As downstream companies in the region tend to diversify their equipment to get better services, international service providers are on to a winner if they can provide products that can fit with competitors’ equipment.
Endress+Hauser has a developed an “open communication” instead of proprietary solutions, as this also ensures seamless integration of the instruments in a communication network and easy remote configuration, which is highly praised by local downstream companies.
The family-run business has been in the process automation business for more than 50 years. “Endress+Hauser is the full supplier of instrumentation and solutions for the downstream companies,” says David Hewitt, business development manager, chemical and petrochemical industry in the Middle East.
“Product range wise, we have flow, level, pressure, temperature, analytical instruments, system components and complete solutions as tank gauging. Flow Management and Overfill Protection Solutions are in the company’s scope,” he adds.
The solutions comprise also includes engineering services for custody transfer and temperature engineering or radiometric measurement for challenging applications.
The Swiss-based process measurement engineering specialist has recently launched the largest coriolis meter in the world. “We have recently revealed our latest coriolis metre, a 14 -inch coriolis flow metre, that monitors 4100 tonnes a hour, which is ideal for flowmetring bunkering applications, ships, tankers and many other applications,” Hewitt says.
As process automation supplier, Endress+Hauser supply instrumentation to EPC contractors. “We have been supplying to Q-chem 2, Qafco projects in Qatar, in addition to Borouge 2 in the UAE,” he says.
The company provided about 5,300 instruments for the Borouge 2 project. As these projects have started production, the company provides its client with support throughout the life cycle of the plant.
“We also take care about the whole life cycle of the instruments: the life cycle portal W@M gives the customer online access to documentation and spare part information about the installed base. This ensures fast access to all information our customers need,” Hewitt adds.
During the life cycle of the plant, a lot of problems occur, which are generally application problems. “The instrument that gets specified is sometimes simply not the best choice for the application. For this reason Endress+Hauser discusses the application with its customers and proposes the best solution,” says Hewitt.
“An online tool applicator can help in a lot of cases to get a selection of instruments which is suitable for certain process conditions, but it can of course not replace a well-educated sales force,” he notes.Another issue is the installation of the device.
“An instrument which is not installed correctly will not give a satisfying performance. Endress+Hauser recommends devices are installed and commissioned by an authorized service engineer,” says Hewitt.
Procurement of instrumentation equipment for downstream facilities is a challenging job, as many factors should be taking into consideration when taking the decision.
“The purchasing manager should not only have a look at the initial investment for a product. A product that just fulfills the basic project requirements is often limited in life span and not very maintenance-friendly,” says Hewitt.
“This will cause a lot of trouble and increase overall life cycle cost. Real cost saving starts with the right selection of the instrument and consideration of the OPEX (operating expense) cycle,” he explains.
As the industry is always looking for efficiency improvements, the market trend has turned more demanding.
“Intelligent field devices which can be configured and monitored remotely are and will remain the requirement from the market. The instrument should need less maintenance. Proof-testing of safety instruments should be possible without process interruption,” says Hewitt. “Wireless HART is the answer to the market’s request for a cost-saving and easy communication with the field device.”
More and more parameters which are currently measured in the laboratory will be directly measured in process in future. “This enables the customer to take direct actions if there is a risk that the product quality does not meet the specification,” concludes Hewitt.
