MARCH 2019
Oil & Gas Blockchain
NEWS
BorWin
Saipem
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PETRONAS
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EDITOR‘S NOTE
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he prominence of bitcoin introduced cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, which already brought some positive impact on various industries. However, this is not yet adopted by the oil and gas sector especially that the industry’s leaders are not yet fully aware of its advantages. Blockchain, which creates secure ledgers for digital transactions and accelerates various online transactions, has been used by global leaders in diverse fields. Like other industries, the oil and gas business will possibly reap many advantages once they consider the application of this technology. The blockchain technology can help improve workflow management, reduce operational losses, enhance operational performance and service delivery. It will also have an impact on the supply chain management for better management of the flow of goods and services. Businesses these days need to deal with a huge amount of data. This is another aspect where blockchain can help the industry by securing and tracking data. It can assist in asset management and in tracking regular maintenance updates. It would also be easier and quicker to acquire information while ensuring authentic data. However, company executives still need more knowledge about the blockchain technology, which is the reason why they are hesitant to use it for their business. Many are concerned about its possible disruption while some are anxious if it could really outweigh the 4
Blockchain Will Have A Significant Impact risks and investments that they need to make during their first move. A survey shows that most executives believe that it will give them a comparative disadvantage and it could be disruptive to them. One reason why the industry leaders think this way is blockchain’s current little impact on the oil and gas industry. But this may change once they look into the potential of blockchain technology. It may be possible that the oil and gas industry will finally give in and consider this technology after acknowledging its positive influence on their business. What do you think? Is the oil and gas industry ready for blockchain technology?
CON TENTS
NEWS
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The Potential of Blockchain Technology in the Oil & GasIndustry
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Saipem Awarded Surf Contracts for Liza Phase 2 Development by Exxonmobil in Guyana and other Offshore E&C Contracts worth approximately 700 Million USD
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Celebrating completion of the BorWin gamma platform topside fabrication
S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
50 4 Top-of-the-Line Breakthroughs in Mass Finishing Industry
56 5 Ways to Fix Your Common Construction Mistakes
38 PETRONAS And Joint Venture Participants Reach Final Investment Decision In LNG Canada Project
42 What Lies Ahead for Construction Equipment 6
60 Hassle Free Ways to Help You to Determine Car Problems
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Choosing the Right Window Type Aircon for Philippine Consumers A comprehensive guide for Filipinos in selecting the perfect type of air conditioning unit for condos or large vacation houses this summer.
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here is no better way to beat the heat than getting that window type air conditioner installed in your homes. But with the countless brands and types of these cooling units available in the market, how do you exactly know which is which? Worry no more because we made the choosing easier. Here’s the nitty-gritty on buying the best window type AC for Philippine homes.
R-32 Eco-friendly Refrigerant The R-32 is the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerant that can save you money and protect the earth’s ozone layer. R-32 is the latest refrigerant that has been recognized by environmentalists, scientists and HVACR engineers to be the most effective cooling medium for conveying heat. R-32 can significantly reduce the cost of electricity consumption by up to
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10% when compared to other air conditioning units that are using refrigerant R-22. Likewise, R-32 as opposed to other refrigerants like R-22 and R-410A, has the least global warming potential (GWP). R-32 GWP is 30% much lower as opposed to the existing refrigerants (R-22 and R-410A) in the temperature control market. R-32 has less environmental impact with significant reduction in global warming. Consumers can now
save money and protect the environment at the same time. So when choosing a window type aircon for your home, office or commercial establishment, ensure that you are buying an R-32 Refrigerant air conditioner.
What Features to Look For Having an air-conditioning unit can surely make a great impact on your electricity bill so choosing the most energy-efficient one can cut back on your costs. Here are four of the features you should check when canvassing for the perfect window type aircon. • Sleep Setting With a sleep setting, the unit switches to low values when the homeowners are sleeping, making the unit less noisy and the air more comfortable and convenient for sleep. • Easy-to-access Filters Filters that are easily accessible for maintenance can lengthen the life span of the unit. • Electronic Control Controlling the temperature by degrees is a great flexibility to the users. • Timer You can set the time when to turn on/off the unit to help you save cost and energy.
