New software to accelerate decarbonization efforts
KBC (A Yokogawa Company) has released Multiflash® 7.5, the latest version of its comprehensive pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) modeling and physical properties software. This updated version serves the diverse needs of flow assurance specialists, carbon capture and storage (CCS) engineers, reservoir engineers and process engineers in the energy, process, and petrochemical industries. Multiflash 7.5 introduces a dedicated CCS module, underscoring KBC’s commitment to advance decarbonization efforts.
The dedicated CCS module in Multiflash 7.5 offers precise modeling capabilities specifically tailored for CCS challenges. Some of the main features of the new CCS module include:
Specialized thermodynamic and transport property models to simulate the complex phase behavior and physical properties of carbon dioxide (CO2 )-rich fluids related to CCS
The ability to evaluate the effect of common impurities in CCS feedstock on the phase equilibrium of CO2-rich fluids
Improved hydrate modeling for CO2-rich mixtures with impurities
Enhanced CO2 solubility in brine
Accurate modeling of the effect of salts on hydrate formation in CO2-rich mixtures.
Multiflash 7.5, combined with KBC’s ThermoBuilder tool, continues to set new industry standards by providing integrated digital solutions that drive efficiency, productivity and success.
To learn more, visit www.kbc.global.
FCC catalyst to increase high-octane gasoline blending feedstock
BASF has launched Fourtiva™, a new fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst for gasoil to mild resid feedstock. Fourtiva incorporates BASF’s newest Advanced Innovative Matrix (AIM) and Multiple Frameworks Topology (MFT) technologies to achieve an optimized catalyst design to maximize butylene yields and selectivity over propylene while improving naphtha octane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) olefinicity, and minimizing coke and dry gas. This helps refiners to produce more valuable products, increase profitability and reduce the carbon footprint of the FCCU.
BASF’s Fourtiva selectively incorporates AIM and MFT technologies into the catalyst design to meet a broad range of performance targets and applications. The AIM technology enhances the performance of the FCC catalysts through the optimal matrix acidity and activity, improved pore size distribution and matrix-zeolite interaction to enable coke selectivity. Combining AIM technology with MFT technology creates a unique catalyst that can help refiners improve margins and provide the operating flexibility needed to quickly react to market changes.
For more information, visit www.catalysts.basf.com.
New programmable RTUs for rugged automation environments
Red Lion, a manufacturer of innovative technologies that empower industrial organizations to access, connect and visualize their data, has launched two new programmable remote terminal units (RTUs), VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D. Equipped with onboard I/O and designed for uncompromising performance in extreme environments, the industrial controllers (FIG. 1) are ideal for a wide range of rugged, process-oriented applications in water and wastewater processing, oil and gas production, and other advanced automation settings.
The new RTUs deliver maximum standalone control over today’s toughest industrial processes. Automatic datalogging and timestamping, as well as logging of trends, alarms and sequences of events, give operators full visibility on their applications. A robust IEC 61131 programming and configuration environment in Red Lion Workbench provides extensive programming and troubleshooting capability. The unit also supports ISaGRAF for backward compatibility and has a true open system design, with Ethernet TCP, Modbus, Linux® and more.
An ideal platform for water, wastewater, and oil and gas processing facilities, the VT RTUs come pre-certified, letting operators add applications as desired, program and configure as needed and scale up easily, from 1 to > 1,000 stations. Multi-user connectivity is enabled via 10/100 Ethernet ports, RS232 and RS485 and up to four communications ports. Onboard I/O is a mixture of DI, DO, AI and AO. Advanced communication capabilities include report on exception, store and forward and peer-to-peer networking.
Suitable for hazardous areas and extreme temperatures, the controllers are rated for operating temperatures of –40°C to 70°C and have UL Class I, Division 2, CE, and ABS type certifications.
To learn more, visit Datalogging and Control | Sixnet Industrial RTUs | Red Lion.
