Technology

The wireless steam trap monitoring device. (Image source: Yokogawa)

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has launched a new ATEX-compliant wireless steam trap monitoring device for steam trap status monitoring in steam piping equipment

Developed with thermal utility engineering firm Armstrong International, the new product is part of its Sushi Sensor range in the OpreX Asset Management and Integrity family.

Steam traps are installed on steam distribution pipes, heat exchangers, humidifiers, sterilisers, tracers, and other equipment to remove condensate and ensure efficient heat transfer. Losses from failures in steam traps can reach tens of thousands to millions of US dollars annually. Currently, in most instances, workers are responsible for inspecting and monitoring steam traps wherever they have been installed. While the installation of an automatic monitoring system is an effective way to reduce this inspection workload, the cost of installing such systems has been cost prohibitive. In addition, there is the need to monitor not only the status of steam traps, but also a wide range of related equipment.

By facilitating the timely detection of failures in steam traps, the new product can significantly reduce energy loss. When used in combination with the other wireless pressure sensors, wireless temperature sensors, and wireless vibration sensors in the Sushi Sensor lineup, this device enables the monitoring of a wide range of equipment. Features include:

1. Automatic detection of steam trap status

This device utilises a high-quality temperature sensor and an acoustic sensor to detect the status of steam traps. It can be used in environments with a maximum steam temperature of 440°C.

2. Lower wireless network construction costs

The use of long-range wireless LoRaWAN communication gives this device the ability to communicate at distances of up to around 1km, enabling the monitoring of equipment over a wide area. These monitoring devices can thus be easily installed wherever steam traps are located, and can be connected to a single gateway, thereby holding down network construction costs.

3. Better consistency in inspection quality and less time spent on on-site inspections

The use of Yokogawa’s on-premise GA10 data logging software or other similar cloud-based software will enable the centralised monitoring of steam traps and other equipment wherever they are installed around a plant. Not only will this make for greater consistency in inspection quality, it will mean that on-site inspections do not need to be carried out as frequently.

Hiroshi Tanoguchi, a Yokogawa Electric vice president and executive officer, and head of the Yokogawa Products Headquarters, said, “With this release, we have enriched the Sushi Sensor family of solutions and made it possible to construct networks efficiently and at a lower cost. In the future, we intend to provide this as an energy monitoring solution. Based on steam trap status, this will enable the calculation of projected energy losses in monetary terms and facilitate the creation of maintenance plans, with the priority on high-risk equipment. Through the provision of such highly convenient solutions, Yokogawa is helping its customers reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and hit their ESG management targets.”

This new product is available in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. It will be later released in the USA, Europe and India in compliance with IECEx, FM, and other explosion-protected standards.

SLB will work with NVIDIA to optimise models to the specific needs of the data-intensive energy industry. (Image source: SLB)

The energy sector is in for a ride as industry pioneers SLB and NVIDIA is cultivating its long-standing collaboration to develop generative artificial intelligence solutions 

The collaboration accelerates the development and deployment of industry-specific generative AI foundation models across SLB’s global platforms, including its Delfi digital platform and Lumi data and AI platform, by leveraging NVIDIA NeMo, part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, to develop custom generative AI that can be run in the data centre, in any cloud or at the edge. 

In Nigeria, NNPC Energy Services Limited is in a technical partnership with SLB to boost upstream operations.

SLB will work with NVIDIA to build and optimise models to the specific needs and requirements of the data-intensive energy industry, including subsurface exploration, production operations and data management. This will help unlock the full potential of generative AI for energy domain experts including researchers, scientists and engineers―enabling them to interact with complex technical processes in new ways to drive higher value and lower carbon outcomes.

Energy optimisation

"As we navigate the delicate balance between energy production and decarbonisation, generative AI is emerging as a crucial catalyst for change," said Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer, SLB. "Our collaboration with NVIDIA will accelerate the creation of tailored generative AI solutions, enabling our customers to optimise operations, enhance efficiency and minimise their overall footprint." 

