Advancements in technology are crucial to improve efficiency and maintenance of rotating machinery.
The Middle East Rotating Machinery Technology and Innovation Conference & Showcase (ME RoTIC), which runs during 10-12 October 2017 at Sofitel, The Palm Resort and Spa, Dubai, highlighted some of the best practices and technologies from the Middle East and around the world to help oil and gas producers, power generators and aviation industry professionals to enhance their productivity in today’s challenging environment, including maintenance and reliability areas of machinery.
“We are currently in a period of unprecedented technological disruption, and as global industries transform and shape to these advances, the oil and gas industry must keep pace. Additionally, keeping rotating equipment in condition is extremely important. It will not only help address the present needs, but also equip the machinery to face harsh conditions such as more extreme temperatures, heavier loads and greater exposure to damaging contaminants in the future,” said Samuel of ALDRICH.
ME RoTIC is hosted by ALDRICH in collaboration with committee members from Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company, SABIC, Bahrain Petroleum Company, GASCO and Ethydco, which explores the latest technologies related to rotating machinery for various industries, providing a strategic platform for experts to engage in conversations with major stakeholders of the industry.
The conference was inaugurated by HE Dr Abdulrahman Al-Ibrahim, ex-governor, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Saudi Arabia, and featured eminent speakers such as Mamdouh Al Aidarous, engineering consultant, Saudi Aramco; Dr Abdurrahman Khalidi, chief technology officer, General Electric; Bernard Quoix, president, European Turbine Network, and head, Rotating Machinery Department, Total E&P; Paul van Stokkom, staff engineer, rotating equipment, Asset Technology Center, SABIC; Nawaf Al Baz, senior mechanical generation engineer, Saudi Electricity Company; Bavley Farid, application engineer, Omicron Energy; Samuel Blaser, managing director, AST Turbo; Connor Chan, rotating machines engineer, Iris Power LP; and Jeffrey Benoit, vice president, Ansaldo Energia, among many others.
The conference featured discussion on varied topics including benefits of implementing an independent reliability function in an organisation; energy saving and efficiency gains via improving the air quality of gas turbines; advanced oil debris monitoring for aero-derivative gas turbines and industrial gearboxes; variable frequency drive pumps’ reliable operation window and energy saving analysis; dry gas seals technology, repair and care; turbomachinery safeguarding; basic care of dry gas seals; and new trends in rotating machinery designs and materials, among many others.
ExxonMobil’s annual ‘Outlook for Energy: Journey to 2040’ report projects that energy demand will grow by about 25% over the next 23 years. And, in 2040, it projects that oil and gas will still account for 57% of the total energy mix.
“To meet that energy demand, producers will have to ensure that the rotating machinery used in the oil and gas industry is well-maintained and equipped with the latest technologies. ME RoTIC is a premier gathering that not only highlights the best practices and trends of the industry, but also serves as a driving force, addressing the needs of the end user and improving the overall productivity of plants and organisations,” added Samuel.
ME RoTIC 2017 witnessed the presence of all key stakeholders of rotating equipment industry, including engineers, R&D specialists, scientists, standards professionals, maintenance professionals, reliability professionals, equipment manufacturers and service providers, as well as associations and academicians.
Featuring 40% international visitors, 65% decision makers and 70% trade visitors, ME RoTIC witnessed 300 visitors and 200 delegates on the first day of the event.
