Ian Melin-Jones

Ian Melin-Jones

Weir Minerals Europe, a leading operator and a global manufacturer of equipment for the mining and mineral processing industries, has partnered with GridBeyond, the provider of intelligent energy technology and flexibility solutions. The foundry has been using GridBeyond’s platform, Point, to enter the Frequency Response and Capacity Markets to support National Grid with grid balancing and decarbonisation of the energy network.

Since December 2020, Weir Minerals foundry has been able to monetise 1 MW of its estimated energy flexibility by participating in the fast-acting Dynamic Firm Frequency Response (DFFR) scheme run by National Grid. The service uses the inherent energy flexibility of four induction furnaces operated by Weir Minerals at its site in Todmorden, West Yorkshire (UK), to support grid balancing and integration of renewable energy into the electricity network.

The company is scheduled to participate in this year’s Capacity Market auctions, a scheme that ensures there is enough flexibility in the energy network to respond to significant imbalances of supply and demand, thereby preventing potential blackouts. Participation in both services will provide Weir Minerals with a tangible annual saving.  All of this is achieved without impacting the production processes or capital expenditure budget.

GridBeyond also helps Weir Minerals generate savings by automating its response to Triads, which are three half-hour periods between November and February with the highest energy demand and peak charges for consumers. By decreasing energy consumption during these times, the company can optimise its operations and increase savings without negatively impacting production.

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The collaboration reflects Weir Minerals’ commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, support sustainability and enable the transition towards a net-zero economy by applying the most advanced energy technologies.

Lee Jenkins, Director of Operations at Weir Minerals Europe, commented:

“This process is extremely valuable for Weir Minerals Europe, providing us with the necessary alerts and diagnostics to help us reduce our energy consumption and our overall energy spend.  We are confident we will start to see cost benefits Q2, 2021. 

“GridBeyond have been instrumental in managing this service for us remotely. We have a strong partnership with them which is built on confidence and trust, they have been fantastic to work with.”

Mark Davis, Managing Director UK & Ireland at GridBeyond, commented:

“With an impressive 150 years of history and heritage, Weir Minerals is an example of a forward-thinking business with a modern energy management strategy that makes the most of the opportunities presented by the energy markets, whilst simultaneously supporting the net-zero transition.

“For over a decade, GridBeyond has worked with dozens of metal-casting businesses across multiple regional markets. Assets commonly used by foundries such as arc furnaces, induction furnaces and fans provide, on average, significant levels of energy flexibility. Many sites also use battery storage and on-site generation. This makes them ideally positioned to participate in energy services and benefit from new revenue streams, increased savings and enhanced operational resilience.”

About GridBeyond

Transform energy into opportunity. GridBeyond is a global leader in intelligent energy technology for industrial, commercial, institutional and utility partners. Energy users are provided the ability to manage and control demand response participation, energy performance, markets and costs via the multi-award-winning AI Point platform.

By stacking various market opportunities and programmes, GridBeyond delivers demand response revenues, enhanced savings, strengthened operations and sustainability to over 400 I&C sites worldwide, including some of the planet’s best-loved brands. Furthermore, networks and utilities are empowered to optimise electricity supply and provide value-add opportunities to their customers.

By connecting grid operators, operational load, distributed generation, storage, EV charging and utilities to integrated energy services, GridBeyond’s vision is to build a shared energy economy that delivers sustainability, resilience, affordability and adaptability through collaboration and innovation.

GridBeyond was founded in 2007 and is home to the world’s first hybrid battery and demand network. A powerful combination of technological excellence, consultative approach and unrivalled expertise means that GridBeyond partners and clients have future-proof access to energy services.

Supporting Function Development in Centralized Architectures with Enhanced Connectivity

In the development of self-driving and electrically- powered cars, the connectivity requirements for in-vehicle prototyping systems are constantly growing. This is why dSPACE offers its MicroAutoBox III in-vehicle prototyping system with a high number of channels and an extended range of bus and network interfaces.  With the addition of the new DS1521 I/O board variant, the system is particularly suitable for communication-intensive developments that take into account the centralization of the E/E architecture, among other things.

dSPACE offers its MicroAutoBox III in-vehicle prototyping system with a high number of channels and an extended range of bus and network interfaces.dSPACE offers its MicroAutoBox III in-vehicle prototyping system with a high number of channels and an extended range of bus and network interfaces.

