Acquisitions, expansions & partnerships
Image courtesy of Dresser-Rand.
Illustration of a compressor train with an STC-SV turbo compressor and an SGT-400 gas turbine.
Dresser-Rand business to supply pipeline compressor trains to Mexico
Dresser-Rand, part of Siemens Power and Gas Division, received orders to supply five gas turbine-driven compressor trains for two pipelines in Mexico. The customer is the Mexican project developer Fermaca Enterprises (Fermaca). The parties also signed a 25-year long-term service agreement for the units. The compressor trains are expected to be commissioned in the winter of 2017, and both stations are planned to begin commercial operation in early 2018. In March of 2015, Siemens supplied three pipeline compressor trains for the El Encino station in Chihuahua, Mexico, also owned by Fermaca.
Canadian refinery to recycle water with GE technology
Seeking to reduce the use of water in the refining process and minimize its environmental impact on the North Saskatchewan River, North West Redwater (NWR) Partnership turned to GE’s Water & Process Technologies for NWR’s new Sturgeon refinery in Alberta, Canada. Like many regions, Alberta has stringent regulations regarding freshwater withdrawal and effluent discharge. GE’s Water & Process Technologies provided a solution to meet NWR’s sustainability and environmental goals as well as the province’s policies.
Weir Oil & Gas announces wellhead contract for Kuwait Oil Company
Fort Worth, Texas, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Weir Oil & Gas Dubai, announced an agreement with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for the purchase of 295 Seaboard wellheads, representing approximately $12 million. Weir will provide KOC with 11 different wellhead configurations ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 PSI. The products sold include conventional wellheads along with HH cladded trees, and solid block dual completion trees. Equipment designs will accommodate casing and tubing sizes ranging from 24" to 3 ½" in the various wellhead configurations supplied to KOC.
World Biogas Association launches
The World Biogas Association (WBA) launched at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 22 at Marrakesh, Morocco. Following the adoption by the United Nations of a shared vision for transforming lives by 2030 through the Sustainable Development Goals and the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate agreement between the 195 national governments at the UNFCCC COP21 at Paris in December 2015, the founders have established the World Biogas Association to demonstrate the huge contribution the biogas and anaerobic digestion (AD) industries make to these goals and targets, and to facilitate the adoption of these technologies globally.
The World Biogas Association is dedicated to supporting the growth of biogas and anaerobic digestion technologies to maximize their contribution to the UNFCCC Commitments and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Weidmuller purchases Bosch Rexroth Monitoring Systems GmbH
The Weidmuller Group announced the purchase of Bosch Rexroth Monitoring Systems GmbH from Bosch Rexroth AG. The acquisition was completed November 1, 2016, following review and approval of the Competition Authorities. With this acquisition, Weidmuller strengthens its presence in the wind power industry and expands its solution portfolio for condition-monitoring technologies.
The new subsidiary, located in Dresden, Germany, employs 25 people and effective immediately, will operate under the name of "Weidmuller Monitoring Systems". As part of the acquisition, the Weidmuller Group purchased the former facility of Bosch Rexroth Monitoring Systems in Dresden, where the condition-monitoring systems for wind power installations are developed, manufactured and distributed. These systems monitor the condition of wind turbine rotor blades and provide the ability to detect ice buildup.
Honeywell announces online electrical safety training
Honeywell announced an online portfolio of accredited electrical safety training courses to help electrical contractors and other workers prevent potentially serious injuries on the job. The classes, offered by Honeywell Salisbury Assessment Solutions (SAS), provide a personalized, interactive, professional development opportunity, and a full range of tracking and reporting features to ensure compliance with National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70E standards for electrical safety in the workplace. The courses are accredited by state, certified by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and comply with regulatory standards. The cloud-based training module offers 24/7 easy access; self-paced learning; interactive formats (including real-life scenarios); and NFPA-compliant records management, including the ability to schedule, track and report training progress and results. Click here for more information.
Metso receives valve order for new Kilpilahti Power Plant in Finland
Metso signed an agreement on a comprehensive valve delivery for Kilpilahti Power Plant in Porvoo, Finland. Metso’s valves will be used in conjunction with the power plant’s three different boiler units to control the power plant’s process flows. The new combined heat and power plant will generate 450 megawatts of steam and 30 megawatts of electricity. The plant, jointly owned by Neste, Borealis and Veolia, is expected to be commissioned in 2018.
