GPA Europe Annual Conference

We are delighted to present our 2-day programme to you. Please note this is a provisional programme and subject to change. Information is being added regularly so do come back!

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER

Gas Processing

Recent Improvements and Cost Reduction in the CANSOLV CO2 Capture Process

Speaker: Paul-Emmanuel Just, Shell Global Solutions

An extensive pilot plant test was performed to obtain operational data at higher regeneration pressure (4 bara instead of 2 bara) while using an enhanced amine blend of CANSOLV DC103. The key performance indicators (KPIs) monitored included regeneration energy, amine degradation rate and emissions. DC103 Alpha, in combination with high pressure regeneration (4.0 bara), achieved the largest reduction in reboiler duty compared to the base case (DC-103 at 2.0 bara) with up to 10% reduction in specific energy (GJ per ton of CO2 captured). The amine degradation rate remained constant for both amine regeneration pressures. The combination of a small relative increase in temperature and the inherent resistance of DC103 amine structure against degradation may explain this stability at increased pressure. The emissions at stack were monitored and the 24 hours average amine emissions remained significantly below the emission target level of 0.2 ppmv, excluding few events of abnormal operating conditions, such as plant trip. It was established that the use of the enhanced DC 103 blends can still meet the amine emissions commitments.

The following items will be beneficially impacted by high regeneration pressure: reduced CO2 compression power and number of CO2 compression stages; reduced reboiler duty and steam consumption; reduced regenerator column diameter and height and reduced regenerator condenser area.

Improving Sulphur Recovery Unit flexibility and performance through Reaction Furnace Fuel Gas Co-firing and Oxygen Enrichment

Speaker: Alessandro Mari, Saipem and Adriaan Roux, Comprimo

Authors: Alessandro Mari and Sabrina D'Orazio, Saipem; Adriaan Roux, Comprimo; and Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Saudi Aramco

The objective is to go over the design approach to detail design three Sulphur Recovery Units (SRU) in Tanajib Gas Plant Project (Saudi Arabia) and achieve Saudi Aramco environmental goal of minimizing emissions (including acid gas flaring).

Due to the wide range of acid gas compositions, many design challenges appeared during detail design. The capacity of each SRU Train can be varied from 850 metric tons per day (MTPD) of produced sulphur, when the train operates with Fuel Gas co-firing, to 1,275 MTPD when operating with Oxygen Enrichment. Utilizing oxygen enrichment when one SRU train is taken out for maintenance, the capacity of the remaining two can be increased to 50% of the total feed flow each as, using Oxygen Enrichment, the inert nitrogen is being replaced by reactive acid gas.

Moreover, the application of combined co-firing and oxygen enrichment guarantees a remarkable operational flexibility both in terms of plant capacity and rangeability of Acid Gas composition. 

Saipem, Saudi Aramco Project Management Team (SAPMT), Comprimo and the Burner supplier worked together to develop solutions to mitigate the risk associated to this operating mode.

RotaSep for Combined Liquid and Solid Separation from Gases without Replaceables or Shutdowns

Speaker: Piet Geerts, SDS Separation Technology

RotaSep is based on a next generation gas-liquid and gas-solid separation technology using a rotating internal and centrifugal forces to separate 1 micrometer fine particles from gases in order to protect sensitive equipment like compressors. The unique performance of RotaSep in bulk gas flows results in relatively very compact separation packages that proves increasing distinct performance and advantages at increased operating pressure.

After 99.5% certified 1µm particle separation was shown in a demo unit earlier this year RotaSep showed a step-change in separation performance in removing liquids and fine solids from a natural gas stream on a North Sea offshore platform. Filter cartridges, multi-stage cyclone internals were not able to deliver this performance without frequent shutdown and maintenance. RotaSep has now resolved these issues and was the only technology to fit in the available space. With these results for RotaSep the applied platform technology offers large potential to service many processes in the existing and renewable gas processing facilities.

Horizontal Separation Membranes for CO2 Capture—First in Southeast Asia

Speaker: Srinivas Vadlamani, SLB

This abstract showcases the use of horizontal CO2 separation membranes for one of the world’s largest offshore carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and the first such venture in Southeast Asia. The Phase 2 project objective is to recover hydrocarbons from CO2-rich natural gas permeating from the Phase 1 facilities, eliminating 3.3 metric tons of CO2e emissions per year.

Horizontal CO2 separation membranes were selected as the most economical solution for this application. The membrane technology offers numerous advantages over other acid gas removal technologies, especially for natural gas streams with high concentrations of CO2. Key advantages include the membrane’s compact and modular design, no need for solvent or pumps, long operating life, high energy efficiency, no foaming or other operational issues, and low capex and opex, leading to the lowest overall life-cycle costs. Additionally, a digital solution has been integrated for continuous performance monitoring, which enables operational tuning and proactive membrane replacement over the life of the project.

