Super User

Super User

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have signed an agreement for the long-term supply of green and low carbon hydrogen to the TotalEnergies refining and petrochemical platform in Normandy. The project will contribute to the decarbonization of the Gonfrevillle site, reducing its CO2 emissions by up to 150,000 tons a year. This cooperation between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies is aligned with the two companies’ shared commitment to contributing to decarbonize industrial operations in the Axe Seine corridor.

2023 09 18 112114The project calls for the supply of 10,000 tons of green hydrogen per year to the TotalEnergies platform in Normandy and up to 5,000 tons per year of low carbon hydrogen starting from the second half of 2026. It is comprised of two integrated parts:

  • The production of green and low carbon hydrogen by the Normand’hy electrolyzer, which will be built and operated by Air Liquide, with a total electrical capacity of 200 MW. TotalEnergies will have access to half of this production capacity, corresponding to the amount of hydrogen supplied to its refinery.
  • TotalEnergies will supply around 700 GWh/year of renewable and low carbon power to the Air Liquide electrolyzer for half of its capacity, i.e. 100 MW, corresponding to the share of hydrogen delivered to the TotalEnergies refinery in Normandy.

"This partnership with Air Liquide is a new step in TotalEnergies' ambition to decarbonize the hydrogen used by its refineries in Europe by 2030. By supplying the electrolyzer with renewable electricity from solar and wind projects, TotalEnergies is making the most of its positioning as an integrated power supplier," said Bernard Pinatel, President Refining & Chemicals.

“This Memorandum of Understanding with TotalEnergies illustrates our ability to offer concrete decarbonization solutions to our customers. Air Liquide Normand’Hy will contribute to the decarbonization trajectory of our assets; it is also in line with our commitment to accompany the industry and mobility sectors in their path to reducing their carbon footprint. Our collaboration with TotalEnergies also strengthens hydrogen development in Normandy. Supported by the French State and the European Union, the Air Liquide Normand’Hy project confirms our commitment to develop renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by electrolysis technology at industrial scale.” said Pascal Vinet, Executive Vice President and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, supervising notably Europe Industries activities.

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

Wood, a global consulting and engineering company, has secured contract wins with major UK operators for its digital maintenance optimisation solution, maintAI.

Combining artificial intelligence, technical expertise, and decades of asset knowledge, maintAI utilises existing client data to optimise maintenance backlog at pace and in turn reduce asset operating costs by up to 20%. In the UK, 67,000 hours of maintenance backlog has been removed for one major operator, as well as a £270million inventory saving across the client's assets.

An energy company in the UK is extending an existing maintAI contract with Wood to include additional offshore platforms following successful deployment at their onshore hub, where maintAI has removed over 15,000 hours of maintenance work. The 2-year contract extension will enable additional maintenance optimisation activity in tandem with planned shutdowns.

2023 09 18 111507

They are Wood’s first UK client to utilise the maintAI subscription model, which ensures that data is repeatedly revised and revalidated throughout the project lifecycle to deliver accurate and continuously enhanced information for improved decision making.

Similarly, Wood is utilising the technology to support a global operator deliver their maintenance improvement plans, optimising over 500,000 hours of maintenance across three North Sea assets as well as their onshore gas terminal. In addition, maintAI will help release capacity to reduce current maintenance activity backlogs.

Ellis Renforth, President of Operations, EMEA at Wood said: “Today, asset owners are being challenged to significantly reduce their maintenance backlog, whilst improving production and lowering emissions.

“Wood’s maintAI solution can reduce annualised maintenance efforts by 30%, and operating costs by 20% at pace, assuring production reliability at the same time, a potential gamechanger against the current challenging market backdrop.”

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, delivering solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Almost half (47%) of those working in the UK metal industry say investing in upskilling is a priority for their business in the next 12 months, according to new research from SAIT Abrasives.

SAIT, specialist manufacturer of rigid and flexible abrasives for industrial use, wanted to understand the scale of training in the metal industry as it embarks on its latest training push.