What Size of Window Type Aircon to Buy It may not be very obvious to you, but determining the size of your window type aircon is the most crucial decision you will ever have to make. When selecting the appropriate size of window type aircon you want to install in your homes, the first consideration should not be the size of the window where it will be installed, rather the size of the room. Choosing a size too small for the room will be insufficient to cool the whole area by itself. Meanwhile, picking a unit too big will do a better job of cooling the room quickly but will not be very cost-efficient since the bigger the unit is, the more
energy it consumes. Aside from that, a large aircon in a small room will only cause more humidity in the air and will make it feel more uncomfortable than before. To know the proper size of your unit, you may need a little geometry to figure out your room size. If you have a regularly shaped rectangle or square room, simply multiply the length of the room by its width. For triangular rooms, your room size is half of the product of the length and the width. If you do have odd-shaped rooms that are neither squares nor triangles, you can divide the
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S P E C IA L F E AT U R E rooms into regular shapes that are easier to calculate and just add the products. In case you do have any contact with your house’s engineer/architect, you may just ask them for the floor area of that specific room so you wouldn’t need to do the math. Once you have the accurate room size, you can now proceed to note the actual cooling capacity (in BTU) needed for your aircon. The table below shows the area where you want your units installed and its corresponding cooling capacity. RECOMMENDED TABLE Area Sq.Ft 70 85 100 115 130 145 175 200 260 300 330 360 400 520 There are also several other factors to consider to determine the most accurate cooling capacity you need, such as:
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BTU Sq.Ft 100 125 150 170 190 210 250 290 375 440 480 520 580 750
• Sunlight When the room comes in direct sunlight or is considerably sunny during the day, add another 10% to the cooling capacity.
5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 12000 14000 18000 21000 23000 25000 28000 36000 • Shade Otherwise, if the room is heavily shaded, decrease the capacity by 10%.
• Ceiling If you have ceilings higher than the normal 8 feet, it is advisable to increase your cooling capacity. • Kitchen Area Add another 4,000 BTU to your cooling capacity if the unit will be installed in the kitchen. • Number of Room Occupants If the regular occupants of the room are more than 2, increase the capacity by 600 BTU for each additional person. • Climate Warmer climates like the Philippines may need an aircon with higher BTU output.
Good thing the Window Type Inverter (R32) air conditioner from TOSOT, the best aircon supplier in the Philippines, offers more than just the above features. With its R32 Refrigerant, air conditioning has never been this eco-friendly. Equipped with powerful cooling but energy-efficient mechanisms, you can save on cost and energy by up to 50 percent! Its high performance, durability, and up-to-date design will surely not disappoint you this coming summer.
To find out the best aircon for your home, visit TOSOT showroom located at 2162 FB Harrison St., San Jose, Pasay City, Philippines or call +632-8330000 to book an appointment. You may also visit their website (click here) to get more information about the best aircon units in the Philippines. This product is also available at Lazada (click here) and Adobomall (click here) online shopping sites.
The TOSOT Window Type Inverter (R32) is available in different capacity sizes: 1.0HP, 1.5HP, 2.0HP and 2.5HP.
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A Must Have Lighting System for First Responders & Security Personnel in Philippines Security Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians Should Have At least One Pelican RALS
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aving the task of ensuring other’s safety is definitely not an easy job. Nope, we are not only referring to policemen and soldiers who are brave-hearted. Even security guards and first aid officers have courageous hearts too. It would take a lot of courage to put their lives at risk just to make sure that everyone around them is safe from any harm.
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No doubt, you feel safe every time you see one standing beside the door of an establishment. The mere sight of security personnel makes you feel sheltered from any adverse situations. A uniformed officer can definitely give the feeling of safety. But is it enough for them to wear uniforms? Apparently not. They need to wear the complete gear so they are ready to face any unfortunate event that may occur.
Essential Security Personnel & EMT Gears In order for them to perform their tasks well, they need to carry a lot of gears. This includes a communication device, first aid kit, flashlight and other gadgets. These essential gears are important to protect themselves, the people around them, and the establishment they are guarding. Whatever time of the day they are on duty, they need to come in complete uniform and gadgets.One of the things we mentioned above is a flashlight. Not only can a flashlight be used for the obvious purpose of shedding light in dark places, but it can also be used as a striking device for necessary situations or possibly even protection. Flashlights are not only needed during the night. It is also a must-have during the day since there are instances that some extra light is needed like visiting dark rooms. Even though it can be used as a weapon in some instances, there is no need to get a permit to carry one. This makes it easier for personnel to choose what type of flashlight he wants to use during his duty.