LNG

First Installation of Durasorb LNG MAX to Address Coldbox Freezing and Increase LNG Production

Speaker: Tobias Eckart, BASF Process Catalysts Group

Coldbox freezing by heavy hydrocarbons (HHCs) causing reduced LNG throughput is a known problem in the industry. This challenge is particularly acute in the US, where LNG facilities are fed by lean pipeline gas, but also a concern in other parts of the world where plants are faced with changing feedgas compositions. To address this problem, and restore maximum throughput to LNG facilities, BASF has proposed an adsorbent solution for the removal of HHCs from lean gas.

BASF, working with Kinder Morgan at the Elba Island LNG facility, has implemented Durasorb technology, which eliminated deriming events, decreased operational complexity, and increased LNG production. In Summer of 2022, molecular sieves were removed from the dehydration unit and replaced with Durasorb products. After change out of adsorbent materials and minor modifications to cycle times, the two trains running Durasorb are removing water to LNG specifications and heavy hydrocarbons (C8+, BTX) to levels that do not cause freezing.  The removal of HHCs in the adsorption section has resulted in steady pressure drop (dp) readings in the cold section, eliminating the need for deriming events, and increasing LNG production throughput. This simple drop-in solution did not require CapEx.

Liquid Hydrogen-NH3 and LNG Storage Comparison

Speaker: Nikos Xynopoulos, Linde Hellas 

Authors: Nikos Diamantakis, Heriot-Watt University; Vassilis Kyriakou, University of Groningen, and Aleksandar Mirkovic, University of Belgrade

In this study, a comparative techno-economic analysis of short-term storage and transportation options between LH2, LNG, and NH3 is conducted/presented. The physicochemical properties, potential hazards, current production maturity level, and current transportation-storage options for the three energy carriers, are overviewed. More specifically, the main storage tank types for LH2, LNG, and NH3 are reviewed focusing on liquid stratification issues, boil-off phenomena, material compatibility, the role of He/N2, design considerations, pressure relief systems, and energy requirements. A simple recirculation/leakage simulation is conducted using ASPEN HYSYS for each storage tank option in order to highlight the similarities among them, as well as the challenges of each particular case. Their onshore and offshore storage feasibility status and future perspectives are finally discussed on the basis of these associated challenges, including potential ways to overcome them.

Innovation and Technology Deployment in Gas Processes

Speaker: Abdullah Bagazi, Aramco

Uthmaniyah, one of the largest Aramco gas processing plants, is located in Udhailiyah 170 KM south west from Dhahran. Uthmaniyah Gas Plant (UGP) was commissioned in 1981 as part of Aramco’s Master Gas System to process associated gas from oil wells. UGP has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a “Lighthouse” manufacturing facility, a leader in technology applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which enabled Aramco to be the first global energy company in the oil and gas sector of such recognition.

Aramco’ long term investment in innovation, technology deployment and operational excellence, which has made UGP to be one of the world’s most efficient facilities in gas processing, environment and energy management. This presentation will talk about the latest deployed programs including Enhanced Liquid Hydrocarbon Recovery, Flare Gas Recovery System (FGR), Combined Heat & Power Systems, and Steam Turbine Generator (STG).

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER

Hydrogen

Implementation of Rigorous Modelling and Optimization Tools for Sustainable Production of Green Ammonia

Speaker: Laura Fiorillo, Siemens Process Systems Engineering Limited

Only 40% of global CO2 emissions originate from power generation which can be decarbonized via renewable power, whereas the other 60% of CO2 emissions originate from industry, transportation, buildings, and others. Green hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be applied to decarbonization, either used directly or in the form of its derivatives like methanol, ammonia, or e-fuels to replace traditional energy sources that are believed to be the cause of climate change. This work aims to focus on the challenges, opportunities, and future potentials with ammonia as a carbon-free chemical, by introducing and implementing cutting-edge simulation tools that allow for the exploration of wider aspects of the green ammonia process such as yield, energy consumption sustainability, to overcome barriers related to production, storage and usage. The use of advanced modelling can comprehensively explore the domain of various factors over KPI’s to assess the impact of different storage unit sizes, different energy management strategies to cope with fluctuations associated to wind energy and load on ammonia reactor to maintain stability within the system. This is done to optimize the process and reduce both energy consumption and gas emissions.