New magnetically coupled pump to ensure no leakage of hazardous liquids or gases
NETZSCH Pumps & Systems, a global leader in complex fluid pumping solutions, has released the NEMO® R. MY magnetically coupled pump, designed to meet the most demanding requirements of industries requiring leak-free pumping solutions. It is ideal for use in chemical, pharmaceutical, paint and food applications to convey highly viscous product.
While mechanical seals are widely used and are a proven method of preventing leakage in pump systems, the failure of a mechanical seal system leads to a seal leak. The NEMO R. MY magnetically coupled pump (FIG. 2) features a hermetically sealed design, eliminating the risk of leakage. The pump utilizes a magnetic coupling to transmit torque, ensuring a completely sealed and robust system. This design enhances safety and reliability, making it ideal for handling aggressive, toxic or abrasive product.
Engineered for versatility, the NEMO R. MY magnetically coupled pump can handle a wide range of viscosities, from low-viscosity fluids to highly viscous, shear-sensitive substances. The pump provides continuous, pressure-stable and low-pulsation conveyance, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.
The NEMO MY magnetically coupled pump offers the significant advantage of a maintenance-free sealing system. The magnetic coupling eliminates the need for constant sealing pressure and fluid level monitoring. This pump, specifically designed for handling slurries, can efficiently manage products with viscosities up to 20,000 cps. The pump is also compliant with ATEX and can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres without problems.
For more information, visit NEMO® MY Magnetically Coupled Pump - NETZSCH Pumps & Systems.
Fail-safe, compact and hermetically tight pump systems for marine propulsion
In 2021, around 11 billion tons of cargo were transported by sea worldwide. This accounts for almost 90% of global trade and means that the shipping industry, which has mainly been powered by heavy fuel oil until now, is responsible for around 3% of global CO2 emissions. There are other pollutants as well, like sulfur and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When it comes to clean alternative fuels, liquid ammonia (NH3) is coming to the fore, but it is toxic to both humans and animals and extremely harmful to the environment. This is why the pumping technology used must be compact and low-pulsation, and also hermetically tight. Moreover it must ensure maximum operational reliability. To cover these requirements in different output ranges, LEWA has released its triplex diaphragm pumps in a new size (FIG. 3). With an hydraulic power of 10 kW, the LEWA triplex G3E is the smallest of its kind to date and offers a low-pulsation alternative to single-head pumps in the medium power range.
Dual-fuel drives for two-stroke marine diesel engines have been on the rise in the market for several years. They are designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, since they enable a high degree of flexibility with regard to the fuels used. With the development of processes for the sustainable production of hydrogen (H2) via electrolysis on an industrial scale using renewable energies, NH3 is now also coming into focus as a sustainable fuel in this context. However, the gas is highly toxic and very harmful to the environment. This is why fail-safe, hermetically tight pump technology is required to move NH3 safely and reliably in the vessel and inject it into the engine precisely. For the fuel gas supply systems (FGSSs) in dual-fuel ship propulsion systems with NH3, only high-pressure diaphragm pumps designed without dynamic seals are worth considering.
In response, LEWA has expanded its portfolio of compact, low-pulsation triplex process diaphragm pumps specifically for medium hydraulic powers with the new LEWA triplex G3E, the smallest size to date. As with all models in the LEWA triplex series, the three pistons in this variant are located in a common crankcase. The monoblock design makes the unit more compact than comparable modular solutions and has fewer individual components like seals and couplings, which makes the machine extremely robust.
Thanks to its robustness, the LEWA triplex G3E can run significantly faster than modular three-headed pumps. It has a permissible stroke frequency of up to 350 spm, which is very high for this size range, thus achieving a maximum flow rate of around 20 m3/hr at 16 bar. However, pressures of up to 400 bar are also possible at lower flowrates. With these technical specifications, the new development closes a crucial gap—also in terms of overall project costs. With the new triplex process diaphragm pump, a jump to the next larger machine can often be avoided. Above all, this reduces the investment costs for users.