The survey revealed that over the next year, more than half of businesses in the sector will be investing in ongoing training (53%) and just less than half will access direct training from suppliers (40%).

2023 09 18 104211

Further to this, half of respondents (52%) said that their organisation provides enough training to help those entering the industry gain the skills they need to do the job efficiently, with almost two-fifths (37%) saying that their company employs apprentices.

Despite this two in five (43%) did admit that they are concerned that the industry as a whole isn’t doing enough to train new people entering the workforce and half (51%) said their organisation could be doing more to overcome the skills gap.

Chris Ingman, managing director at SAIT Abrasives, said: “Our research shows that there is a real divide between the industry in those that will be prioritising training and upskilling, and those who are concerned that the industry isn’t doing enough to overcome the skills gap.

“Having started as an apprentice myself, this is a vital route into the market and a way for us to overcome skills shortages. It’s great to see that many businesses do see the value in such schemes, but we as a sector need to make sure that there are more opportunities like this available and attractive to those considering our industry for their future career.”

2023 09 18 104238

SAIT’s survey showed that more than a third (40%) of companies will look to suppliers to provide training in the coming year. When many suppliers are happy to support their customers, perhaps it’s surprising that almost two thirds (60%) of the sector aren’t using this resource.

Chris continues: “We’ve seen much success with the training sessions we provide to our end-users. They get to see the most effective ways to use our products which ultimately leads to increased workplace productivity. Asking suppliers what they offer is a simple way to get ahead on training and support current employees.”

Andy Mills, managing director at FEIN UK, a power tools specialist who is working with SAIT to provide surface finishing solutions to the metalworking industry, added: “There is room for suppliers to collaborate on training initiatives which can maximise the opportunities for end-users who want to upskill their workforce. Ultimately, collaboration across the supply chain can really help to improve efficiencies across core processes so businesses and their employees can benefit.”

Further to this, over half (53%) of respondents said that the training in their organisation is one of the reasons they like their job. A third (32%) said their company's willingness to invest in training makes them feel valued by their employer.

Chris concludes: “These stats highlight the challenges that young talent is facing as they find a way into this industry. There are a number of brilliant schemes already in place but it is not enough. More must be done to encourage younger people to enter the sector, or we run the risk of being unable to keep up with demand.

“It is vital that businesses listen to current employees too, who see real value in training, and leverage this to overcome the skills gap, one of the biggest challenges the sector is currently facing.”

Read the full insights from the survey on SAIT UK’s blog here: https://www.sait-abrasives.co.uk/blog/post/addressing-the-skills-gap-in-the-uk-metalworking-sector-

Industry-leading Servo Ram offers higher efficiency more speed with less noise

Wauseon Machine, a leading provider of automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication, reveals its next generation 1004EL Electric End Forming Machine. This tube forming machine is ideal for automotive, stainless steel medical products, HVAC, and other appliance applications. The machine features an industry leading Servo Ram for precise tool positioning, and stroke adjustment for different length tools.

The Servo Ram offers users multiple position capabilities with unmatched efficiency. Not only is the Servo Ram faster than comparable hydraulic tubing machines, it’s also less noisy. Users can save time and space with Wauseon’s updated tube forming machine, featuring a streamlined design and lower profile. The Servo Ram also has an integrated tube stop. With the tube stop being controlled through the HMI you can achieve fast repeatable machine set-up times and optimize the stroke of the machine for faster machine cycle times. There’s no need to manually set the tube stop or stroke.

2023 09 18 102946

The 1004EL Electric End Forming Machine has 7 tons of ram force and 9 tons of tube clamp force, comparable to other Wauseon end formers. The new 4-hit machine features an increased ram velocity of 14″ per second, compared to the previous 9″ per second, providing users with an impressive cycle rate improvement. The latest industry innovations are now included as standard features, rather than options, to ensure customers operate as efficiently as possible.

To further maximize efficiency, the 1004EL machine features a touch screen (HMI) that stores previously run part numbers, enabling ease of fast repeatable part setup, it’s CE certified, ensuring the utmost customer safety. 

