Automation for sustainable aviation fuel plant.

Automating Europe's first greenfield production facility to help Netherlands meet EU sustainable aviation fuel mandate.

Technip Energies have awarded a contarct to Emerson to provide automation technologies for the SkyNRG sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant – the first dedicated greenfield SAF production facility in Europe. Emerson’s DeltaV™ integrated control and safety system (ICSS) will help ensure safe, reliable start-up and long-term operational performance, while reducing project risk for this first-of-its-kind facility.

“Projects such as SkyNRG’s SAF facility represent the future of energy and sustainable fuels,” said Nathan Pettus, president of Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “With complex, first-of-a-kind plants, early engineering alignment and a fully integrated automation architecture are key to delivering predictable project outcomes and consistent operational performance over the long term.”

Currently under construction in Delfzijl, the new SAF facility will support the Netherlands’ efforts to meet the EU’s sustainable aviation fuel mandate. Once fully operational in 2028, the facility is expected to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually. The plant will convert residual fats and greases into a sustainable ‘drop-in’ fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel without requiring modifications to aircraft or fuelling infrastructure. The project will also support compliance with the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which requires all jet fuel supplied at EU airports to contain a minimum of 2% SAF from 2025, rising to 70% by 2050.

“Developing Europe’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel facility is a major step in scaling SAF production and supporting aviation decarbonisation,” said Bart Rosendaal, site director of DSL-01 at SkyNRG. “Working with experienced partners like Technip Energies and Emerson helps ensure we can deliver a safe, reliable and future-ready plant from day one.”

As a greenfield facility, the plant will be born digital, with advanced automation technologies implemented from the outset to ensure efficient, reliable and safe operations. The ICSS will include Emerson’s DeltaV Distributed Control System and DeltaV Safety Instrumented System, providing process control, safety shutdown, and fire and gas detection. Emerson’s AMS Device Manager plant asset management software will support efficient commissioning and ongoing maintenance by delivering device data, health insights and advanced diagnostics from intelligent field devices.

These systems will manage all process units, including the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids process to produce SAF, an advanced feedstock pre-treatment unit and an on-site hydrogen plant based on Technip Energies’ proprietary high-efficiency steam methane reforming technology. Together, they will provide real-time visibility and stable, consistent operation of the facility, helping to improve reliability and optimise throughput.

Emerson will deliver end-to-end project services, applying modern project management strategies and digital technologies to reduce engineering complexity and optimise operations. Seamless integration of the ICSS with a broad range of modular production units will help simplify commissioning, while DeltaV Electronic Marshalling with distributed CHARMs reduces field wiring infrastructure costs and provides the flexibility to accommodate late-stage design changes.

“Projects such as SkyNRG’s SAF facility represent the future of energy and sustainable fuels,” said Nathan Pettus, president of Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “With complex, first-of-a-kind plants, early engineering alignment and a fully integrated automation architecture are key to delivering predictable project outcomes and consistent operational performance over the long term.”

---

@EMR_Automation @EmersonExchange@Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Netherlands

Modular assembly for flushing and bleeding applications.

The TESCOMTM AGI BR Series Flushing Ring from Emerson is a a comprehensive packaged solution for flushing and bleeding applications in petroleum refineries, biofuel refineries and petrochemical facilities. By providing a complete, modular valve assembly with a single part number, the AGI BR Series flushing ring streamlines ordering and allows for easy reordering with customer specific test requirements. Both traditional BRS “sandwich” and BRW “wafer” style rings are available, as well as the BR7 “integrated bonnet” design, which includes the bleed/flushing functions in the flange ring itself.

For distillation towers, hydrotreaters and more.

Most flushing ring products are sold as separate components and assembled in the field. This often involves on-site welding and non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements such as pressure testing, Positive Material Identification (PMI), dye-penetrant and radiography. In comparison, the AGI flushing ring includes valve assembly, welding, painting and testing in one comprehensive, compact package.

“Ordering and installing flushing ring products as separate components is overly burdensome and often results in additional costs and long lead times for product delivery,” said Md Wasfi, product marketing manager at Emerson. “What’s more, the entire process must be repeated when reordering. With the new TESCOM AGI flushing ring, customers can order a complete, modular valve assembly under one SKU, simplifying the process as well as reducing on-site installation costs.”