Hybrid Water-Splitting Technology as a Novel Approach to Efficiently Produce Green Hydrogen

Speakers: Dr Hasan Ozcan

Nicholas Amotta,b, Dan Somersb, Samantha Nicholsona, Bahman Amini Horric

a Fluor UK, Headquarter Office, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7BF, UK

b Clean Hydrogen Limited, London, WC2A 2JR, UK

c School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK

As a non-toxic, renewable, transportable, and emission-free energy carrier, hydrogen is becoming a popular alternative fuel in the energy sector. We have recently developed a hybrid water-splitting technology based on the chemical looping principle by combining "hydrothermal" and "electrochemical" processes capable of delivering green hydrogen at high efficiency. At the heart of the patented process, a hydrothermal reactor, functioning as the oxidation unit, operates side-by-side with a modified alkaline electrolyser as the reduction unit to deploy a complete red-ox loop for water splitting. The hydrothermal reactor facilitates the reaction between water and an active metallic reagent in an alkali solution at 150 – 400 °C to directly produce hydrogen (1 – 200 bar). The thermodynamically favoured reaction between water and the active metal generates excess heat, which can be recovered as superheated steam and potentially converted to electricity to balance the renewable input. The modified-alkaline electrolyser operating at 15 – 85 °C reactivates the spent metal oxide composite (reduction step) and simultaneously produces hydrogen at the cathode surface. Such a dual hydrogen harvesting approach, plus the heat recovery system, leads to a much higher energy efficiency (~90%, measured with Surrey's prototype lab-scale system) compared to the state-of-the-art water electrolysis technologies like PEM and alkaline electrolysers (~60 - 70%). The process can be deployed as a containerised modular unit integrated with various forms of renewable (solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc.) for large-scale onshore, offshore, or remote applications.

CCUS

Greening up the Fossil Fuels: CO2 Capture

Speaker: Dr. Eduard Karslyan, BASF SE

As the biggest driver behind the climate crisis, replacement of fossil fuels by renewable, clean energy sources is targeted as the ultimate goal.

Yet, a full transition cannot take place overnight. CO2 capture from combustion and chemical processes helps minimize the emissions of fossil fuels production & consumption industries in a pragmatic way that can be implemented today.

Since 1913, when BASF started first large scale CO2 capture at 1st Haber-Bosch ammonia plant in Oppau, we have been delivering OASE® technologies for carbon capture technologies for pre-combustion and post-combustion CO2 capture of fossil fuels and their derivatives.

Whether we talk about natural gas or LNG, syngas at ammonia and blue H2 plants, or flue gases from various industries (coal, gas, “hard-to-abate”) — every industry has been bringing us certain challenges, unconventional tasks and needs, but also interesting and valuable experience to be shared.

We will also overview the steps of continuous improvement in the areas of energy efficiency, environmental impact and total investment costs, which ensure that such applications remain attractive in the future.

The Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Useful Products: A Review

Speaker: Mansoor Al-Shamari, University of Bradford

Authors: Mansoor Al-Shamaria,b,c, Ahmed Khodaryc, Dong Suk Hanb, Iqbal M Mujtabaa, and Nejat Rahmaniana,*

a Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK

b The Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Qatar 

 c Qatar Shell Research Technology Center (QSRTC), Qatar

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

The conversion of CO2 gas emission into value-added products such as organic acid (e.g. formic acid (HCOOH), oxalic acid (HOOC ̶ COOH)), alcoholic products (e.g. methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH)), hydrocarbon products (e.g. methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6)), and mineralization with carbonate and bicarbonate,  is a  promising technology for mitigating the negative impacts of carbon dioxide and other gas emissions from industrial activities and other anthropogenic pollution. The electrochemical reduction (ECR) process is commonly used to convert CO2 into valuable products, and this process's efficiency is dependent on various factors, such as electrocatalysts nanomaterials, electrode geometry, and electrolyte solution. Despite significant advancements in CO2 ECR, several challenges hinder its efficiency, including the high cost of electrocatalyst materials, selectivity toward target products, the effective surface area of electrodes, and reactor dimensions.  This article aims to summarize the chemistry of transition metals used for coating the cathodic electrode in CO2 ECR, the effects of various operating conditions on CO2 conversion to products and the mechanisms of reaction for some intermediate and final products will be will be explained.

Operations

See What’s Happening in Your Pipeline: The Future of Gas Plant Management

Speaker: Paul Stockwell, Process Vision

The paper explores both the financial the safety issues of allowing liquids into gas transmission networks that lead to $ms of lost revenue and pose serious safety threats.

The two fiscal measurements of flow and calorific value are compromised when liquids are present in dry gas streams. Monitoring gas flows with a new camera system is showing that many gas supplies, thought to be dry, actually contain liquids in mist flows and stratified flows. This paper shares videos of real-world installations and tests showing that many gas processors are giving away BTUs in the form of NGLs without knowing it.   

With the ability to look directly into high-pressure gas pipelines, this paper describes how this new technology is discovering that phase separation and NGL recovery systems are not necessarily performing to specification. Traditional analysis systems conforming to API standards to monitor water and hydrocarbon dewpoints can lead the industry to be unaware when fault conditions exist, allowing liquids to pass through custody transfer points without tripping alarms.

Using image processing and machine learning to categorize the severity of contamination is turning interesting videos into data that is being used as a new metric for process control.

