fired power station in Fusina and is being supported with €4 million from the local Veneto region, which is keen to establish a dedicated ‘hydrogen district’ in the area. “IPS is proud to be a partner in this historic, future-looking project. Our process and energy industry know-how, coupled with IPS technology and support services, allows us to help our clients deliver energy from renewable and environmentally friendly resources,” said Paulett Eberhart, President and Chief Executive Officer of IPS. “We are confident that our unique service offerings and technical expertise will help Enel provide long-term benefits to the people and environment of Italy”.
http://www.invensys.com
PetroSA appoints KBC as technology advisor for Coega oil refinery
PetroSA’s Project Mthombo recently reached another milestone with the appointment of respected United Kingdom-based KBC Process Technology Ltd as technical and commercial services advisor for the development. This follows the granting of a manufacturing license by the Department of Minerals and Energy to PetroSA to build the US$11 billion, 400,000bpd oil refinery at Coega in Port Elizabeth. The full range of services offered by KBC include project management, process engineering, maintenance, strategy studies, software, training and development. George Bright, KBC’s Chief Executive Officer, has welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to have been selected to support PetroSA and are fully committed to this very significant project, not only for PetroSA, South Africa and Southern Africa, but also for KBC,” he said. He added that KBC will leverage its worldwide knowledge and experience to bring world-class capability to all aspects of the refinery from design to operations.
www.kbcat.com
Hydrasun awarded top health and safety accolade
Hydrasun, the leading global provider of hoses, fittings and process control instrumentation solutions has been awarded BS OHSAS 18001:2007 certification for occupational health and safety (OHS) by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA). This achievement demonstrates Hydrasun’s commitment to implementing an effective occupational health and safety management system to help reduce OHS risks, promote a safe and healthy working environment and improve performance. BS OHSAS 18001:2007, which supersedes OHSAS 18001:1999 places a much greater emphasis on health, as well as safety. It also offers significantly improved compatibility with the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system standard, enabling organisations to easily integrate with other management systems, saving both time and money. Commenting on the achievement, Bob McAlpine, Chief Operating Officer at Hydrasun, said: “We are immensely proud of the team’s involvement and all their hard work throughout the rigorous audit process. Health and safety in the workplace is a top priority for Hydrasun and we are committed to implementing formal procedures that protect the well being of our personnel in their working environment. Hydrasun has an ambition to set the standard within the industry and we believe that external approvals are a key indicator of this progress. With offshore and industrial safety still a major area of concern, this prestigious certification recognises the continuing efforts of Hydrasun to set the highest health and safety standards across the industry”.
hydrasun.com
Foster Wheeler awarded coal-to-liquids feasibility study in China
Foster Wheeler Ltd has announced that its subsidiaries, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited and Foster Wheeler International Engineering & Consulting (Shanghai) Co Ltd, together with its consortium partner, Wuhuan Engineering Company, have been awarded contracts by Sasol Synfuels International (Proprietary) Limited (Sasol) and Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group Company Ltd (Shenhua) to perform a feasibility study for an 80,000 barrels per day coal-to-liquids plant in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the coal-rich western part of the People's Republic of China. Foster Wheeler will develop the technical definition, engineering, procurement and construction strategy and cost estimate and will provide input to the project's financial evaluation to support project approval by the Chinese government. The planned facility will convert coal into selected fuel products such as diesel, naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas by combining three principal processes: gasification of coal to synthesis gas, the conversion of synthesis gas into liquid fuels using Sasol's proprietary technology, and refining the converted products into valuable fuel products.
phx.corporate-ir.net
Sensornet enhances technical expertise with new appointments
Sensornet, the global provider of the most advanced monitoring solutions, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and VP Production and Technology as it continues to expand its international network. Dan Watley, a chartered engineer with a Masters and PhD from Cambridge University, has been appointed as CTO and will be responsible for establishing Sensornet's technical vision and leading all aspects of the company's technology development through research collaborations and strategic partnerships. He will also be responsible for the management and enforcement of intellectual property rights. He has authored 15 journal and conference papers and has filed seven patents to date. With over 15 years of experience in research and development of fibre optic systems, Peter Kean has been appointed as VP Production and Technology. He will be responsible for the execution of the company's technology development, bringing new products to market as well as production of the company's instruments and customer support management. Peter, who is a member of the IET (formerly IEE) and IOP, holds a PhD from St Andrews University and has worked within both university and industrial organizations. Sensornet CEO, Neale Carter, said: “The appointments of Dan and Peter will allow us to capitalise on our enviable expertise and buoyant sector conditions and will ensure the company stays at the cutting edge of innovation and product development. Both appointments are crucial to strengthening our global footprint and I am confident that both Dan and Peter will provide the necessary focus, leadership and ingenuity to ensure we remain industry leaders in advanced monitoring solutions across the globe”.
www.sensornet.co.uk
IPS wins contract to upgrade Taiwan Power Company's Kuosheng nuclear plant
Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, has announced that it has signed a US multi-million dollar deal with state-owned Taiwan Power Company (TPC) to provide critical upgrades to the Kuosheng nuclear power plant in northern Taiwan. Under the terms of the contract, IPS will replace and upgrade obsolete analog-based recirculation water control systems with digital systems, allowing Kuosheng NPP to better handle plant transients and significantly improve plant availability. IPS will also provide modifications to operational training simulators to ensure process consistency with the upgrades.