AGC Chemicals Americas enhances R&D Technical Center for Fluorochemical Testing Services
AGC Chemicals Americas, http://www.agcchem.com a leading global supplier of high-quality fluoropolymer resins, compounds, fluoroelastomers and specialty chemicals and materials, invested more than $1 million to enhance its technical center in Exton, Pennsylvania. The upgrades fortify AGC’s commitment to providing technical solutions and R&D services to customers around the world. Renovated areas include laboratories for fluoropolymer resins, water and oil repellents, analytical testing, physical testing and microscopy. Other laboratories received new equipment. A state-of-the-art conference room was added to facilitate collaboration with customers.
j5 International integrates and offers SAP mobile platform
j5 International signed an original equipment manufacturer agreement with SAP. Through this agreement, j5 International will integrate and offer the world-class synchronization, secure communication and out of the box support of SAP Mobile Platform with its j5 Mobile 2016 application. The bundled solutions are expected to provide customers with benefits such as the rapid support of new devices and operating systems.
Sartorius Stedim Biotech opens Bioanalytical Testing Laboratory in Boston
Sartorius Stedium Biotech (SSB) opened a new bioanalytical and biosafety testing laboratory yesterday in the major biotech hub of Boston, Massachusetts. This dedicated bioanalytical laboratory is designed to accommodate the rising demand for the company’s BioOutsource brand specialized assay platforms in North America and facilitate the ongoing expansion of this unique service offering.
The purpose-built laboratory features state-of-the-art technology such as biacore analytical instruments, and offers advanced analytical testing services. The new facility, which covers approximately 9,000 square feet, will also provide GMP-compliant in vitro and PCR-based assays for the detection of adventitious agents. Staffed by bioanalytical experts, including 15 scientists, the laboratory is designed to provide easy access for customers visits.
Appointments
Viega names new VP of sales & marketing
Viega LLC named Santanu "Sean" Debnath its new vice president of sales and marketing. He is responsible for overseeing and managing Viega’s sales, marketing, inside sales, customer services and customer relations departments. Debnath has more than 20 years of industry experience. He started his career as a hands-on scientist and gradually transitioned himself to the commercial side of the business. Prior to joining Viega, Debnath held vice president and director level positions in sales and marketing at Kaydon Corporation, Rexnord and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
KAI Design & Build hires engineering specialist
KAI Design & Build hired DaMon T. Pettigrew of Florissant, Missouri, as an engineering specialist. In this position, Pettigrew stands at the front line of quality control for KAI’s MEP engineering department, acting as an in-house coordinator for drawing and document management and design using Revit. Additionally, Pettigrew will serve as a liaison between the client and the company, providing guidance during the planning, design, development and testing stages for projects at KAI’s St. Louis headquarters and its affiliate offices in Georgia, Nebraska and Texas.
Image courtesy of Viega LLC
Viega promotes Bob Murphy to regional sales manager for Greater Philadelphia Region
Viega LLC promoted Bob Murphy to regional sales manager for the newly created Greater Philadelphia region. In this position, Murphy’s responsibilities include implementing and managing Viega’s sales strategies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region which includes parts of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Murphy has more than 30 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry. Prior to his promotion, Murphy worked as a district sales manager for Viega’s Greater New York region, based in the metro Philadelphia area. He also held a variety of senior management positions with PlumbMaster.
Wellsite Fishing and Rental Services announces new division
Slade Woods was appointed the vice president and general manager or Wellsite Fishing and Rental Services LLC’s new division: Cornerstone Completion Services (CCS). Located in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, and servicing Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, CCS will provide thru tubing and fishing services to oil and gas exploration companies and gas storage and transmission companies. Wellsite’s packaging of services is supported by a strategic relationship with Deep Well Services (DWS). Wellsite and CCS will serve as subcontractors to DWS.
Woods comes to the company from Workover Solutions, where he was regional sales manager and Extreme Energy Services, where he served as northeast district manager.
Image courtesy of Asahi/America
Asahi/America welcomes new business development manager
Asahi/America Inc. added Ken Moody to its business development team. Moody joined Asahi/America on Oct. 31 as business development manager for commercial piping in the western region.
Moody will work closely with the company’s western sales team on preconstruction sales efforts and engineering specifications.
OMEGA Engineering relocates world headquarters, appoints Joe Vorih as president
OMEGA Engineering Inc. moved its world headquarters to a new high-tech facility in Norwalk, Connecticut. It was headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, for five years. The move coincides with the recent appointment of Joe Vorih as president.
Vorih’s priority is to transform OMEGA into a web-based global partner for complete process measurement and control solutions, including innovative wireless and Industrial Internet of Thing-ready offerings. A manufacturing and technology industry visionary, Vorih has a proven track record leading businesses to new levels of growth.
SEI introduces new board of directors
The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), a subsidiary of ASTM International, introduced a new board of directors for 2017.
Joining the board of directors for the 2017 term are:
- Dale F. Bohn, board chairman, product quality manager with Flint Hill Resources LP
- Ronald J. Ebelhar, senior principle with Terracon
- Ralph M. Paroli, Ph.D., director of research and development in measurement science and standards with the National Research Council
- Taco van der Maten, marketing manager with PANalytical B.V.
- George P. Kappler, CEO of Kappler Incorporated
- Lawrence M. Zippin, Zippin Consulting Associates
Kathie Morgan, who will become president of ASTM International in February, will also serve on the board as its final, nonvoting member.