How Enhanced Reality Technology Increases Operator Competency and Reduces Human Error

Speaker: Susanna Voges, Voovio Technologies S.L.

Authors: Susanna Voges and Jaime Aguilera, Voovio Technologies S.L.

The baby boomer generation continues to retire and turnover in the process industry (the great resignation) is impacting many manufacturing sites with severe ‘brain drain’ at all levels, especially operators. The industry is searching for ways to make onboarding of new hires and plant specific qualification more efficient and effective. Traditional methods, like classroom training and shadowing experienced colleagues and SMEs for an extended period of time, are important but no longer sufficient.

Moreover, these traditional ways to pass on procedural knowledge tend to be highly dependent on the individual (people), which hinders standardization. Over time, shifts develop different ways of doing things, departing from the original procedure or taking shortcuts. In many instances, this leads to practice in the field not reflecting the written procedure. Our industry has a clear need for more transparency and a higher level of control over the practical procedural knowledge of the workforce (tribal knowledge), as well as a way to check and measure the level of operator knowledge and procedural compliance.

In addition to the shortcomings of traditional training, a common cause for practice in the field not reflecting the written procedures is that the ‘procedure clarity’ is often suboptimal due to the ambiguities or general statements in the procedure steps.

These challenges and shortcomings directly impact operational productivity due to long onboarding times and unplanned equipment downtime as a result of operating errors. They also directly impact plants’ safety performance, especially where actions cannot be automated and secured by safety instrumented systems. The flawless interaction of operators with the asset is an important layer of plant safety.

Enhanced Reality (ER) technology has been proven to solve the challenges described above. It allows simulating standard operating procedures in a photorealistic 3D environment (digital replica) for users to review, practice and test on standard operating procedures on-demand and on any device. Manufacturing organizations can capture their practical procedural expertise (Tribal Knowledge) and are able to measure and track procedure competency across their operators. This methodology has been labelled Digital Twin of the Person (DToP) by Gartner (1), referring to the human-centric approach of this technique.

Our presentation will include case studies from some of the process industries biggest companies that demonstrate the impact of improved procedure clarity and more consistent execution, which reduces unplanned events and speeds up operator onboarding while capturing more ‘tribal knowledge’.

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2023

Workshop

Workshop description

Gas Treatment to reduce emissions

In this three-hour workshop organised by BASF SE, MPR Services, Comprimo and Axens.

The workshop is to be booked in conjunction with one of our conference passes.

Potential participants

This is a technical session. The session is intended for people in technical or business development roles who are courageous and confident enough to participate and contribute.

The numbers will be capped at 40 participants.

The workshop assumes prior knowledge of gas plant process units and principals and is aimed at experienced industry professionals (5+ years in industry).

If you are interested then don’t delay.

Workshop certificate

A Gas Processors Association Europe certificate will be issued to all attendees.

An Environmentally Responsible Approach to Amine Renewal and Hygiene in Sulfur and Carbon Capture Applications

Speaker: Sjaak Van Veelen, MPR Services

The need for amine renewal to remove unwanted contaminants many times depends on the gas treating application. Two different application cases are presented, with differences in both contaminants and incursion mechanisms.  In a sour gas treating, amine refurbishment may be needed after a sudden incident of SO2 breakthrough in the Tail Gas Unit (TGT) within a Sulfur plant.  Or there is a gradual build up of Heat Stable Salts (HSS) such as sulfite, sulfate, thiosulfates, and amino acid (Bicine). In comparison a Carbon Capture application is presented, the incursion of contaminants from treatment of flue gases, in this application is rapid and ongoing such that continuous amine renewal is needed, and a permanent on-site amine renewal unit needed to be installed.

Sales Gas Production from a Lean Natural Gas containing Mercaptans; Simplified Integrated Solution with Improved Economics

1100 MMSCFD Single Train AGRU Treats Lean Gas with BTX within an Integrated AGRU + Low BTX Enrichment Section + TGTU Absorber for a Middle East LNG Plant

Speakers: Piero Loliva and Carmella Alfano, Axens

Speakers: Gerald Vorberg and Tobias Eckardt, BASF

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a rapidly growing approach to reduce CO2 emissions globally. One major challenge with CCUS is the numerous sources of CO2 with countless impurity profiles. The type and level of impurity can significantly impact the CO2 treatment required, and therefore the cost of the CCUS project.  Amine-base carbon capture process is the most commercially proven technology for separating CO2 from the flue gas stream. Once separated, the CO2 requires purification prior to transportation or utilization.  Due to the impurities in CO2 flue gas, degradation reactions can occur in the separation process that impact the downstream treatment.  In order to achieve overall lower treatment costs, a robust package comprising specialty amines and unique catalysts and adsorbents for CO2 purification are critical. In this workshop the BASF OASE and Adsorbents gas treatment team will highlight several of those aspects along the entire amine-based carbon capture process including the CO2 purification steps at its tail-end.