Typical applications for the MicroAutoBox III with the new DS1521 Bus and Network Board include intelligent gateways, running supervisory controllers to control other ECUs in real time via buses and networks, and designing central control units with service-based Ethernet communication. To ideally address these applications, the DS1521 Bus and Network Board provides eight CAN FD channels, three automotive Ethernet ports (100/1000BASE-T1), two FlexRay connectors (A/B), three LIN channels, and additional UART, digital, and analog interfaces. For particularly communication-intensive applications, the MicroAutoBox III can also be equipped with two DS1521 boards, which results in doubling the number of the above-mentioned interfaces. A combination with other MicroAutoBox I/O boards is also possible.

The system is configured using the ConfigurationDesk implementation software, including the integrated Bus Manager. This allows for configuring the bus communication on the basis of the latest standards and protocols, such as AUTOSAR (ARXML), FIBEX, DBC, or LDF. For integration into an existing vehicle electrical system, current AUTOSAR features such as secure onboard communication (SecOC), end-to-end protection, and global time synchronization (GTS) are also supported on all relevant bus systems, including service-based Ethernet communication (SOME-IP).

A comprehensive extension framework is available for project-specific adaptations which can be integrated and implemented by dSPACE.

About dSPACE

dSPACE is an internationally leading provider of simulation and test solutions for developing networked, autonomous, and electrically powered vehicles. Particularly automotive manufacturers and their suppliers use the company's end-to-end solution range to test the software and hardware components of their new vehicles long before a new model is allowed on the road. dSPACE is not only a sought-after development partner in vehicle development. Engineers also rely on our dSPACE know-how in aerospace and industrial automation. Our portfolio ranges from end-to-end solutions for simulation and validation to engineering and consulting services as well as training and support. With approximately 1,800 employees worldwide, dSPACE is headquartered in Paderborn, Germany; has three project centers in Germany; and serves customers through regional dSPACE companies in the USA, the UK, France, Japan, China, and Croatia.

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Norfolk Southern Corporation has ordered five Konecranes hybrid RTGs. Two will go to the Landers Yard intermodal terminal in Chicago, and three will go to the Inman Yard intermodal terminal in Atlanta. This order was booked in December 2020, and the cranes will be delivered in December 2021.

The five RTGs on order will work intermodal rail tracks eco-efficiently thanks to their hybrid drives. Hybrid Konecranes RTGs are becoming popular in the US; a number of major US container terminals are operating them with a high degree of satisfaction.

The two RTGs going to the Landers Yard will stack containers 1-over-3, working over two rails plus one truck lane. The three RTGs going to the Inman Yard will stack containers 1-over-3, working over one rail and two truck lanes.

Hybrid Konecranes RTGs are operated with electrical power from the battery and diesel generator. During normal use, power is drawn exclusively from the battery. During peak use, power is drawn from the battery and diesel generator in parallel. Energy from braking is saved and used to recharge the battery. All five hybrid RTGs will be equipped with Konecranes’ Auto-Steering smart feature, which keeps the RTG on a pre-programmed, straight path, easing the work of the operator.

This contract is part of Ecolifting, Konecranes’ vision to minimize the footprint and improve the handprint of equipment for container terminals. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

Norfolk Southern has a history that spans nearly two centuries to the earliest days of American railroading. It has been a Konecranes customer since 2020.

 Further information: 
Alan Garcia, Sales Manager, Region Americas, Konecranes Port Solutions
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: +1 (813) 240-4103

Further information for investors and analysts:
Kiira Fröberg, Vice President, Investor Relations, Konecranes
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: +358 20 427 2050

Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment of all makes. In 2020, Group sales totaled EUR 3.2 billion. The Group has around 16,900 employees in 50 countries. Konecranes shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki (symbol: KCR).

Monday, 25 January 2021 12:06

Standing tall

Expert knowledge can improve vertical pump efficiency and reliability

Used throughout the water, petrochemical and power generation sectors to move large volumes of water, vertical suspended pumps are essential assets. By optimizing performance and efficiency in these important pumps, both operating and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.

Jason Simcoe, Regional Sales Manager and Seth Tate, Technical Advisor for Sulzer, looks at how various aspects of vertical pump performance can be improved.

Water is a vital resource that is used in industry for cooling processes and other non-API (American Petroleum Institute) applications. At the same time, the need to move water between two points for drainage or flood control, often sees vertical pumps being used because of the reliability of their design.