Remote Area Lighting System for Security Officers and First Aid Responders Of course, it is important to use only the best flashlight that is durable and tough. That is why security personnel in the Philippines choose Pelican Remote Area Lighting System (RALS) and Pelican Tactical Flashlights since it can cater to their needs and it aids them to perform their tasks well. There are different designs for a Pelican RALS. One common factor of their lights is their use of polycarbonate for the lens which makes it more durable. These can also be used for a long time since this lamp life is at 50000 hours! There is also no need to get spare batteries or charge it from time to time. With its long hours of battery life, it also means that security officers can perform their tasks without interruption, thus making them more efficient.Pelican RALS can be used by emergency medical technicians and security personnel at airports and aviation, ports and maritime, hotels and hospitality, malls, tourist locations, and resorts, and many other locations. Unlike gas lamps or candles, RALS are considered professional lighting. With that, security guards look more
trustworthy and proficient since they use high-quality gear. Although security officers are mostly assigned to ensure the safety of a particular location, there are instances when they also need to respond to
operations or even calamities. For situations like this, Pelican RALS will definitely be handy. It would be easier to spot dark areas where someone in need may be waiting for a rescue.
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Top RALS and Tactical Flashlights for Security Personnel Two of the top Remote Area Lighting System (RALS) that are perfect for risky jobs are the 9430 RALS and the 9460 RALS. The 9430 Remote Area Lighting System (RALS) has multiple heads and Bluetooth activation. It can run for up to 15 hours and could light up an entire soccer field or an accident scene. You can just On the other hand, 9460 imagine how wide it can cover! Remote Area Lighting System (RALS) features dual Furthermore, two of the best telescoping LED light heads. Pelican flashlights are the It is the perfect alternative to 2350 Tactical Flashlight and wasteful generator powered 2360 Tactical Flashlight has lights. It is engineered with 4 Selectable Programs with a Intelligent Control System lifetime guarantee. The 2360 which displays the RALS’ Flashlight has 375 lumens current battery life. The user while the 2350 Flashlight has may choose their desired run 178 lumens. Constructed with time and regulate the the most intensity of the light. Its durable telescopic masts could extend of mateup to 6 feet and rotate 260 rials, an degrees. aerospace grade Due to the versatility of these aluminum Pelican RALS, it is not only body and perfect for security personnel. an impact emergency medical resistant technicians, police officers, LED lamp politicians, facilities module, the management, engineers and 2350 and homeowners could also own 2360 LED one. But where can you buy keeps you these items? Pelican RALS are on point available at Coby’s Gear and without Gadget and Cobankiat Hardequipment ware. These lighting systems failure. can be delivered within the 14
Philippines. Knowing how good these flashlights are will not make you doubt why security personnel are crazy about it. Of course, getting the best portable lighting solutions does not complete a security personnel’s gear. Aside from getting a Pelican RALS and flashlights, it is also important to acquire other quality items to prepare them for unexpected scenarios and risky situations. Above all, a security guard should always keep their wits, preparedness, common sense, and good judgment, and the rest of the security duty gear will aid along the way.
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The Potential of Blockchain Technology in the
Oil & Gas Industry
Is the industry ready to integrate blockchain technology? Upon hearing the term blockchain, the first thing that will come to your mind is bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But blockchain isn’t merely about cryptocurrencies. This technology creates secure ledgers for digital transactions and accelerates
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various online transactions. No wonder why many global business leaders are using blockchain. Oil and gas companies evolved itself into a dataintensive industry with the involvement of the Internet of
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COVER STORY
Things, machine learning, and even artificial intelligence. No doubt, the industry has grown and expanded which makes it even more necessary to adopt advanced blockchain technology. Using blockchain can help the industry improve in service
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delivery and operational performance. Aside from that, it can also help oil and gas leaders in many different ways. Let us look into how the oil and gas majors could benefit from its integration of blockchain.
COVER STORY
Benefits of Blockchain The oil and gas industry needs advanced technologies to improve workflow management and reduce operational losses. The blockchain technology is an answer to that. Aside from the aforementioned, this technology can also help in the betterment of operational performance and service delivery. Supply chain management, which refers to the management of the flow of goods and services, should also be applied. This involves the tracking of raw materials and the improvement of quality control. Blockchain technology can be used in classifying and tracking raw materials to improve quality control. The complete supply chain of the raw materials from the source to end user can be identified and tracked through the distributed ledger system. Blockchain can also help in the preservation of digital data from sourcing the raw materials to trading and reselling the finished product. Potential damage and leakage of sensitive data will also be avoided. Data tracking is easier and more secure with blockchain 20
technology. It can also help in asset management and in tracking regular maintenance updates. Aside from that, compliance and regulatory matters are made possible through the analysis of recorded data. With blockchain, it is quicker and easier to extract information while ensuring authenticity of data. Manual transactions and third-party involvement can be eliminated since all transactions are already automatic. This results in better customer service, faster, more accurate and cost-effective
processes. It also improves transparency among the parties involved in the contracts since everyone will have access to data. This will result in fewer contract disputes and better flow of the business. Some big names of the oil and gas industry could be at the forefront of the deployment of blockchain technology in the next years to come. This includes Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Gazprom, Statoil, and Repsol.
