Digital solutions in the spotlight at Gastech 2009

In recognition of the key role that digital solutions offer the industry, Gastech 2009, the 24th in the series, hosted by ADNOC & Group of Companies and being held in Abu Dhabi 25-28 May 2009, features a new and highly relevant Digital Energy Arena.

"Sponsored by ADGAS, the Digital Energy Arena offers specialist exhibitors a dedicated area where they can demonstrate their technology, applications, solutions and services throughout the duration of the show. This is an exciting development and one that provides companies involved with all aspects of digital solutions and the facilities it needs to promote and present their professional expertise and services. In addition to the delegates, they will have the chance to meet and promote their company to international oil and gas companies and suppliers who are exhibiting at the show."

explains Event Director, Tony Stephenson of dmg world media (uk) ltd.

The Digital Energy Arena combines exhibit space with a central presentation area where exhibitors will be able to make presentations each day. Their stands (9m2 and 12m2) in this specialist area of the show are on the outside of the presentation area ensuring that post-presentation time discussions with visitors, delegates and exhibitors can continue on each exhibiting organisation's themed stand.

In planning this new feature, the organisers of Gastech are aiming at those involved with aspects of analysers; automation systems and interpretation technology; design systems and software; and computer software, data handling / data logging and data transmission systems, mobile / wireless, computer and control systems, connectivity and ethernet, computer hardware and software, instrument and control systems, flow computers and controls, information technology, data solutions / acquisition / storage and transmission, monitoring and metering systems, positioning, digital smart positioners, simulation products and services, communication equipment and services.

"The list goes on and on!" says Tony Stephenson. "So too does the list of challenges for which our delegates, visitors and other exhibitors need digital solutions."

Associated Technology Pipeline Limited is just one of the companies that has booked space in the Digital Energy Arena. As they explain: "An essential component in ensuring the success of a company's mission is the availability of reliable and adequate information, and the tools to process the information in an integrated way for all phases of the Pipeline Management process.

This is where IT comes in. Whether it concerns the design of maintenance schemes and inspection strategies, or decisions regarding investment for repairs or replacement, or demonstrating the integrity of the grid, IT systems are necessary for formulating an integrated approach and achieving auditable results.

"Potentially, there can be a degeneration of pipeline coatings, a decreasing of pipe wall thickness caused by corrosion and an increase in mechanical damage due to external interference by third parties. These issues demand a sophisticated approach to the inspection, calculation, analysis and verification of information in order to keep risks within the specific limits dictated by the regulations covering safety and safety distances. We have developed and is offering an off-the-shelf Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMSlider) - as the tool for managing the technical condition and integrity of a pipeline network."

Another exhibitor in the Digital Energy Arena is Contech Process who provide Innovative Learning Technology ™ animated video for training and science transfer knowledge multi-media, plant operation & control, troubleshooting, facility's start up & shut down, transfer of technology, simulation, dynamic optimization, and engineering services for multi-i-disciplined processing sectors in the industry. Their group comprises dynamic experienced and skilled engineers who worked successfully on varied projects in the process industry. The combined know-how and diversity of executed projects bring the most efficient solution to their customers, working closely with a client's team to understand their needs.

Gastech 2008, hosted by the PTT Group and held 10-13 March in Bangkok, Thailand, proved to be a record breaking event with 11,526 attending from well over 50 countries and 300 exhibiting companies from 36 countries. "The quality of our delegates is best summed up by the fact that 33% were Chairmen, Presidents, CEOs, COOs, Vice Presidents, Directors or Managing Directors of gas companies," explains Tony Stephenson. "Our new feature area is designed to help them source digital energy-related services."