A vertical pump’s design offers reliability provided timely maintenance is carried out A vertical pump’s design offers reliability provided timely maintenance is carried out

Matching performance

The vertical suspended pump can be overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance. The reliability of their design means that they rarely suffer from situations that attract attention. However, over time there is an expected gradual decline in efficiency as various components wear, which can be exacerbated if proper maintenance is not carried out.

Maintaining hydraulic alignment to the application is very important to the reliability and performance of the pump. Operating within a tolerance band either side of the best efficiency point (BEP) for the pump increases the resistance to failure. Moving away from this region can lead to increased vibration, reduced bearing life, reduced mechanical seal life, increased random failures and a reduction in overall pump life.

For example, the operator of a power station was running three vertical cooling water pumps, originally designed as duty, standby and backup. Due to a lack of routine maintenance, the performance of the pumps changed to a point where all three were required to keep up with cooling demand. Sulzer was contracted to retrofit one of the pumps and after it was reinstalled, it was able to handle normal cooling demand on its own, leaving the other two on standby.

Changing requirements

A common situation that is encountered is one where a pump has been in service for many years but during that time the application profile has changed. For example, the flow rate has been reduced, often by using a control valve downstream of the pump. This means that the pump could be operating at less than 50% of its design flow rate, which increases operating costs and affects the service life of the control valve. To compound the situation, any loss in pump performance will go unnoticed; the operator will likely open the control valve slightly to compensate.

The solution is to adjust the hydraulic profile of the pump so that it is better matched to the revised application. This allows the control valve to be used for its intended purpose, rather than as a restrictor, and the pump is able to work close to its BEP. However, making a single change, such as trimming an impeller may achieve one desired outcome but at the same time it could present other challenges, so it needs to be carefully analyzed.

When considering such changes in design, it is important to consult with a pump original equipment manufacturer (OEM) such as Sulzer, or similar expert that can apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis if necessary. This will highlight any other changes that may be necessary to ensure efficient and reliable operation. For example, reducing flow through a bypass valve may also reduce the efficiency of the pump, which is not a desired outcome; the design alteration needs to consider all aspects of pump operation for the project to be considered as a success.

Ensuring minimum flow

Another common issue that is encountered centers around the system for maintaining minimum flow rates at the pump inlet. Recycle valves are used to ensure the minimum continuous stable flow (MCSF) is achieved to protect the pump from low flow damage, but all the water that flows through these valves amounts to wasted energy. To compound this issue, these systems are often set up incorrectly and over time this relatively small issue can have significant consequences, such as cavitation damage to the impellers.

Operators may replace a recycle valve but not have the knowledge or understanding to ensure it is correctly installed and set up. From that point, the pump that is supposed to be protected, can suffer accelerated wear.

Re-engineered parts offer improvements in performance and reliabilityRe-engineered parts offer improvements in performance and reliability

New parts

Clearly, after many years in service, pump components will wear and eventually need to be replaced. At this point it is important to understand the difference between replicated and re-engineered parts as well as how the advances in materials, design analysis and manufacturing processes have enabled new parts to deliver increased performance and reliability.

Merely replicating an existing part can lead to reduced efficiency, early bearing and seal failures, as well as increased vibration. These issues can arise because a lack of design engineering means as-new dimensions are not achieved, the surface finish is below standard and clearances are sub-optimal.

By using the original part as a starting point and applying current engineering standards to enhance the design, it is possible to create a new part that has the best hydraulic profile for the application. Minor alterations can also enable improved bearing and seal designs to be incorporated as part of the project, extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Bearings

Vertical suspended pumps by their design rely on good bearing design for continued performance. As such, the options in terms of materials and lubrication systems should be fully understood to ensure the most appropriate system is installed. By matching the bearing design to the application, the service life of a pump can be extended and maintenance costs kept to a minimum.

In many cases, the wear in the bearing system determines the maintenance program for the pump, so the choices that are made at this point can have significant consequences for the future. Taking advantage of composite materials can help to protect against dry running, as well as offering improved anti galling properties and corrosion resistance.

Each application has an optimal bearing design including the lubrication technology that is employed. Some situations are better suited to bearing tube enclosures, while others perform better using product lubricated bearings. It is important to understand the benefits of each system and to work with a pump design expert that can provide advice on the most appropriate system.

Sealing systems

When dealing with bearings, it is essential that the sealing system is also considered. While packing has been the predominant design in the past, it still very much has its place in modern sealing systems. Correctly maintained, it complements the bearings providing additional support and helping to dampen vibration.