Sulphur Recovery Technologies

Speakers: Fiona George, Adriaan Roux and Leorelis Vasquez, Comprimo

Gas treating is required for the removal of contaminants and separation of components from raw sour gas streams to meet the required specifications in the product streams. This is achieved through the combination of different process units, and an optimal design considers the integration of all units. Comprimo will initially provide an overview of options for sulphur recovery. Three case studies will then be presented. For each study there was a requirement to remove hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and mercaptans from the sour gas and to produce sales gas, sulphur and carbon dioxide export streams. Key decisions included the selection of the locations for the removal of CO2 and mercaptans and the most suitable technology to be used in the acid gas removal, acid gas enrichment and sulphur recovery units.

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2023

BASF Plant Tour

A limited number of spaces are available on the BASF Plant Tour starting at 2pm on Monday 9 October 2023.

The tour will take place in English.

The tours will finish at BASF "Gesellschaftshaus" for the Welcome Drinks Reception.

Spaces will be booked on a first come basis.

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2023

Keynote Address

Dr. Lars Kissau, President, Net Zero Accelerator

Lars Kissau was born in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1973. He studied Chemistry in Freiburg and Business Administration in Hagen, Germany. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Max-Planck-Institute in Dortmund in 2002.

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER

A message from our Sponsors

Aramco Leadership in Environmental Excellence and Energy Efficiency

Speaker: Fahad Saud Al-Dossary is the Director of the Uthmainyah Gas Plant Department at Aramco

Fahad will deliver a keynote speech about Aramco Leadership in Environmental Excellence and Energy Efficiency. As one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, Aramco has a role to play in helping to build a lower carbon economy, while delivering the energy and materials needed to support economic growth and societal well-being in the world. Aramco is a founding member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), and is working to actively shape the global pathway to a low carbon future.  As a signatory to the World Bank’s “Zero Flaring” by 2030 initiative. Aramco Environmental Excellence and Energy Efficiency originated from many decades of careful long-term reservoir management, operational efficiency, innovation and meaningful technology investments underpin its low-cost, efficient operations that have helped it maximize value from the Kingdom’s resources. In line with our ambition to achieve net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions across wholly-owned operated assets by 2050, we strive to provide reliable energy while maintaining leadership as one of the lowest carbon intensity producers of hydrocarbon product. Aramco is committed to shares best practices and knowledge with peer companies to ensure its work has a broader positive impact and maintain its low upstream carbon intensity. 

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER 2023

Panel Discussion

Two-hours bringing participants fascinating debate and big picture outlooks from some of the big names in the gas processing industry.

“Europe’s Energy Transition: How can hydrogen and decarbonisation activities become accelerators for the European Gas Processing Industry“

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2023

Companions Tour

We are happy to invite all companions of the GPA participants to a guided tour into the beautiful wine area of the Palatinate.

We will start in the morning from the Radisson Blu hotel with a sightseeing tour trough the old town of Speyer. An English speaking guide will give us some insights to the history of the over 2000 years old city, which is located on the Rhine river. A small break and a free visit of the gorgeous cathedral are included as well.

Later, a bus will bring us to St. Martin a tiny and typical village in between the vineyards. There, we are going to enjoy a private Winetasting (English speaking) and snacks. Before we return back to the hotel, the companions will have some spare time to enjoy this palatinate flair.

NOTE: also non-alcoholic beverages will be served instead of wine!

Don’t miss these opportunities for networking with your peers during your time at the GPA Europe Annual Conference.

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2023

Welcome Reception

Join us at BASF "Gesellschaftshaus" for drinks and canapés with your fellow delegates.

For those joining us for the BASF Plant Tours, you will be dropped off at the venue after the tour.

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2023

Exhibitor Reception

​Join us in the exhibition area, within the Conference foyer to speak with our exhibitors and network with your fellow delegates.

Conference Dinner

The Conference Dinner 'Celebrating 40 Years of GPAE!' on Tuesday 10 October set in the beautiful Rhine-Neckar region.

Daily Breaks

Join us in the Conference foyer for snacks and beverages during your morning, lunch and afternoon breaks.

HOTEL

Radisson Blu Hotel, Q7, 27, Mannheim, 68161, Germany

GPA Europe have secured a limited number of discounted rooms at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Mannheim.

This stylish hotel offers spacious designer rooms. Start your day in their modern gym with a morning power workout or relax after a long day by spending some time in our spa area with a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and relaxation room. In the evening, excellent drink and snack options are offered in our ROOF Bar.

We have transport arranged from the hotel to BASF SE at the start and end of each day.