For more information about this electric tube forming product, please see the “electric” section here: https://www.wauseonmachine.com/tube-fabrication-equipment/end-forming-machines/1000-series/

About Wauseon

Wauseon Machine is your single-source partner for automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication. WM started as a small contract machine shop in 1983 and is proud to be celebrating its 40th year in business. WM has five separate focus plants located in Wauseon, Ohio , Delta, Ohio and Greenville, South Carolina. By combining our advanced knowledge and engineering expertise with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, we are able to craft the right solution for your unique needs.

Commenting on today’s (Friday) deal between Tata Steel and the government, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“This is a devastating blow for workers at Port Talbot and the opposite of a just transition.

tatasteellogo“Ministers must press pause and urgently get around the table with unions. It beggars belief that they have been locked out of talks.

“Instead of safeguarding livelihoods in the steel industry, this deal will see thousands of good, unionised jobs potentially lost forever.

“An electric arc furnace-only model for Port Talbot is simply the wrong approach for making our steel greener.

“We need a proper long-term plan for zero-carbon steel-making in this country – not 1980s-style deindustrialisation.

“Other countries – like America and Germany – are working in partnership with unions and employers to protect their manufacturing heartlands. We should be doing the same.

“Tackling climate change can go hand in hand with creating and protecting good jobs. The Conservatives are presenting a false choice.”

About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.

Nordec, the leading steel frame structure supplier in the Nordic countries, will supply 300 tonnes of steel frame and platform structures, gratings and stairs to Vantaa Energy’s High-Temperature Incineration Plant under construction. Nordec also installs the structures it supplies. 

What is special about the high-temperature plant project is that Nordec's project manager and installers are the same as in the companies' previous joint projects. This is to ensure seamless cooperation and smooth project. Nordec and Vantaa Energy have previously cooperated in connection with the construction of Vantaa Energy's waste-to-energy plant and waste-to-energy plant expansion.

2023 09 18 101956"The High-Temperature Incineration Plant currently under construction plays an important role in maintaining the security of heat supply in Vantaa, as the new plant will enable us to safely produce energy from raw material that cannot be utilised in any other way," says Kalle Patomeri, Business Director of Vantaa Energy's City Energy business.

At Vantaa Energy's High-Temperature Incineration Plant non-recyclable waste classified as hazardous, such as ordinary household waste delivered for separate collection, such as paints, adhesives, and varnishes, is recovered safely and climate-friendly into heat. The high treatment temperature in the drum furnace and afterburning chamber enables the safe handling of waste classified as hazardous. The plant introduces a recovery method for waste fractions that could not otherwise be utilised. It will make Finland more self-sufficient both in the treatment of waste classified as hazardous and in terms of energy raw materials, and will contribute to phasing out fossil fuels. The plant will be completed in 2025.

The project installations for Nordec are already underway and are progressing according to schedule. According to the original plan, Nordec Oy's installations will be completed in early 2024.

About Nordec Group Oyj

Nordec Group Oyj is one of the leading suppliers of steel frame structures and façade solutions for construction projects in the Nordic countries. The company has a strong position in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, including Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Nordec Group Oyj has extensive experience in the design, manufacture and installation of frame structures, facades and bridges. The company's service offering covers single-storey buildings, multi-storey buildings, heavy industry buildings, bridges and façade structures.

Net sales in 2022 were EUR 310 million and adjusted EBITDA EUR 17.4 million.

Further information about Nordec Group Oyj is available on the company's website at www.nordec.com.

Vantaa Energy

Vantaa Energy is one of Finland's largest city energy companies. Our goal is to be a carbon-negative circular economy energy company by 2030. We are constantly developing new things to produce affordable, reliable and climate-friendly energy and services that improve energy efficiency for Vantaa residents now and in the future. www.vantaanenergia.fi

One of the UK’s leading strategic outsourcing manufacturing specialists has launched a five-point mandate to explore a potential £multi-million opportunity in the AgriTech sector.

PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), which supports 20 of the world’s leading machinery builders, believes its ability to deliver cost savings, ‘scale-up potential’ and speed to market will be essential for companies looking to deliver new innovations that will drive global food security.

It is already in the final stages of negotiations with one critical supplier to the sector and is now targeting over £3m of work in this arena in the next eighteen months.

2023 09 18 101639Part of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), PP C&A has also signed-up as the latest member of the Agri-EPI Centre Network.

The latter, which was established as part of the UK Government’s AgriTech Strategy to develop, fund and commercialise new precision agricultural technologies, is doing amazing work to bridge the gap between the people creating the innovations and those who will benefit from them.

“We’ve had so many conversations with AgriTech innovators over the last twelve months, some of which are now reaching a conclusion and how they manufacture at scale,” explained Garry Myatt, Sales Director at PP Control & Automation.

“Our world class facility in the West Midlands can be the perfect ‘outsourcing’ home for these types of projects and we believe that the best way of spreading the message is by collaborating with partners like the Agri-EPI Centre.”

He continued: “We can help people build smart tractors, automated irrigation systems and machines that transform traditional farming into a data-driven operation that boosts crop yields, conserves resources and reduces waste.

“Our membership of Agri-EPI Centre will open new doors, create more partnerships and, through its calendar of events, we’ll have every opportunity to showcase the PP C&A capabilities.”

PP Control & Automation will be pushing its 5-point outsourcing mandate when targeting customers involved in AgriTech.

It starts with the company’s expertise and in-depth manufacturing knowledge that can cater for the intricacies of this industry and flows through cost efficiencies gained from resource allocation, supply chain optimisation and scale-up capacity.

By outsourcing non-core functions, machine builders and innovators can focus on the R&D activity that makes them different, whilst flexibility to grow in keeping with market fluctuation can be achieved easily.

Finally, PP C&A can deliver complete quality assurance that aligns with specific AgriTech regulations, with UL508a accreditation already in place for dealing with the North American market.

Garry went on to add: “Our manufacturing capability has touched more than 20 different sectors, ranging from automotive, aerospace and med tech to food weighing, production and clients involved in the circular economy.

“Now is the time for us to take our proven track record and open it up to OEMs and machinery builders who are striving to deliver sustainable food security.”

Paige Boardman, Membership Engagement Manager at Agri-EPI Centre, concluded: “We are thrilled to have PP C&A on-board and look forward to working together moving forward.

“Garry and his team will be able to benefit from our wide-reaching network and the array of events we host both on and off the farm.

“We have a large variety of companies attend and there are always new people to talk to and opportunities to uncover – many of which could be suitable for PP Control & Automation.”

For further information, please visit www.ppcanda.com

AFRY Management Consulting has published a report summarising the second phase of its study on reform of electricity market arrangements in Great Britain.

Over the past 15 months, AFRY has completed a review of electricity market arrangements in Great Britain, in response to a government consultation. Using its power modelling expertise, AFRY assessed proposals to switch to locational electricity markets. Changing to a zonal or nodal market could dent investor confidence and comes with little modelled benefit. Investor confidence is particularly important considering the recent offshore wind auction that received no bids, in the context of the target to decarbonise the power system by 2035 and the limited window to do so. Due to the risks associated with changing the market design radically, a more evolutionary approach to improving to market arrangements is recommended.

On locational energy pricing, AFRY Management Consulting concludes:  

  • the potential economic welfare benefit of moving to locational markets is only around 1% and would be overshadowed by wealth transfers between parties;
  • these potential economic welfare benefits disappear, and costs outweigh benefits, if investment risk in generation increases due to the change;
  • the distribution of benefits between consumers and producers is very dependent on the nature of any specific mitigation measures such as grandfathering of rights for existing parties; and
  • the increased complexity of locational markets may create barriers to entry, and at least some of the benefits of locational markets can be replicated in a national market framework with less risk to investment. 