At the same time, mechanical seals also have their place, depending on the application, and innovations, such as Sulzer’s Liqui-Seal™, can offer significant benefits, especially for water cooling pumps.

Conclusions

Having completed a maintenance project, correct reinstallation of the pump is vital for continued reliability. Proper alignment of a vertical pump is one of the most important aspects of any maintenance procedure. This applies to the soleplate as well as the intermediate bearings. Assembly and installation procedures must be completed with the utmost diligence, otherwise the slightest deviation will be compounded along the length of the pump and could result in a significantly shortened service life.

Operators of these pumps should take advantage of the knowledge and expertise available from OEMs such as Sulzer, which has a worldwide network of engineering centers and field service personnel. By working together, these pumps can be updated with modern materials where necessary and optimized for their current applications.

About Sulzer

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and application technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class production facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2019, our 16’500 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.7 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN).

Throughout the Americas, Sulzer provides cutting-edge parts as well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, compressors, motors and generators. We service our own original equipment as well as third-party rotating equipment operated by our customers. Our technology-based solutions maximize reliability and lifecycle cost effectiveness.

For more information on Sulzer, visit www.sulzer.com

After comprehensive two-year service and maintenance contracts were signed last year between Voith Hydro and the plant owner Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), the modernization is now further enhanced with the installation of state-of-the-art digital solutions.

The service and maintenance contracts, executed at the “G20 Investment Summit,” already include the optimization of the maintenance systems and support of the day-to-day operations. The activities are being implemented exclusively by Ethiopian Voith experts on site.

With the now signed contract, this is complimented by additional services, spare parts and software solutions including OnCare.Asset and OnCall.Video. These solutions will enable the operators of Gilgel Gibe II to carry out more efficient maintenance planning.

The intelligent applications can be used for maintenance planning and execution as well as reporting and spare parts management. With OnCare.Asset, maintenance and operating costs can be significantly reduced while ensuring high system availability. The digital service portfolio will include OnCall.Video, where Voith experts are available independent of time and place. In addition, Voith Hydro will offer spare parts and employee training to facilitate knowledge transfer and make the improvements sustainable.

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“This contract further enhances the relationship between Voith Hydro and Ethiopian Electric Power and demonstrates the benefits digital solutions can bring, tailor made for Africa,” explains Mark Claessen, Regional Market Director of Voith Hydro.

Using hydropower for sustainable development in Africa
The Ethiopian hydropower plant is located 300 km southwest of the capital Addis Ababa. Voith already supplied four Pelton turbines, generators and the electrical and mechanical equipment for Gilgel Gibe II in 2010.

For Ethiopia as well as other countries in Africa, stable and sustainable power generation is of enormous importance as an essential basis for positive eco- and socio-cultural development. To encourage this, Voith has been active in Africa for over 80 years. With 45,000 megawatts, Ethiopia has one of the largest hydropower potentials in Africa. With the help of Voith technology for hydropower, a total of 900,000 households in Ethiopia are supplied with sustainable and clean electricity.

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 20,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.

The Danish company DIN Forsyning and KPA Unicon have signed a contract for the turnkey delivery of a district heating plant in Esbjerg, Denmark. The combined capacity of the Unicon Renefluid bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) and the Unicon Condenser flue gas scrubber will be 60 MW. The boiler plant will produce heat for the local district heating network for nearly 100 000 inhabitants and will use wood chips as fuel. The plant will start its operation in January 2023.

The boiler plant will be located in the port area of Esbjerg. The plant delivered by KPA Unicon is a significant part of a bigger plan, where three de-centralized heat production units are planned to be constructed to the same site for the purpose of replacing the existing coal-fired power plant. DIN Forsyning’s strategic goal is to utilize only fossil free fuels by year 2030 and Unicon Renefluid boiler plant is an important step to reach the set target.

”The local Combined Heat and Power station (CHP) is to be shut down in April 2023 and DIN Forsyning is obliged to find an environmentally sustainable replacement for up to 350 MW of district heating, we received from the CHP. We are pleased to have signed the contract for the boiler plant from KPA Unicon. We will use their expertise in this important process of replacing coal with a greener alternative,” says Kenneth Jørgensen, Leading Project Director in DIN Forsyning.