We can request additional nights at the hotel on your behalf, these are not guaranteed until confirmed by the hotel. We have a limited number of rooms available in our room block on Sunday 8 October and Wednesday 11 October at the conference room rate of:

• Single Occupancy: £165 / €189
• Double Occupancy: £182 / €209

Please note that the room rate we have secured for the conference dates cannot be guaranteed for any additional nights booked outside of these dates due to limited availability at the hotel.

From Frankfurt Airport

By train:

From the airport, take the train ICE 611 towards München Hbf, travel for 30 minutes and exit at Mannheim Hauptbahnhof.

By taxi:

Take the fastest route via A5 and A67, and arrive in approximately 47 minutes.

By Car

Radisson Blu Hotel

Address: Q7, 27, Mannheim, 68161, Germany

BASF SE

Address: BASF Tor 2, Building D105 (Gate 2)

Parking

Radisson Blu Hotel

The hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the midst of the Mannheimer Quadrate. You can reach the hotel easily from motorways A67, A5 and A6. Please be aware that vehicles in the Mannheim city center need a green emissions sticker (pollutant-group 4). There is a parking area with space for over 1,400 cars and two electric car charging stations for our guests. You can find direct access to the hotel on parking level P3 and the parking fee for 24 hours is EUR 15.

BASF SE

There is limited parking available, please let us know if you need to book a parking space.

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Conference Pricing

Get the full GPAE experience with:

• 3 days of sessions, including the general session, keynote speech, panel discussion and more
• Admittance to evening events: Welcome Reception and 40th Celebratory Dinner
• Attendee meals
• Workshop
• BASF Plant Tour
• Exhibition

Book before 31 July to receive an Early Bird discount of £100 / €120 off each Conference Pass price.

Single Conference Passes

Single Conference passes aimed at an individual attending without their partner/spouse.

Double Conference Passes

Double Conference passes aimed at an individual attending with their partner/spouse. This pass entitles your partner/spouse to attend the Welcome Reception, Celebratory Conference Dinner and the Companions Tour.

Discounts Available

Early Bird Discount

Book before 31 July to receive an Early Bird discount of £100 / €120 off each Conference Pass price.

Member Discount

GPA Europe Members will receive a discount of £100 / €120 off each Conference Pass price.

Young Professional Discount

GPA Europe is offering Graduate Engineers the opportunity to attend the Technical Conferences at a discount of £400 / €460 on the fees paid by an accompanying senior engineer. The graduate engineer should not have attended a residential GPA Europe Conferences previously and have less than five years’ experience. Contact [email protected] for a discount code.

Tuesday 10 October Speakers

Wednesday 11 October Speakers

New for 2023!
Digital Technical Posters will be displayed within the Exhibition Area. Each Poster will have a 5minute presentation.

Optimization of a Back-up Condensate Stabilization Unit

Abbas Rajaei, Nejat Rahmanian*

Chemical  Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics,  University of Bradford, UK

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

This study investigates the effectiveness parameters of a back-up condensate stabilization process (BCSU) in achieving the desired product specifications. The focus is on the key operating parameters of pressure and temperature of separators, which play a significant role in satisfying the required Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of the products. The selection of the optimal operating pressure and temperature is crucial based on the process condition. The reduction of waste hydrocarbon production is also an essential factor in selecting the stabilization unit configuration. Three case studies are presented that examine the effectiveness of different temperature and pressure settings on three potential back-up stabilization process configurations. The results show that the selection of the right stabilization unit configuration can significantly reduce waste hydrocarbon production, economically worth, and less hydrocarbon emission, which is environmentally friendly, and improve the quality of the condensate product, helping to meet the required product standards. 

Oxygen in Post-Combustion CO2 - Efficient Removal for Transportation and Utilisation

Simon Saul, Johnson Matthey

Natural gas remains an integral component of the future energy and feedstock mix. As the world is pledging to reduce the effects of global warming, it is increasingly important to address the carbon footprint associated with its utilisation for power generation and “grey” chemistries. Many variants of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Sequestration (CCUS) technology are successfully applied in industry, but there are still challenges in achieving the increasingly stringent specifications for transmission and utilisation of the captured CO2.

For post-combustion CO2, one of the most concerning components is oxygen. Oxygen can affect the transmission systems’ integrity (corrosion), the ability to use the CO2 for food preservation and deactivates catalysts during chemicals manufacture. Bulk CCUS systems do not address the removal of oxygen, this has to be done as a polishing step downstream of main unit. Catalytic oxidation is the simplest and most economic process over platinum group metal catalysts however, the challenge is retaining the efficient catalyst performance in the “witches brew” that most CO2 stream are. How to get the best out of your catalyst system?

Improving the output from LNG trains or reducing its footprint for greenfield project, using Dual Enhanced surface tubes in non-cryogenic exchangers

Nicolas Bilbault, Kelvion Thermal Solutions

Air Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs) have a direct influence on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production plants and especially on the refrigeration loop (refrigerant condensing and mixed refrigerant compression services). Moreover, ACHEs are by far the largest equipment items by area, having a direct impact on the plant size, and therefore on its capital expenditure. Designers of LNG plants are always trying to find solutions for increasing heat outcome from the ACHEs keeping the footprint of the plant acceptable.