Roadblocks to Blockchain Integration The potential of blockchain in the oil and gas industry is palpable. Some executives and leaders of this industry acknowledge the fact that blockchain can help reshape their business. However, not everyone is open to such changes. Others are concerned about possible disruptions and they remain unsure if the technology could counterbalance the risks and investments that are required during first entry. Lack of understanding for this technology leads to doubts on the positive impact it may have in the sector. In a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2016, about two in five senior executives of the US-based companies do not have enough knowledge about blockchain. Meanwhile, around 55 percent believe that their company will be at a competitive disadvantage once they apply the technology and 42 percent think that it has disruptive potential. One reason why executives think this way is due to the absence of adequate proof that blockchain will work for
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the industry. Currently, the technology has very little impact on the oil and gas business which hinders a thorough assessment of its current and future value. However, considering the huge role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the expansion and growth of the industry, blockchain could be a good vessel to bring this business to higher grounds.
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Data tracking is easier and more secure with blockchain technology.
COVER STORY
Will the Industry Use Blockchain in the Future? Acceptance of the latest technological innovation on the operations side is a lot easier for the industry. The usage of hydraulic fracturing, 3-D seismic and other processes are concrete proofs of the industry’s acknowledgment and applica-
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tion of technology. However, there is a different story when it comes to the back-office function. The industry is slow in bringing in new digital technology that can help in the supply management, procurement of goods and even on the finance areas.
COVER STORY
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But it isn’t late yet. There is still plenty of time for the industry’s leaders to study and analyze the potential of blockchain in their businesses. Who knows, major oil and gas companies might be considering the blockchain technology soon. It could be one major breakthrough in the industry, but for now, there are still countless hurdles to overcome. -end-
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NEWS
Saipem Awarded Surf Contracts for Liza Phase 2 Development by Exxonmobil in Guyana and other Offshore E&C Contracts worth approximately 700 Million USD Saipem has been awarded contracts for the second phase of the ExxonMobil led Liza development offshore Guyana. These contracts, assigned by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), an affiliate of ExxonMobil, as the project operator, are in addition to those awarded to Saipem in 2017 for Liza Phase 1. Following engineering and subject to requisite government approvals, project sanction from the joint venture and an authorization to proceed with the next phase, Saipem will then perform detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the risers, flowlines, and associated structures and jumpers. Saipem will also transport and install umbilicals, manifolds, and associated foundations for the production, and water and gas injection systems. Development of the Stabroek Block is being pursued by a joint venture which includes 32
Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited as operator and 45 percent interest holder, in conjunction with Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (30 percent interest) and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited (25 percent interest). Liza field is located approximately 200 Km off the shores of Guyana in the Stabroek Block at a water
depth up to 1,850 metres. The second phase of the development has a larger number of wells and related subsea equipment than its predecessor and will produce an estimated 220,000 BOPD. Stefano Cao, Saipem CEO, commented: “For Saipem this award is significant and strategic, and consistently supports our aim to consolidate our leading position in the offshore Subsea Flowlines Umbilicals and Risers (SURF) market. It also consolidates our relations with an important client such as ExxonMobil and allows us
to contribute safely to the development of Guyana’s significant hydrocarbon resources. Finally, this project is expected to involve the recently acquired vessel Constellation which, together with the FDS2, will ensure an offshore execution campaign to achieve first oil by 2022”. Furthermore, through its subsidiary Boscongo SA, Saipem has been awarded a new Offshore E&C contract in the Republic of Congo for an MMO (Maintenance, Modifications & Operations) project in relation to the Centrale Electrique du Congo,
which covers over half of the country’s electricity supply. The scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, as well as the start-up and performance tests for the project, the purpose of which is to expand the capacity of the open cycle power plant located 15 km to the south east of Pointe Noire, in proximity to Saipem’s yard which will provide necessary support to the project activities. Output will be brought from the present 300 MW to 450 MW.
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NEWS
The overall value of the contracts is approximately 700 million USD. Saipem is a world leader in drilling services, as well as in the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of pipelines and complex projects, onshore and offshore, in the oil & gas market. The company has 34
distinctive competences in operations in harsh environments, remote areas and deep water. Saipem provides a full range of services with “EPC” and “EPCI” contracts (on a “turnkey” basis) and has distinctive capabilities and unique assets with a high technological content.