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“It is great that we will deliver our first plant to Denmarks and thus be involved in taking the country towards a carbon-neutral future. The plant will be the best available technology in terms of efficiency, emissions and availability. The long service agreement is also very well in line with our development in the Scandinavian market area,” says Ada Herranen, Project Development Manager, KPA Unicon.

The delivery is extensive, including the Unicon Renefluid boiler with its main equipment, water treatment plant, fuel and ash handling equipment. The supplied Unicon Condenser flue gas scrubber enables high plant efficiency. The customer emphasizes the importance of zero discharge of wastewater and the plant will be designed to fulfill the request. Local emissions from the plant, such as dust, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, are very low thanks to the supplied bag filter and SCR equipment.

Stable and secure remote operation of the plant is enabled on KPA Unicon's PlantSys digital service platform. In addition, a five-year maintenance agreement has been signed with the customer, which covers 24/7 technical support and annual maintenance of the plant. The customer will be responsible for the plant building and the fuel storage.

DIN Forsyning
DIN Forsyning is a multi-utility company within the markets of water supply, wastewater purification, district heating, household waste and recycling.
The company has 230 employees, is owned by the municipality of Esbjerg and Varde and the head office is based in the town of Esbjerg in Denmark.
Every year DIN Forsyning produce and distribute about 8.6 million liters of drinking water, transport and treat 23 million m3 wastewater, handle 45,000 tons of waste and supply approximately 1000 MWh district heating from waste incineration and CHP to our customers in the municipalities of Varde and Esbjerg. https://fremtidensfjernvarme.dk/

KPA Unicon
KPA Unicon is a Finnish family-owned company, which has been a strong advocate of clean, renewable energy since 1990. KPA Unicon creates and implements clean energy solutions around the world. It renews existing production systems with technologies utilizing renewable energy sources and equips energy producers with innovative digital tools. The company aims to lead the debate on clean energy, and to take initiatives that produce value to its partners. The company's headquarter is in Pieksämäki, Finland and it employs approximately 230 energy professionals in eight different countries.
www.kpaunicon.com

SINN Power‘s Ocean Hybrid Platform (OHP) is now available for project developers around the world. The world’s first modular, multi-functional maritime structure comes with a high degree of customization: size, buoyancy, layout and a variety of renewable energy sources can be adapted with regards to project‘s specific demands. Combining different energy sources and LFP storage solutions is made possible by SINN Power‘s ModTroniX (MTX), the world‘s first product family of electric machines, power electronics and storage solutions with IP68 rating.

2021 01 25 112652SINN Power‘s demonstration project of the OHP was deployed in proximity to the port of Heraklion (Greece), where SINN Power operates its R&D facility. The modular platform is currently equipped with 192 PV modules (72 cells) rated at 390Wp each, provided by project partner Schmid Pekintas (Turkey), and will be complemented with 4 Huracan wind turbines (10kWp each) by LuvSide (Germany), followed by 4 SINN Power wave energy converters (WEC). Despite numerous challenges due to the COVID pandemic, the team managed to complete the installations within a time frame of 1 month and is looking to further accelerate the installation process for future deployments. The structural integrity of the platform in the maritime environment has been tested at the breakwater wall since 2015 and SINN Power‘s ModTroniX, a product family of IP68 rated power electronics, will ensure the longevity and financial success of OHP projects around the world.

Strong partners, industry experts and a clear mission.

Dr.-Ing. Philipp Sinn (CEO, Founder): “The entire team has done a phenomenal job in the past years and I am proud that our technologies are now finding their way into the market. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated members of our team in Gauting and at our R&D facility in Heraklion (GRE). Developing a disruptive, innovative technology not only requires a motivated and dedicated team, but courageous and visionary partners - I would like to express my gratitude to the BMWi & PTJ (German Federal Government), besides others the TUM and MUAS, my mentor Dr. Lotahr Stein, all the investors: SICK AG, Roell Partners, Michael Kuri, Dorothea Sick-Thies (Save the Planet) and specially SINN Power’s lead investor Umut Ertan from Schweizer Kapital for their continuous support and trust.”

Modularity along all components ensure financial competitiveness.