For more information, visit Process diaphragm pumps as high pressure fuel injection pumps for marine engines | LEWA.
New high-pressure marine pump for NH3 fuel
Marine pump specialist Svanehøj is expanding its product portfolio for the emerging green NH3 market with the launch of a high-pressure centrifugal pump (FIG. 4) for NH3 fuel applications.
A growing interest in alternative fuels for maritime transport is driving a surge in demand for specialized critical components capable of handling highly corrosive and toxic carbon-free liquids in a safe and efficient way.
Drawing on extensive experience in NH3 applications, Svanehøj has developed a dedicated high-pressure NH3 fuel pump capable of delivering a fuel injection pressure of up to 100 bar. The new, high-pressure, compact solution, named the HP NH3 Booster Pump, is based on the design of Svanehøj’s patented deepwell low-pressure fuel pump, a centrifugal low-pressure pump, which has sold more than 1,000 units since its introduction, with 100 of those units being used for NH3. The new pump has a small footprint of 2.1 m x 780 mm x 1.45 m (H x W x L), making it an ideal fit for the tank connection space (TCS) in an NH3 fuel supply system.
Because NH3 is highly toxic and corrosive, it is crucial for shipowners and fuel system suppliers to ensure that onboard operations and maintenance are as safe as on conventionally fueled vessels.
To meet the highest safety standards, Svanehøj introduces several innovative features. The HP NH3 Booster Pump is hermetically sealed with no mechanical shaft seals and designed with a magnetic coupling that ensures transmission of torque from the motor. The coupling containment shroud is made from magnesium-stabilized zirconium oxide, ensuring high temperature stability. For pumps installed in engine rooms or on deck, Svanehøj has added an optional fail-safe mechanism as a second barrier. In the unlikely event of a breach in the containment shroud, this mechanism will activate to contain the pumped media inside the coupling housing.
In terms of maintenance, the pump is fully drainable and can be lifted out in one piece. It is designed with only one media-lubricated and easily changeable ceramic ball bearing for all axial loads. For the power transmission, Svanehøj has a heavy-duty drive with a carbon-reinforced and easily accessible timing belt system.
Although no commercial ships are operating on NH3 fuel yet, the maritime market has shown a growing appetite for investing in green NH3 solutions. NH3-fueled ship engines will be commercially available by 2025, and Svanehøj supports the energy transition of shipping by offering both low- and high-pressure pump solutions for the emerging green NH3 market. The Svanehøj HP NH3 Booster Pump features a flow of 37 m3/hr, and a pressure of 85 bar discharge (65 bar pump Δp).
For more information, visit svanehoj.com.
Closed-loop AI optimization solution powered by reinforcement learning
Imubit, a global leader in closed-loop artificial intelligence (AI) optimization, has launched its Optimizing Brain™ Solution and Industrial AI Platform. This is the first reinforcement learning-powered AI process optimization technology recognized by ARC Advisory Group, a leading industry research firm, in its new category of Closed Loop AI Optimization (AIO).
Core to the Optimizing Brain Solution are its Foundation Process Model™ coupled by reinforcement learning. These capabilities take a data-first approach and transform complex industrial challenges safely into efficient processes. By improving margins, reducing emissions and fostering the development of an AI-savvy workforce, Imubit enables plants to achieve operational excellence in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Trusted by seven of the 10 largest refiners in the U.S., Imubit has more than 90 closed-loop AI applications deployed in some of the world’s largest industrial processing plants. Imubit’s technology is delivering tangible results, boosting refinery margins by $0.30/bbl–$0.50/bbl and reducing natural gas consumption by up to 30% in rotary kiln operations.
ChatGPT and other foundation models are reshaping industries with their broad applicability. Imubit has harnessed this approach for process manufacturing with its Optimizing Brain Solution, which allows customers to use data-driven models across operations, planning and engineering, breaking down plant silos and enabling all technical staff to thrive in an AI-driven future.
For more information, visit Closed Loop AI Optimization For Industrial Processes - Imubit. HP