NEWS
Celebrating completion of the BorWin gamma platform topside fabrication An event hosted by Drydocks World in Dubai has marked the achievement of a further milestone in the BorWin3 offshore grid connection project. A ceremony celebrating the completed fabrication and construction of BorWin gamma High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) platform topside was attended by representatives of Petrofac along with our client TenneT, consortium partner Siemens and Drydocks World. The topside fabrication commenced at Drydocks World, Dubai in 2014, and has taken over 13.5 million man-hours to construct, using 10,500 tonnes of steel — more than the Eiffel Tower, enough paint to cover 30 football fields, and 880 km of cable pulling inside the platform — which could cover the distance from Hamburg to Milan. The final stages of the project in Drydocks World saw the mega jacking and load-out of the topside, completing one of the heaviest and biggest jacking lifts undertaken in the Middle East. BorWin gamma will transmit approximately 900 megawatt of electricity from connected offshore wind farms in the North Sea to mainland Germany, providing enough clean wind power to supply the annual elec36
tricity consumption of more than one million German households. The over 18,000 tonnes topside will soon set sail for the North Sea on a heavy lift vessel, and will be integrated with the jacket nearly 130 kilometres off the German coast, in a water depth of approximately 40 metres.
class and reliable topside such as this cannot be underestimated and a key factor has been the collaborative approach of all the various parties involved, specifically our client TenneT, consortium partner Siemens and Drydocks World for the fabrication and construction of the topside.”
Commenting on the successful BorWin Gamma completion, George Salibi, Chief Operating Officer – Engineering & Construction at Petrofac said: “The safe and timely completion of the platform topside fabrication is a key milestone in this unique project. The collective efforts to build a top-
He added, “As we progress with the further critical stages of the project, the focus will remain on safe and efficient delivery to ensure the platform is installed successfully in the North Sea and goes online to the full satisfaction of TenneT.”
TenneT Wilfried Breuer, Member Executive Board of TenneT said: ”During the entire project, all involved partners remembered the most important aspect: to find the best and optimal solution for BorWin3, we have to work together. For our project it meant to adapt the design or even the construction process to successfully finish the platform. Thanks to the good cooperation, an additional grid connection, BorWin3, will be put into operation next year. This connection will contribute to the energy transition in Germany.”
Siemens Mirko Düsel, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens’ Transmission Solutions Business Unit said: “We have experienced incredible collaboration between the partners in this project. Today also marks a significant milestone for Siemens, as it is the fifth direct current platform we have implemented for TenneT in the North Sea. We are looking forward to seeing our highly efficient technology at play as the platform goes online in 2019.”
Drydocks World Captain Rado Antolovic, Chief Operating Officer at Drydocks World said: “The BorWin gamma project demonstrates our ability to construct complex projects
according to the highest European quality standards, and shows the yard’s diverse capabilities, which extend beyond repair, conversion, oil & gas, to large-scale offshore renewable fabrication.” He added, “Petrofac awarded Drydocks World the contract to build the platform in 2014 and we have worked closely to deploy our mutual expertise in delivering the project safely and effec-
tively. We look forward to establishing new opportunities for growth and sustainability in the future; as the renewables sector is set to grow over the next decade, and are committed to contributing to sustainable energy development in Dubai and worldwide.”
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NEWS
PETRONAS And Joint Venture Participants Reach Final Investment Decision In LNG Canada Project
PETRONAS is pleased to announce that, together with its joint venture participants, it has taken a final investment decision (FID) on LNG Canada, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. PETRONAS, through its wholly-owned entity, the North Montney LNG Limited Partnership (NMLLP), holds a 25% participating interest in the project, with joint venture participants Royal Dutch Shell plc, through its affiliate Shell Canada Energy (40%); PetroChina Company 38
Limited, through its subsidiary PetroChina Canada Ltd. (15%); Mitsubishi Corporation, through its subsidiary Diamond LNG Canada Ltd. (15%); and Korea Gas Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Kogas Canada LNG Ltd (5%). The project is operated through LNG Canada Development Inc. “The final investment decision with our joint venture participants is a significant milestone for PETRONAS and for the energy industry in Canada. The decision is a
testimony of the strong collaboration among our partners and stakeholders who share the same aspiration of delivering long-term value via LNG, in line with our commitment to sustainable and responsible development of resources,” said PETRONAS President and Group CEO Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin. “This is the first LNG project in Canada and the project will pave the way for us to add value to our world-class gas resources in the North Montney area and strengthen our supply portfolio for LNG to the Asian markets,” Wan
NEWS
Zulkiflee said. The LNG export facility, which will be built in Kitimat, British Columbia, includes the design, construction and operation of a natural gas liquefaction plant and facilities for the storage and export of LNG, including marine facilities. LNG Canada will initially consist of two LNG liquefaction processing units referred to as “trains,� for a total of approximately 14 million tonnes per annum with the potential to expand to four trains in the future. PETRONAS and its North Montney joint venture partners, are one of the largest natural gas resource owners in Canada with over 52 Tcf of reserves and contingent resources.