By following a modular design approach, SINN Power has managed to address and solve numerous challenges with regards to logistics, installation and operations, all of which impact the financial performance significantly. All components of the OHP are easy to ship preferably in standard 40’ containers, making it possible to deploy projects all around the world. Due to these dimensions, the required infrastructure and tools to install the OHP are reduced to light tools. All components come pre-fabricated and the on-site installation is limited to plug&play tasks. Additionally, SINN Power emphasized on enabling hot-swapping for all components, which enables repairs and replacement of components without shutting down the entire OHP. A crucial advantage of SINN Power‘s modular approach is its impact on the financial performance - economies of scale reduce the cost thanks to the mass-production of the repeating components. Depending on the size and RE-layout, SINN Power envisages CAPEX for the structure starting at €0.09/Wp.

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The perfect layout for every climate - each project can be optimized.

The combination of different renewable energy sources on the OHP enables an undisputed energy density and furthermore allows to optimize every project individually, based on the local climate and resources accordingly. Leveraging a sophisticated database, SINN Power has developed an input-based project configuration tool that provides complete project layouts within a couple of clicks. By providing coordinates the configuration tool simulates the best composition of the renewable energy sources, whilst providing BOMs, electrical schematics and financial models. The required time to simulate, develop and calculate renewable energy projects is drastically reduced and SINN Power can deliver turn-key solutions to customers. SINN Power‘s OHP can be used to replace Diesel generators on remote islands or to complement large offshore wind parks around the world. The smallest possible unit is 24m x 24m with an installed power of 80kWp and the largest standard OHP is 120m x 120m and in its maximum layout accumulates to an installed power of 5MWp.

Designed for the ocean - but not only.

The OHP was specifically designed for deployment in the maritime environment, however based on the core principle, SINN Power offers two variants of the platform for deployment in waters with little to no swell. Due to their design, these platforms are currently only suitable for PV installations.

ModTroniX - the hidden champion and key enabler.

During SINN Power‘s development of the OHP it quickly became clear, that there are no power electronics solutions which can survive in the harsh maritime environment. Additionally, SINN Power had to develop an electric solution that would allow to connect different producers and consumers in a stable and smart network. The result is ModTroniX (MTX), a product family of electric machines, power electronics and storage solutions with an IP68 rating, which are designed to form smart grids in MW dimensions. Following SINN Power‘s modular design philosophy, all ModTroniX components can be connected by a plug&play principle, thus enabling variations in capacity and functionality.

Monday, 25 January 2021 11:22

Optimised turbidity sensor

As a result of the optimisations carried out and extensive series of tests, the tried and tested EXspect 271 turbidity sensor can now be approved for an extended pressure range.

2021 01 25 112052The NIR backscatter sensor EXspect 271 from EXNER is not only characterised by its economic use, but also by its compact and at the same time robust design. It is mainly used in the food and beverage industry as well as in many other applications where it is necessary to determine turbidity in medium and high measuring ranges. Cleaning and sterilization using CIP and SIP processes are of course possible. Another advantage of the sensor is the spherical design of the measuring optics. This minimizes the adhesion of air bubbles and the formation of deposits.

The compact sensor EXspect 271 has not only successfully completed extensive test series, but has also established itself in practical use. Thanks to the optimisations that have now been carried out, it is possible to use the sensor not only in applications with a process pressure of up to 20 bar (290 psi), but also in vacuum applications.

Exner Process Equipment GmbH

EXNER Process Equipment GmbH, based in Ettlingen, is in the middle of the Karlsruhe technology region. The medium-sized company has operated as an international provider of high-quality process holders for pH measurement and optical sensors for the determination of cell growth and turbidity for over 15 years. The owner-run company is characterised in particular by its accurate and long-lasting products, its agile and flexible way of doing things, and customer-specific solutions. The products developed and produced by the ISO9000-certified business offer the highest degree of variability and can therefore be configured to meet almost any requirement. Customers from the chemical industry, in the bio and food technology sectors, and the pharmaceutical industry all benefit from their consulting and support services, as well as their innovative research and development division. Thanks to the combination of their expertise gained over many years and the use of new technologies, their products are being continuously developed and optimised for each area of application. So, the processes become safer, more efficient, and more accurate. In addition, EXNER products are being supplied by distribution partners and OEM customers all over the world.

For further information, please visit: www.e-p-e.com

The large offshore South African gas discoveries of late represent the potential for vast change in the country, however, as yet there is no clear route to commercialisation for the partners, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Conor Ward, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The discoveries of Brulpadda and Luiperd offer South Africa the chance to develop significant gas resources and reduce its reliance upon imports. However, Sasol, a state-owned oil and gas company, currently supplies around 80% of the country’s gas demand via its pipeline from Mozambique. Development of South Africa’s newly discovered gas resources face competition from established imports flowing from Mozambique, LNG regasification and a currently unclear domestic gas outlook.”