www.ips.invensys.com
Vulcan secures £5.5 million in offshore contracts
Forgemasters' subsidiary company, Vulcan SFM, has been awarded the contracts because of its status as the unique global provider of high strength cast joints. Originally developed to provide improved fatigue resistant, these items are also used to provide lifting components capable of allowing offshore structures weighing more than 10,000 tonnes to be lifted into place. More than £4.7m of the contracts are to provide structural lifting castings for the North Sea oil rigs of Valhall and Buzzard, enabling vast sections of each platform to be lifted into place and providing ongoing structural strength.
www.sheffieldforgemasters.com
ESR Technology strengthens aviation team
ESR Technology, one of the UK’s leading engineering, safety and risk management consultancies, has announced that David Lindley has joined its aviation team as a Principal Consultant. Working from the company’s Warrington headquarters, Mr Lindley will be responsible for the delivery of a range of safety and risk consultancy services to ESR Technology’s global client base. His extensive expertise and experience includes safety engineering design, independent safety audits, quantitative risk assessments, major hazards consequence analysis and safety case development and management.
www.esrtechnology.com
KCA DEUTAG wins multi-million dollar offshore and onshore contracts
KCA DEUTAG, the international drilling contractor, has been awarded more than US$142 million worth of contracts from clients in Pakistan, Germany and the Gulf of Mexico. Holger Temmen, Chief Executive of KCA DEUTAG, said: “The award of these contracts by three different clients underlines the high level of operational and safety performance we have achieved this year in our operations in these regions. It also reflects the strength of our relationship with our clients and their confidence in our ongoing commitment to improving performance and maintaining safety standards on the rigs”.
www.kcadeutag.com
KBC introduces new alternative fuels and feedstocks service
KBC Advanced Technology Plc (KBC) has announced the introduction of an Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks service (AFFS). In response to market demands, KBC now offers an Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks service. Several factors contribute to the quickly growing and complex market for AFFS including the high price of crude oil, challenges of crude supply, pressures to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions – both political and public, and the increased availability of “green fuels”.
www.kbcat.com
Weir Valves & Controls UK Ltd expands sales and marketing team
Weir Valves & Controls UK Ltd, part of Weir Power & Industrial, has announced the appointment of two industry experts to its growing sales and marketing team. Andy Connell, who has taken up the role of Sales Office Manager, will lead a team of internal sales engineers. Andy and his team will provide an important link between the sales team across the world, including agents, and internal departments. Also joining the sales and marketing team as Internal Sales Engineer is Dave Berry, who previously worked for Lucas Control Systems for 10 years and more recently NSF Controls. Dave will have an important office based role providing support to the global sales team.
www.weirvalve.com
Siemens to supply steam turbine generators to India
Siemens Energy has secured an order from India for the supply of four steam turbine generators. Purchaser is the Indian utility Vadinar Power Company Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Essar Oil Ltd. The steam turbines and generators will be installed in a cogeneration plant in Vadinar in Gujarat Province. The order is worth approximately EUR40 million. The scope of supply to Vadinar Power Company encompasses two steam turbines each rated at 105 megawatts, two 93MW steam turbines and four generators.
www.powergeneration.siemens.com
Belzona launches standard compliant composite wrap
Belzona Polymerics, the world leader in the design and manufacture of polymer repair composites and industrial protective coatings, has launched its new compliant composite pipe repair system, Belzona ‘SuperWrap’. Belzona SuperWrap is the first composite repair system from UK based company Belzona Polymerics to have been developed in compliance with international and technical standards ISO/TS 24817 and ASME PCC-2. An independent auditor from ESR Technology acting on behalf of the Association of Corrosion Repair Suppliers (ACoReS) confirmed that Belzona has met the requirements of these standards in full and the system is now being offered across the globe.
www.belzona.com
Competitive pricing and high specification lead to Trouvay & Cauvin win
UK based Trouvay & Cauvin has recently fulfilled contracts worth in excess of 5million Euros to supply over 2000 flow control and isolation valves for the utilities and power plant that serves the huge Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan. The bids were won at the end of a highly competitive and rigorous tendering process. Not only were price and delivery times very important but also an ability to meet very stringent criteria on fugitive emmissions. Trouvay & Cauvin spent a considerable amount of time and research with its specialist valve suppliers to enable these requirements to be met. As a result many of the the valves supplied as part of the contract were a special design.
www.tc-fluidcontrol.com
Aker Solutions delivers process systems to Brazil
Aker Solutions has been awarded a contract with Modec for the delivery of a topside seawater treatment and sulphate removal module for the Tupi Pilot project on the Brazilian Tupi field. The scope of work for Aker Solutions will cover engineering, procurement and construction of a complete topside module that will be delivered 4Q/2009. Modec International LLC will own and operate the lease vessel on behalf of Petrobras. "We are very pleased that Modec has awarded us a contract for the delivery of this type of topside equipment for the third time this year. This further emphasises our good relationship with Modec International LLC as a key client,” said Lars Aga, Vice President of Aker Process Systems AS.
www.akersolutions.com
|