Overall given the trade-off between additional benefit and additional complexity, AFRY recommends that: 

  • nodal pricing, the most granular form of locational market, should not be progressed;
  • any further exploration of a zonal market design should be accompanied by a programme of work to explore ways in which the risks – and wealth transfers – could be mitigated; and
  • if the existing national market is retained, action should be taken to improve incentives and achieve some of the benefits of locational markets.

2023 09 15 101530“We aim to decarbonise the GB power system by 2035, and investor confidence is essential. We do not recommend a move to a nodal market, which would be a severe departure from today's arrangements. We have found rather small potential benefits of a move to a zonal energy market, but this would come with risks which could outweigh the benefits which must be mitigated if zonal markets are to be considered further. Alternatively, the continuation of a national energy market should be accompanied by efforts to improve operational efficiency, especially for interconnectors and plants behind constraints. We reaffirm our recommendation of evolutionary rather than revolutionary market design to maintain the pace of investment” says Stephen Woodhouse, Director at AFRY Management Consulting and market design expert.

Sign up for the study webinar on 26 September 2023 at 11am BST here

Read the Key Messages and Recommendations here

Read the Executive Summary here

Background

The study was initiated in response to the electricity transmission operator National Grid’s programme for net zero reform, and the Review of Electricity market Arrangements (REMA) process, which was launched by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, now the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in July 2022. One of the most divisive topics in the REMA consultation is whether the current national wholesale energy market should be subdivided into zones or nodes, in which energy wholesale prices would vary by location. This change would result in a locational energy market.

Since the Phase 1 report in October 2022, AFRY has quantitatively addressed the issue of locational energy pricing. The Phase 2 report, which has been informed by a wide range of market participants, and detailed modelling of proposed electricity market arrangements. Phase 2 of the study confirms that evolutionary change is advisable to maintain the investment momentum which is required to deliver a decarbonised power sector by 2035. 

AFRY Management Consulting works globally on market design and provides commercial analysis, strategic and operational advice for private investors and operators. With experience of a wide range of global electricity markets, AFRY Management Consulting experts possess a deep insight into the merits of alternative electricity market designs. 

AFRY provides engineering, design, digital and advisory services to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society.   

We are 19,000 devoted experts in industry, energy and infrastructure sectors, creating impact for generations to come. AFRY has Nordic roots with a global reach, net sales of 24 BSEK and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.  

Making Future 

Port Houston in Texas has ordered 5 Konecranes hybrid RTGs for its Barbours Cut Container Terminal to support its long-term improvement program covering channel development and land infrastructure investment. The order was booked in Q3 2023, with the cranes to be delivered at the beginning of 2025.

Port Houston is continuing to hybridize RTG container handling in its Barbours Cut and Bayport operations to meet growing container traffic in an eco-efficient way. Houston’s current RTG fleet consists of 116 Konecranes RTGs, of which 26 are hybrid RTGs. By early 2025, the hybrid RTG fleet will grow to 57 following this order and another one announced last October.

“Konecranes RTGs are very popular in North America and it’s good to see the hybrid version populating the RTG fleet of Port Houston, which is always forward-looking, especially when it comes to eco-efficiency,” said Jussi Suhonen, VP Regional Sales, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

Photo from Port HoustonPhoto from Port Houston

The hybrid Konecranes RTGs on order have advanced Li-ion battery technology and a battery management system that monitors the charge level and general health of the batteries. Konecranes can monitor the status of this system via TRUCONNECT® remote connection. The hybrid power system is completely modular and retrofittable. It includes an eco-efficient Tier 4f diesel engine that charges the batteries when necessary.

This repeat order is part of EcoliftingTM, Konecranes’ continuous work to decrease the carbon footprint of our customers. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully electric fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

A strong focus on customers and a commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.

For a concise overview of Konecranes’ business, please click here. More on Konecranes RTGs can be found here, while more on Konecranes RTG power options, including the hybrid option, can be found here.