Image courtesy of the Lafayette Chapter of the American Association of Drilling Engineers
AADA Lafayette chapter announces 2016-2017 board & committee members
The Lafayette Chapter of the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) announced its 2016-2017 board and committee members.
The 2016-2017 officers are: Kristy Bonner, president, arrangements committee chairman, publicity committee chairman and website committee (Foster Marketing); Jerred Clark, first vice president and programs (Petro Quest); Taylor Brazzel, second vice president and membership committee chairman (Chalmers, Collins & Alwell, Inc.); Jarrod Suire, secretary (Cardno PPI Quality and Asset Management, LLC); and Sharon Moore, treasurer, national board at-large representative and website committee (Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.).
Other committee chairs serving on the board include: Andre Arceneaux, director emeritus – Lafayette and national chapters; Jaime Crosby, director emeritus (Chevron); Joe Bernard, F5 committee chairman (Pro-T); Bryce Percle, ULL student section liaison (Baker Hughes); Tim Mannon, golf committee co-chairman (Stone Energy); Sid Breaux, Knowledge Box (Breaux Engineering); Bruce Jordan, ULL fluid lab chairman (Stokes & Spiehler); and Doug Keller, director emeritus (retired).
Awards, milestones & achievements
Hydraulic Institute unveils new logo, prepares for 100th anniversary
The Hydraulic Institute (HI) celebrates its centennial in 2017 and announces a new logo as part of a larger initiative to position HI for the next 100 years of service to the pump industry. The new logo is a key element of HI’s overall brand refresh and redesign process. The logo includes a hidden "H" that reflects the nature of pumps: always there, working behind the scenes; and arrows that represent a pump’s purpose: flow and movement. This movement reflects the evolution over the past 99 years from when pump manufacturers first came together to discuss common issues and develop technical standards.
Mouvex celebrates 110 years of eccentric disc pump reliability
Mouvex, part of PSG, a Dover company, is celebrating its 110-year anniversary. Headquartered in Auxerre, France, Mouvex was founded in 1906 by engineer André Petit when he identified the challenges that gear and lobe pump users were facing in optimizing their process. He invented the eccentric disc pump as a result. Since then, Mouvex has specialized in positive displacement pumps and compressors for the transfer of liquids and dry bulk products within the hygienic, chemical, energy, military and transport industries. Mouvex became part of PSG in 2008, and now has operations on five continents with a global network of distributors and original equipment manufacturers.
Siemens demand response management technology earns top ranking
Siemens ranked the top company on Navigant Research’s new Leaderboard for demand response management systems (DRMSs). According to Navigant Research, to qualify for the Leaders category a company must perform "exceedingly well in both Strategy and Execution." The report found that Siemens’ solution is scalable and its EnergyIP® platform appeals to utilities that are looking for comprehensive solutions.
Baldor Electric’s Malinowski recognized for contributions to global energy efficiency
John Malinowski, Baldor Electric Company’s senior director of industry affairs, was recently recognized with the MS’16 Award at the 2016 Motor Summit in Zurich, Switzerland. The MS’16 award acknowledges his personal engagement to make IE3 premium efficiency motors the global market standard. Malinowski has been a voice and advocate for motor manufacturers working with standards organizations and government agencies.
The award was presented at the 2016 Motor Summit, a biannual event held since 2007 in Zurich.
REXA receives Global Trade Award
REXA received a Global Trade Award by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts International Business Council (AIM-IBC). The award recognizes Massachusetts companies that demonstrate excellence in international trade and set the standard for global business.
Students win Siemens regional competition in math, science & technology
Several students were named National Finalists in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology after earning top spots in regional competitions, the nation’s premier science research competition for high school students which seeks to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects.
For the 2016 Siemens Competition, 2,146 students (1,271 individuals, 304 two-person teams, 89 three-person teams) submitted applications from 46 states plus the District of Columbia and seven countries with more than 1,600 projects submitted for consideration. A total of 498 students were named Semifinalists and 96 were named Regional Finalists. The students present their research in a closed, online forum, and entries are judged at the regional level by esteemed scientists at six leading research universities which host the regional competitions: Georgia Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Texas at Austin.
Click here for the complete list of winners.
ASCO announces 2016 Engineering Scholarship recipients
ASCO, a manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, announced the recipients of the 2016 ASCO Engineering Scholarship.
The two recipients were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They are Quinnlan Sweeney of Springfield, Virginia, a junior in the electrical engineering degree program at Clemson University; and Nathaniel Weger of Iowa City, Iowa, also a junior, studying for a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Iowa.
ASCO Numatics will donate additional $1,000 grant to the engineering departments at each university. Now in its ninth year, the ASCO Engineering Scholarship program has awarded $90,000 in merit-based scholarships to 18 students.