The AGI flushing ring meets piping and instrument class requirements according to the ASME B16.34 standard and is ideal for installation in processes requiring flushing of residue in front of diaphragm seals such as distillation towers, hydrotreaters, coking towers, reactors and separators. The one-piece forged design reduces leak paths and helps minimize emissions compared to conventional products. Fugitive emissions bonnets and ball valves that follow ISO 15848-1 & 2 are also available.

With the flexibility to meet each application, the TESCOM AGI flushing ring features flanged connections that are available in a range of sizes from 1 to 6 inches, pressure class ratings from 150# ANSI to 2,500# ANSI, and temperature range options from -3,143 to 1,000 degrees F (-192 to 538 degrees C). Additionally, Emerson can provide custom variations and NDE testing to meet specific project requirements.

---

@EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @EmersonExchange  #Pauto

Petrol supply chain planning.

Yokogawa has announced that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Chevron to resell PETRO, Chevron’s proprietary petroleum supply chain planning software. The application supports decision-making regarding feedstock selection, operations parameters, and product mix optimisation, as well as future scenario analysis, at a multi-plant level. Yokogawa’s wholly-owned subsidiary, KBC, will manage the PETRO business with Chevron.

KBC is making the PETRO planning application available as part of its supply chain optimisation portfolio. It is anticipated that this combination of the simulation, planning and scheduling technologies will enable oil refiners and petrochemical producers to take a rigorous, holistic approach to managing their process operations – from feedstock receipt through processing and blending to quality control and outbound logistics as well as utilities and environmental aspects.

PETRO has over 30 years’ development history at Chevron, and has been implemented throughout the company’s global operations for key operational decision-making. “We attribute over $40 million per year in benefits from our use of PETRO in a typical refinery,” explains Walt Szopiak, vice president of Downstream Technology & Services at Chevron Energy Technology Company. “This agreement with Yokogawa is consistent with our on-going commitment to further evolve and refine this vital application.”

Recognising that customer issues are requiring more complex, customised, organisation-wide solutions, in 2017 Yokogawa introduced its industrial automation business concept, Synaptic Business Automation, which creates sustainable value by connecting everything within customers’ organisations. Supply chain optimisation is one key area where Yokogawa is integrating its business and domain knowledge with digital automation technologies, and co-innovating with customers to drive their business process transformation.

Satoru Kurosu, Yokogawa’s executive vice president and head of the Premium Solutions and Service Business Headquarters comments, “As a main automation contractor, Yokogawa has had a trusting and mutually beneficial relationship with Chevron over many years. We are proud to announce this agreement today because this major addition to the KBC portfolio will now enable customers in the energy and chemical industries to take advantage of sophisticated, end-to-end supply chain optimisation solutions.”

PETRO is available for re-sale from KBC immediately; interested parties should contact KBC directly or channel enquiries through local Yokogawa offices.

• See also Flow Assurance for oil & gas production.

@YokogawaIA  @kbc_at #Pauto #Oil

Petrochemical industry embraces new testing event!

The inaugural PEFTEC event took place in Antwerp (B) in mid-November 2015, and reported feedback from conference speakers, exhibitors and delegates has been extremely positive.

PEFTEC 2015 was created to provide the petrochemical industry with an opportunity to discover the latest information on testing and monitoring, in the laboratory, in the field and on-site. A packed conference programme ran over both days and over 80 seminars took place in 8 seminar rooms that were located within the exhibition hall.

In response to demand, the organisers had to increase the floor space of the Exhibition. However, the majority of the booths were small and informative rather than promotional. Nevertheless, there were over 120 international laboratory and process monitoring equipment suppliers and analytical service providers on show, representing more than 220 organisations worldwide. As part of the PEFTEC Technical Programme, there were also 40 poster presentations – all of which were located within the exhibition hall. PEFTEC therefore represented a truly unique opportunity to see the entire market sector under one roof at the same time. Dr Oliver Sauer from Grabner Instruments agreed: “The show was a great place for networking with other suppliers in the market, with partners and customers – a sort of family reunion.”

Summarising her thoughts on the event, Elizabeth Wilkinson from Lovibond Tintometer said: “The inaugural PEFTEC event proved to be extremely successful – bringing in a great many industry experts throughout the supply chain. The organisers must be complimented on such a successful event for its first year and we certainly look forward to joining them again in 2017.”