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What Lies Ahead for Construction Equipment This is the future of plant, machinery, heavy equipment and vehicles. Every Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case, Hitachi, Volvo, and Deere equipment in use at construction sites today are products of a careful developmental study in manufacturing. Ever since industrialization began, builders and engineers sought for advanced construction equipment and machines that will render smooth site operations at minimum costs. Today, we have all the basic construction equipment we need. Using excavators, backhoes, loaders, cranes, and rollers, among others we have formed and built engineering marvels. Engineers always find a way to maximize the use of these equipment. And yet, we could take advantage of modern technology to further exploit the use of these equipment, and to develop more machines that will help in forwarding construction methods. There are essentially three areas which are the focus of construction equipment manufacturers in relating its past, present, and future. Once these three – hydraulics, engines, and computer systems – are 42
engineered to be better than its current state, they lead to lower maintenance costs, decreased operation costs, improved efficiency and reliability, and longer machine life. Excavators, backhoes, and loaders have hydraulics embedded in them to lift, load and unload materials and objects. Mobility of these equipment relies in this system. What emerging hydraulic technologies can do is optimize both hydraulic flow and pressure, including the ability to modulate both. They will largely affect the equipment’s efficiency, versatility, and lifting capabilities. There are still so much to forward with engine controls, fuel injection systems, and the engine combustion process. When engineers work to improve these areas about the engines in construction equipment, it will yield increased fuel efficiency and decreased amount of harmful emissions into the air. The greatest impact in redesigning the engine is in the environment, being a critical issue in the construction equipment industry. Computer systems are only a recent integration with construction equipment, but
they make waves for enhanced site performance. Digitization, including GPS navigation, allows more effective monitoring in machine operations, more analyzed fuel efficiency, much controlled hydraulics, and reliable reporting of machine performance – all of which are in the end part of the construction process. While these three are existing ar-
eas that seek improvement, there is also a room for creativity in the manufacture of construction equipment by producing hybrids and using 3D printing. There are already existing hybrid excavators and hybrid bulldozers, which will continue to flourish as manufacturers look in this area to accelerate site operations.
But there’s a more current technology, the 3D printing or additive manufacturing, which takes production of construction equipment to an entirely new level. It allows modelling of equipment parts like cabs, booms, and buckets, as 3D printing provide design allowances not found in conventional manufacturing.
Efficiency, quality, and safety are the cores of construction equipment. And they remain to be so in the future, just catching up with modern technology.
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Simple Tricks that Help You Find the Best Home Improvement Contractor Online home-services contractor directories are great resources Every home owner knows how difficult it is to find a professional contractor for improvements or repairs. Although the market is overflowing with offers, the selection process takes a huge amount of time. The situation is even more complicated when you need to hire someone for a major project. You’ll need to spend a lot of hours researching, considering your budget and time planning. Things can get so complicated that a lot of people are tempted to quit the research and do the improvements themselves. However, experts say that the purchase of a professional home improvement project is not as difficult as it seems. Home improvement contractors won’t come to you and offers their services by themselves, but the Internet will prove its efficiency once again. Online home-services contractor directories are great resources for all those who need to improve their living conditions Most people think that remodelling a house takes a lot of time and money and they are not 44
far from the truth. Home owners could lose even more if they choose scheming contractors that will charge them a lot for sloppy or incomplete work. Here is where modern technology comes in. Thanks to modern online tools people can find efficient and professional contractors in one place. Some of these platforms are built using technology that
allows homeowners to see which of the service providers have patents, who will receive it soon and who doesn’t. Thanks to the aforementioned tools, homeowners can receive price offers from contractors instantly, compare them and make a documented choice in a few minutes. Besides, people can find out more about a potential contractor by seeing the other users’ ratings or reading the
reviews. We all know that recommendations are essential when we’re looking for a good plumber, handy man and other home improvement professional. On the other hand, they are not enough, because homeowners need to make a few more steps before starting to work with a contractor. Every good negotiator needs a little help and inspiration. We’ve gathered a few tips that will make home improvement and remodelling run smooth, regard-
less of the project’s size, requirements and home owner’s needs. 1. First and foremost, it’s important to know what you need. A clear evaluation of needs will help you sort your research by price, rating or maybe you’d rather work with a contractor that is very close to your house; 2. Once you’ve found a contractor that meets all your standards, make sure that you are available for further discussions. Also, you can talk more over the phone and discuss the details of
your work together; 3. Meet the contractor, discuss and negotiate the terms of your agreement face-to-face. In this stage, you can ask him to adjust the price; 4. If you decided to work with a contractor, tell him that and settle the deal, because good professionals are hard to find; 5. Maintain communication with your home improvement contractor during the entire repairing or remodelling process.