The Kaminho Deepwater Project in Angola, where TotalEnergies has onboarded SLB OneSubsea for the delivery of a 13-well subsea production system scope, promises 'greater efficiencies and long-term value', as the partners have also sealed a 10-year deal to leverage next-generation digital solutions. 

“AI offers the energy industry an extraordinary tool for sustainably providing the resource that powers life across our planet,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Custom models created by SLB leveraging NVIDIA NeMo will provide the industry’s scientists and engineers unprecedented insight to speed their work in optimising the energy supplies today and unlocking the clean energy innovations of tomorrow.”

The clamps are designed for versatility. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ik Group has launched a subsea pipelines repair company called Norclamp

This is a strategic spin off from IK Subsea, the group's repair clamp business unit, in response to the increasing need for maintenance solutions in the subsea pipeline repair segment. The move ensures the new company's exclusive focus on high-end, standardised clamps to maintain pipeline and production systems. Clamp standardisation reduces lead times and costs, making it ideal for emergency delivery.

The company’s flagship product line is market-ready and includes three distinct standardised clamps – split clamp, compact clamp, and infinity clamp. These clamps are designed for versatility, offering various dimensions and pressure rating options. 

This comes as a timely development as experts predict the subsea market to grow at a 10% annual compound growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2027.

Net zero 2050 goals

As the urgency to achieve net zero 2050 goals determine the strategies of exploration and production companies today, IK Group aims to support their initiatives through life extension services for pipelines infrastructure, or repurposing them for carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCS) and, eventually, for hydrogen supply. 

For industry stakeholders from the African energy market, CCS will be vital in attracting energy investments and eradicating energy poverty from the continent. 

“We have started this journey and will work tirelessly to support the change,” said Eirik Berge, CEO of IK Group. 

SPM for FPSOs can reduce OPEX by up to 35%. (Image source: Aklesos)

Structural performance management provider, Akselos, has launched its cutting-edge SPM for FPSO 4.0 software

The software enhances asset performance, ensures uninterrupted operations and extends asset life of FPSOs.

SPM for FPSOs can reduce operational expenditure (OPEX) by up to 35% through optimised inspections and maintenance planning, minimising planned and unplanned downtime while significantly boosting resolution span for structural issues. Furthermore, by extending safe operating windows the tool helps operators avoid millions in lost production by potentially avoiding unnecessary dry dock.

The software also allows FPSO operators to extend the operational life of assets by removing unwanted and overly conservative fatigue estimates, powered by Akselos’ RB-FEA technology. It helps operators unlock spare structural capacity in compliance with class and standards. It provides millimetre-level precision in monitoring structural integrity of the entire FPSO in one holistic detailed model, enabling FPSOs to operate safely for longer periods.

Allowing data integration

Akselos delivers a near real-time, structural twin of the entire FPSO, allowing operators to continuously monitor asset health, identify stress hotspots, and run 'what if' scenarios to mitigate risks. By integrating operational data like inspection data, metocean data and tank fills and unloading etc, the software provides continuous and on-demand fatigue assessments, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. The solution is also compliant with class society standards and helps operators maintain regulatory compliance with near real-time insights, ensuring safer operations in extreme offshore conditions.

The solution integrates seamlessly with existing systems such as inspection data management systems (IDMS) and risk-based inspection (RBI) workflows, ensuring operators can easily incorporate it into their current operational infrastructure without disrupting established processes. This smooth integration accelerates the adoption process and improves overall operational efficiency.

“In the true spirit of Industry 4.0, we’re revolutionising FPSO operations like never before. SPM for FPSO 4.0 is a game-changer - empowering operators to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, optimise operational costs, minimise downtime and extend the life of their assets. This isn’t just about keeping up with industry standards - it’s about breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for what is possible,” said Claus Reimers, chief product and technology officer at Akselos. 

From Mauritania and Senegal to Angola, Africa has seen the deployment of FPSOs in the recent months for several significant projects.