Based on the above, a consortium made of Kelvion Thermal Solutions (KTS), Wieland Werke and Technip Energies, have developed a dual enhanced surface finned tube called “DIESTA” for ACHE application to optimize LNG plants efficiency. DIESTA finned tubes have microstructures inside and outside which create turbulence and therefore increase the heat transfer coefficient on tube and air sides.

 Figure 1 – Diesta finned tube

KTS offered the DIESTA finned tube technology to an ongoing LNG project in order to reduce the size and cost of ACHEs. The project team saw a good opportunity to reduce operating cost and improve future LNG production, keeping the footprint of the facility unchanged. The project team then asked KTS to fine tune ACHE design using maximum process flow rates for the 5 ACHEs of the refrigeration loop.

KTS also offers DIESTA in all major new built LNG plants in order to reduce the footprint of the ACHE and its associated pipe-rack support leading to large scale savings and reduction of C02 emissions associated to the production.

The DIESTA finned tube technology allows for improving the ACHEs efficiency and performance.

Sustainable Biogas Purification via Mobile Filters Using Renewable Activated Carbon

Frank Gänshirt and Charles-Elie Lefaucheur, Desotec

Activated carbon is widely used through deep bed filters or dry scrubbers for biogas purification.

Virgin and impregnated grades adsorb undesirable impurities contained in biogas, such as H2S, S-based molecules, VOC and siloxanes.

This scrubbing is very efficient, practically mandatory as polishing step, to meet stringent specifications of biomethane for grid injection.

Activated carbon was mainly produced from coal or renewable sources, depending on required pore size distribution and stream purification conditions.

Desotec strongly focuses on the development of renewable grades to gradually displace coal based grades. These combine high performance with a reduced environmental impact. By having an equal or even better purification efficiency, operation costs can be reduced.

Besides, the application of mobile filters enables the reactivation of spent activated carbon, resulting in a closed-loop recycling and drastically increasing the sustainability of mobile activated carbon filter solutions.

After patented R&D investigations, Desotec will be soon ready to exclusively offer the reactivation of activated carbon highly loaded with sulphur (up to 50%). This will complement the reactivation of VOC-loaded spent grades.

At last, needing no upfront investment and easily put in place on industrial sites, mobile filters are convenient solutions for routine operations and peak situations.

Post-Combustion Carbon Capture: from Onshore to Offshore

Ming Yang Lee, Sulzer Chemtech

The post-combustion carbon capture (PCCC) of flue gas streams using amines is relatively well-established for onshore facilities, including two commercial scale units in coal-fired power plants in North America. The application of PCCC to offshore vessels, such as FPSOs and LNG carriers, is a nascent trend which presents new challenges. The primary difference is that the PCCC columns installed on floating vessels are subjected to tilt and motion, so-called “moving columns”, leading to detrimental effects on column efficiency and capacity. Moreover, if successfully implemented, the PCCC CO2 absorber will be the largest ever moving column to be built.

The paper assesses the knowledge available to design PCCC moving columns, by examining several topics. Firstly, an overview of industry experiences with moving columns, primarily in FLNGs and FPSOs, is discussed. Secondly, an overview of industry experiences with onshore PCCC is discussed. Thirdly, the translation of a stationary PCCC CO2 absorber design into a moving column design is analyzed, considering the susceptibility and sensitivity of the column to maldistribution. Furthermore, a comparison against a high-pressure CO2 absorber in a FLNG is performed.

Support of Design Engineers and Plant Operators by a Digital Platform

Ralf Notz and Kai Binder, BASF SE

In the last years, BASF developed OASE® connect, a digital platform for its OASE® gas treatment applications. This platform provides various customer support like access to a knowledge center with training material, analytical data, OASE® digilab and a simulation tool. Latter one can be preset with plant specific settings and is the key element for analysis and for optimization of plant operation.

In the first part, this paper describes the challenges that had to be solved to be able to provide the necessary intellectual property protection as well as fine-grained access controls and configuration to the customer’s needs. With an increasing number of simulations and an increasing complexity, being able to scale-out the computational resources got more and more important. This led to the development of a cloud-based solution.

The second part of the paper describes the use of the OASE® connect simulation tool for monitoring of the current process operation and optimization of operating conditions. With input of operating data, the tool allows the simulation of the “as is” status. Based on the results, a second simulation can be triggered, which uses an optimization algorithm under consideration of side conditions to determine improvements for plant operation. Although these simulations can be triggered manually, a greater benefit is achieved by integration into higher-level systems for overall plant monitoring and optimization. The described OASE® connect simulations can be integrated via the CAPE-OPEN interface into such systems.