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Modern Automated Pallet-Wrapping Machinery Can Save Your Business Time and Money Automated pallet-wrapping machine is the way forward in industrial businesses
Automation Offers Higher Productivity If your industry manufactures and packages high volume, manual wrapping in your production line is not efficient for workers at the end that remain under pressure to palletise goods that constantly roll off the production line. It is possible to see increases of 100% or more in output even with the slightest of automation such as the implementation of a semiautomatic pallet wrapper which will reduce labour and material costs significantly.
Increased Security and Protection Automated pallet wrapping machines wrap more tightly and consistently to secure and protect products compared to hand wrapping.
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he days of relying on stretch wrapping pallets by hand in order to secure your product for freighting is fast being replaced by cutting-edge automation technology that delivers high-performance film and packaging solutions to increase yield, security, speed and produce quality pallet packaging. 46
It’s not possible for a person to effectively manually balanced loads and consistently apply pressure to evenly stretch film in order to safely provide adequate load containment every time. Hand wrapping is simply an inefficient method that costs money in labour, time and unnecessary stretch film usage. We have outlined and justified why it’s time to upgrade from manually wrapping pallets to an integrated automated pallet-wrapping process that increases your business profits.
The opportunity for human error means constant double checks on pallet security before loading for shipment which results in lower productivity, higher labour costs and timeconsuming repetitive tasks. Manual wrapping increases the potential for work-related injuries and employees have less protection which necessitates the
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coverage of costly comprehensive insurance protection. An automated machine will deliver consistent wrapping capabilities, a lower potential for a work-related injury on the plant floor and noticeably less film usage.
Greater cost reductions Automated pallet wrapping machinery offers greater wrap potential due to their capability of maximizing the amount of stretch that is achieved, much more than can be done by hand, reducing the amount of film waste and minimising your business’s environmental impact. Statistically, you can expect to see on average 25%-40% stretch when manually pallet wrapping, compared to an automated or semi-automated pallet wrapper
where an average of 250% or more stretch can be achieved. Automated machines have the ability to pre-stretch each roll of stretch film which means you are saving on material costs. The capital investment in automation speaks for itself. On average you can expect to save on film costs with the upgrade to automated wrapping between 25-40% and in optimal cases you will see an approximate 66% savings on film.
Reduced Load Damage The actual cost of freight damage resulting from hand wrapped and poorly secured loads are not always quantifiable because many of the related expenses are not calculated into the final number including costs of supplemental shipping insurance to cover compromised
loads. If consideration is given to the cost of damaged goods, labour, cost of the pallets, wrapping, replacement and re-shipping of damaged products, this hidden cost may be more than anticipated. Automating your pallet wrapping process undoubtedly reduces the load damage you experience due to the machines reliability and consistency in protecting products. In order to achieve a secure load, there are specific wrap forces or load containment guidelines specific to each type of palletised shipment. If you don’t know what these are for your pallets, there are tools available that can help you determine them. What is more important than the number of times a pallet is wrapped, or the gauge of the stretch film used is containment force. Knowing this makes the process of hand wrapping seem inefficient and unrealistic if you intend to grow your business. New technologies in automated pallet wrapping means machinery is engineered for precision high-speed and high-payload operation and maximum reliability enabling you to maximise your return of investment.
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4 Top-of-the-Line Breakthroughs in Mass Finishing Industry Mass finishing engineered into a modern technology that can easily produce almost any surface finish Different manufacturing processes, materials, surface finishes and the need for more desirable automation have driven breakthroughs in mass finishing. This informative article covers mass finishing solutions for heavy and large parts, puts in plain words drag finishing solutions, discusses surf finishing technologies and highlights a couple of different media developments. Early Ages of Finishing Vibrators: After the first finishing vibrators arrived at the market for sale in the mid-1950s, they were specifically used for ordinary deburring of massproduced components, generally in the automotive business world. About 60 years later, mass finishing engineered into a modern technology that can easily produce almost any surface finish, whether it is deburring, defined surface radius, mirror image polishing or surface smoothing. During that period, mass finishing was required to make improvements in manufacturing methods, materials, surface 50
quality requirements and production systems. In these modern times, people are no longer happy with an ordinary deburring job, but they’re insisting on repeatable pre-plate surface finishes and highly polished surfaces of the parts. One example is orthopaedic augmentations, which are polished and ground by mass finishing. They have no additional surface finishing phase before being implanted in the human body. This write-up will discuss some of the most recent breakthroughs that have given a hand to this technology to move forward. • Polishing and Grinding media – showcasing new technical improvements • Surf finishing – empowering automatic mass finishing of specific surface areas • Drag finishing – a substantial force process to finish delicate components • XXL components – heavy and large parts with weights of up to 8,000 lbs.