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The gas currently being imported via Mozambique is priced at approximately US$6-7/ mcf. GlobalData has estimated a breakeven cost for the potential Brulpadda and Luiperd development of approximately US$3/mcf making it competitive against current imports.

As the major Mossel Bay Gas to Liquids plant is running out of feedstock due to depletion of domestic fields, the country will unlikely be able to take advantage of newly discovered resources fast enough to secure supply in the near term. An alternative solution currently being considered is LNG regasification, at least for the near term, as a contract period of just five to eight years has been stipulated in the tender documents.

Ward adds: “For the new discoveries to be developed, South Africa will have to transform its currently coal reliant power sector, which in the short term could be achieved through conversion of many of its diesel plants and continued investment into gas infrastructure.

“The hurdles to development for Brulpadda and Luiperd are not insurmountable, but timing will be a key factor determining a path to monetization as the discoveries will be unable to alleviate the country of its near-term gas shortage challenge.”

  • Quotes provided by Conor Ward, Oil & Gas Analyst at GlobalData

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors. 

Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL) announced its UK operations received International Organization for Standards (ISO) 14001 certification, making it one of the first vertical lift operators in the UK to achieve the global standard. The certification confirms Bristow’s UK operations have a certified environmental management systems (EMS) in place to monitor, manage, and deliver continuous improvement at its bases in Scotland, England and Wales.

To achieve certification, Bristow successfully completed a rigorous seven-day audit, which demonstrated how its EMS is documented and implemented at all levels of its UK business, its commitment to manage and minimise its impact on the environment, and its commitment to reduce pollution and harm to the environment.

The certification encompasses Bristow’s UK oil and gas business and Her Majesty’s Coastguard bases Bristow operates on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Under its EMS, Bristow conducts audits of its operating bases’ environmental plans to ensure a consistent approach across the company.

Bristow Ground Operations Officer Tim Leitch prepares to refuel an S-92 at Aberdeen, UK.Bristow Ground Operations Officer Tim Leitch prepares to refuel an S-92 at Aberdeen, UK.

“It’s a significant milestone for Bristow to achieve this accreditation and underlines our commitment to continuously improving on our environmental stewardship and performance,” said Matt Rhodes, director UK Oil & Gas at Bristow. “Our robust EMS is already achieving significant energy efficiencies, and we look forward to building on this.”

During the certification process, a number of criteria must be met and incorporated into the EMS. These included leadership and top management demonstrating a high level of environmental leadership and commitment, as well as ensuring that it is visible throughout the organisation.

“The environmental impact of our operations has understandably become increasingly important to us and our clients, and this certification provides assurance that we are proactively monitoring and managing our EMS and working hard to reduce and offset our environmental footprint and the crucial role we all play in protecting our environment for future generations,” added Rhodes.

As part of its ISO 14001 certification, Bristow is committed to achieving a number of environmental objectives, including proactive measures to achieve the company’s environmental and compliance obligations such as reducing aircraft emissions and decreasing the environmental impacts of its operations. To accomplish this, Bristow uses a modern fleet with the latest technologies to ensure aircraft engines perform efficiently and are regularly maintained by an experienced engineering team.

Bristow also uses flight planning software for payload management and minimising time on ground runs. Pilot procedures also play a key role, and Bristow pilots are trained to fly at a lower torque, which burns less fuel, cuts emissions, and increases component life. Bristow also uses the latest technology fuel bowsers with enhanced safety features such as automatic shut off systems, which are regularly upgraded to eliminate spillage.

Bristow is also committed to minimising other environmental impacts including emissions, preventing discharges to water and land, waste reduction, and the reduction of hazardous products by removing, reducing or replacing those products with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Bristow is also actively ensuring noise levels remain as low as reasonably practicable and ensuring that natural habitat is protected from its operations.

ISO 14001 establishes an EMS that can be used to enhance environmental performance, fulfil compliance obligations, and achieve environmental objectives. The international standard ensures environmental responsibilities are managed in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. ISO 14001 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties.

About Bristow Group

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent offshore energy companies. Bristow provides commercial search and rescue (SAR) services in several countries and public sector SAR services in the United Kingdom (U.K.) on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Additionally, the Company also offers ad hoc helicopter and fixed wing transportation services. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and the U.S. To learn more, visit our website at www.bristowgroup.com.

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