Prof. Ralf Zimmermann, one of the Conference speakers added: “I found the meeting interesting; the scientific programme was very well organised and the show was focused, which made it very efficient, so it's a very worthwhile event to visit. Also the location was well chosen and I recommend that the event should continue in the same format.”

As PEFTEC organiser, Marcus Pattison was obviously delighted with the success of the event and with the highly positive feedback that it generated. “These are challenging times for the oil and gas sector, so it was very encouraging that PEFTEC 2015 was such a success, and we are greatly looking forward to PEFTEC 2017 which will take place 29th to 30th November, again in Antwerp."

Event for petroleum & environment!

PEFTEC 2015, the international petroleum, refining and environmental event (Antwerp 18th-19th November), is set to become a major date in the diaries of anyone involved in the testing, analysis and monitoring of downstream oil products and petrochemicals.

PEFTEC organiser Marcus Pattison says: “The response to our Call for Papers has been overwhelming and the Exhibition is rapidly filling with this sector’s major instrumentation and laboratory equipment manufacturers, so we are looking forward to an extremely busy show.”

PEFTEC 2015 is a new Conference and Exhibition created specifically for chemists, scientists, laboratory staff, academics, researchers, process engineers and environmental managers working in petrochemicals and in refineries. Taking place at the Antwerp Expo, PEFTEC will be situated at the centre of one the world’s largest cluster of petrochemical companies.

Petroleum, Refining & Environmental Monitoring Technologies - Exhibition/Conf for Belgium!

PEFTEC 2015 (the petroleum, refining and environmental technologies conference and exhibition) has announced a partnership with the Port of Antwerp. PEFTEC organiser Marcus Pattison says:

Port of Antwerp (B)

“This is a major announcement because the Port of Antwerp is the leading European integrated maritime and logistics hub and the second largest seaport in Europe. As such, the port is situated at the heart of Europe’s industrial community, so the support of the Port of Antwerp is a major boost for the show, providing visitors and exhibitors with confidence that PEFTEC 2015 will be an essential date in the diaries of anyone involved with monitoring, sampling and analysis in the petrochemical field.”

Taking place on the 18th and 19th November 2015, at the Antwerp Expo centre, PEFTEC will be situated at the centre of the world’s largest cluster of petrochemical companies outside of the USA. The world’s 10 largest chemical producers are present in Antwerp, either with their supply chain or with a production unit, so the area is a magnet for world trade. Companies with major facilities in the Port of Antwerp include BASF, Air Liquide, Monsanto, Bayer and 3M, and both Total and ExxonMobil have refineries in the port.

PEFTEC 2015 is a new Conference and Exhibition created specifically for organisations involved in testing and monitoring in the Petrochemical and Refining sectors, covering applications such as process monitoring, quality control and environmental monitoring. As a partner with PEFTEC 2015, the Port of Antwerp will help publicise the show locally and provide speakers for the main conference.

• See details of the event’s Conference and Seminar Programme (Announced August 2015).

US-Indian co-operation to serve petro and chemical sectors

Applied Analytics and Vortex proudly announce the formation of Applied Analytics (India) Private Limited. With Vortex's prominent engineering and distribution capabilities and Applied Analytics, Inc. advanced technologies and manufacturing know-how, Applied Analytics (India) Private Limited will provide top notch sales, service and support for its ever-growing international clientele base.

"We are delighted to expand our team into India and the surrounding regions", states Dr. Yoav Barshad, President of Applied Analytics, Inc. "Such an expansion will allow us to provide exceptional products and services for those petro and chemical industries requiring technologically advanced process instrumentation in a more quick and efficient manner".

"Applied Analytics (India) Private Limited offers a team of individuals that have been serving the Indian Industry for over two decades in such fields as Gas and Water Analysis, Moisture and Flow Measurements, and Vacuum Instrumentation for field testing", says Kashyap Mehta, Managing Director of Vortex- India. "Using our unique capabilities to build tailor made quality sampling systems to suit most demanding needs for advance automation and analysis, while maintaining our core values of high ethical standards and ultimate customer satisfaction, will certainly create a recipe for success".