Konecranes is a global leader in material handling solutions, serving a broad range of customers across multiple industries. We consistently set the industry benchmark, from everyday improvements to the breakthroughs at moments that matter most, because we know we can always find a safer, more productive and sustainable way. That's why, with around 16,300 professionals in over 50 countries, Konecranes is trusted every day to lift, handle and move what the world needs. In 2022, Group sales totalled EUR 3.4 billion. Konecranes shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki (symbol: KCR).

Konecranes.com

Industrial organisations can push decarbonisation forward by shifting process heater systems from fossil fuel-burning to electric. This kind of electrification needs to be done with a systems approach in mind — by considering the entire thermal loop. Of all the components needed to switch to electric, control panels are one of the most important. For large-scale applications, control panels need to be designed to maximise reliability, accessibility and safety. In this article, Jeff McClanahan, business segment leader at industrial technology company Watlow, explores why systems approach thinking is key in the manufacturing of components for electrification.

The question of electrification is less of an if or a when, and instead how. Globally, companies are prioritising the reduction of their carbon footprint. There is a huge push across different industries to “go electric” as part of a larger program of decarbonisation. But the details for doing so can be elusive. It’s not as easy as swapping out gas-fired heaters for electric heaters, for example, without also considering the size, location and connectivity of the control panel that will regulate those electric heaters. These considerations will, in turn, have a bearing on how and when the system needs to be maintained, how long downtime lasts and what the prospects are for future expansion.

The point of a systems approach is to take a step back, seeing how different design considerations impact on the system and process might have as a whole, rather than focusing on the functioning or replacement of a single part. A systems approach also has an impact on the business aspects of an industrial process, as it encourages engineers to consider the total cost of ownership when comparing different options.

2023 09 13 115433Meeting challenges at scale

Taking a systems approach to process heating was a foundational consideration behind the design of Watlow’s L and XL WATCONNECT control panels. Here, we take a deeper look at what went into that design as a way of illustrating the power of this kind of thinking.

A systems approach means finding not just one or two solutions to meet a challenge, but finding as many solutions as possible to optimize a given outcome. Take reliability, for example. What are all of the different ways a system can be optimized to ensure near 100 per cent uptime? One way this was done in the design of the WATCONNECT panels was by looking at the thermal design of the system. All systems generate some heat, and excess heat is the nemesis of electronics. Therefore, optimising the system to keep heat under control is critical.

Watlow’s design looked at adding to the insulation of the system, reducing power where possible, and improving the airflow throughout the system. Airflow itself was improved by using high-reliability EC inlet and outlet fans with advanced monitoring, which provide up to twice the airflow compared to industry standard fans. Therefore, by better controlling waste heat within the panel, Watlow can extend the life of the electronic components and significantly increase reliability.

Other design considerations include accessibility options. A smaller panel door in the unit provides access to 90 per cent of the system while still shielding the user from high-voltage components. This allows a person to troubleshoot the system while running, and without the safety concerns that come from opening the panel while “hot.” This also ensures longer uptime, as the panel does not necessarily need to be shut down for investigating smaller issues.

WATCONNECT panels are also designed with solid copper internal power interconnect for less expansion and contraction. This is especially important at high-resistance junctions, because the more this component heats up when made from an alternative to copper, the higher the risk of failure.

Lastly, while the panels are categorised as large, they use only 50 per cent of the space that competitive panels require. This can make it easier to install the panels when space is limited. Or, if replacing current equipment, the savings potentially frees up space for other critical equipment, allowing for future expansion.

Industrial organisations can push decarbonisation forward by shifting process heater systems from fossil fuel-burning to electric. But this is not a simple swap-out. A systems approach must be taken to consider how individual components will affect the entire system.

While control panel technology is nothing new, there are fresh new challenges that come with building control panels for large-scale applications. To be effective in solving electrification challenges, these control panels need to be designed to maximize reliability, accessibility, safety and provide a smaller footprint.

To learn more about Watlow’s electrification solutions, visit watlow.com

Page 6 of 138