Sustainability Solutions by BASF Process Catalysts

Dr. Hamideh Ahi, BASF SE

We at BASF understand the challenges our customers are facing to reduce CO2 emissions. We are facing them ourselves.

We support them to decarbonize their process through innovative technologies.

In our Blue Map, we summarize the catalysts we offer to make the utilization of CO2 feedstocks possible.

Filtration & Separation technologies selection improving efficiencies in the blue hydrogen & carbon capture

Pavlos Papadopoulos, Parker Hannifin

The energy transition goes through various colours of hydrogen. Beyond the production and use of green hydrogen, meeting the Net Zero scenario implies going carbon negative in emissions, in other words decarbonize the various carbon emitting industries through carbon capture.

Filtration & coalescing are key not only to increase the efficiency of electrolysers stacks (green) but are one of the main drives in Steam Methane Reformers operations as well as essential to Carbon Capture units efficiencies (blue).

Appropriate selection of filtration & coalescing provides fluid treatment and purification, protection of equipment, lean maintenance and safety in process units operations and result in cost effective and predictable operations.

When do we opt for surface or depth filtration, where does filtration impact, what parameters have most influence on designs and operations, what are filtration technologies capable of, … ?

From liquid/solid, gas/liquid, gas/solid, liquid/liquid, we will review a typical flow diagram and the technologies applied at each step, with their impact on the fluid stream and the discontinuous phase, on the process equipment operations, and the challenges of maximising filtration efficiency. 

Optimizing NGL Liquefaction Unit Mode of Operation to Eliminate Condensate Losses

Mohammed Rumaih, Saudi Aramco

During the summer when the NGL liquefaction trains are processing more than 65% of their design gas throughput, the trains pre-conditioning system receives abnormal quantities of heavier end hydrocarbon. This result in production losses and intermittent flaring due to exceeding the condensate system design flow rates. An optimization was done to minimize the impact and increase the production during the summer.

The excess condensate is normally directed to the blowdown system resulting to production losses. Upon implementing the optimization, plant production was increased by 4000 BBL per day, consequentially increasing plant revenue by approximately $ 18 million annually. On the other hand, it eliminated the intermittent flaring of approximately 2.3 MMSCFD. 

Low-DP Blowback Filter for Flue Gas Contaminant Treatment

Dr Lara Heberle, Pall Corporation

Post-combustion carbon capture is the most established method of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. However, flue gases contain particulate matter which can cause significant problems for the downstream capture equipment. Contaminants that enter carbon capture systems can cause solvent degradation, fouling of process equipment such as heat exchangers, and aerosol emissions from the absorber vent. These can lead to elevated operating costs, reduced capture efficiency, and increased maintenance requirements and environmental challenges.

Contaminants can be removed by means of additional pre-treatment units such as ESPs, baghouse filters, and cyclones are often installed prior to the capture equipment. These solutions are often expensive, have a large footprint to handle the high flue gas flowrates with a minimal pressure drop, and do not always perform well at removing fine sub-micron particle contaminants.

To address these concerns, Pall Corporation has developed a low pressure drop (LDP) blowback filter system. The LDP filter system is compact, captures solid particles above 0.5µm, handles high flow rates with a pressure drop below 60 millibar, and is self-cleaning to provide a long life and continuous operation. The unique attributes of the system are enabled by a unique filter design based on a honeycomb monolith structure realized with additive manufacturing, in combination with decades of expertise in developing blowback filter systems.

This paper will review the contaminant removal requirements of carbon capture systems and the capabilities and benefits of the low pressure drop filter system, contrasting it to other filtration alternatives. The performance of the system in lab- and system-scale trials will then be discussed. The paper will conclude with a review of commercial case studies and forward-looking development.

Keywords: Filtration, separation, flue gas, carbon capture

The role of digitisation in delivering decarbonisation of CCUS projects

Phil Emsley, Siemens

As part of efforts to combat climate change, many countries, companies, and other organisations have committed to net zero emissions targets. Achieving these targets will require fundamental changes in the gas processing industry. With many of the transformative technologies required still in their infancy, there is a need for solutions that support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions now. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) can help reduce emissions from today’s fossil-based processes. Moreover, CCUS is particularly relevant for high-temperature chemical processes for which there are few alternatives.

By their very nature, CCUS facilities need to be tightly integrated into other process systems. This raises questions on how best to maximise efficiency of the overall system, what impact the CCUS process has on process dynamics and control, and how best to reduce capital and operating expenditure. Questions like these require a sufficiently accurate representation of the entire process, to accurately predict plant performance, and operate closer to true limitations.

In this presentation we discuss how digital design techniques are used to map system interactions, predict process responses in highly transient scenarios, optimize equipment and system designs, and ultimately provide reassurance to all stakeholders in the CCUS chain to confidently navigate the road to decarbonization.