1. Mass Finishing Media Mass finishing media are usually less apparent than the equipment, yet similarly important. Many revolutionary media have made available new options for mass finishing applications.
Finishing of Exotic and Harder Metals for Different Industries As new manufacturing processes and materials are created, the mass finishing processes need to adapt. There are usually a couple of real success stories about the media that have happened recently. Exotic and harder metals used in healthcare and aerospace applications and the requirement for highly refined surfaces have
led to the advancement of media that can provide extremely fast cut, yet a very sleek finish as a pre-step to the particular vibratory polishing process.
Ideal Pre-Polish Finishes The use of tumbling media has also made many breakthroughs in other industries; This link states everything about such type of media and its uses. The advancement of technologies to blend fine abrasives with the liquid plastic resin carrier substance has led to the production of plastic-type media that induces ideal pre-polish finishes.
The Use of Media in Mass Finishing Applications The media has opened the new
door to several new mass finishing processes, which in turn became a breakthrough in the finishing industry. This media can easily be used in any kind of mass finishing application, for example, vibratory bowls, tumble barrels, and tubs, high energy barrel machines, high energy disk systems or even drag finishers.
2. Surf Finishing Surf finishing is another dramatically growing mass finishing technique. It uses wellknown spin finish technologies. The effective use of robots allows an accurate movement of the components through the particular spinning media mass. Specific areas of a component can easily be processed to a precise edge radius or finish.
The Use of Multiple Six-Axis Bots This surf finishing process includes multiple six-axis bots designed with specific clamping system and a revolving work bowl stuffed with polishing or grinding media. The robotic system picks up the component and holds it into the spinning media mass. This media moves around the workpiece. This puts a powerful “surfing� impact on the specific areas of the components.
Material Controlling System The spinning velocity of the bowl can be adjusted to achieve different levels of process strength from mild polishing to intense deburring and surface grinding. The robotic system serves a dual 51
S P E C IA L F E AT U R E purpose. It not only manipulates the various components in the media in 6 axes but also works as the material controlling system for a computerised process. By handling single workpieces, they never come in contact with each other, preventing part-on-part damage and providing full process traceability.
3. Drag Finishing Drag finishing is actually the best finishing approach for top quality components, which should have a perfect finish.
Drag Finishing for Different Industries These days, drag finishing became one of the most well-known mass finishing solutions, specifically for orthopaedic enhancements and high-value aerospace parts. On the other hand, drag finishing is also utilised in other industries such as tool holders, propellers, finishing the boat, cutting tools and gears.
50 Times More Effective Than Vibratory Finishing Machines Drag finishing machines have a slide carousel with between 2 and 12 rotating stations and a standing work bowl stuffed with finishing media for polishing or grinding. The particular work parts, installed on the stations, are usually dragged through the media by the slide carousel. This 52
particular motion makes a very high force between the media and the pieces, producing a high gloss polish and high metal removal. Drag finishers are usually 50 times more effective than vibratory finishing machines. Quite simply, similar pieces, which require 5 hours in any vibratory machine, can easily be processed and finished in a drag finisher in just ten minutes.
4. XXL Components As incredible as it looks, even today, hand polishing and grinding remain the frequent finishing method for heavy, large components.
Ability to Process 8,000 Lbs. Parts New vibratory machine types handle components with weights
of up to 8,000 lbs. as well as diameters as much as hundred inches. Some other components consist of heavy equipment for wind generators, light weight aluminium airframe components, large bearing races, etc. Most of these components require surface smoothing or deburring, right after the machining operations. In order to process all the parts, the equipment has to be sized to fit the component easily. Finishing light weight aluminium fuselage parts in a tub type vibrator is the right option. Tubs with a workable length of 30 ft. are produced and are operating around the world. Very large components that are highly processed in tubs in many cases are fixtured to spacer rollers to avoid the large part from mashing the media.
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Manlift’s Mobile Rental App Is Now Live on App Store Download Manlift’s Mobile Rental App On Google Play & Apple App Store
At the moment, Manlift is working further in enhancing the digital application where customers can manage their entire rental activity in the app and can also be assisted via the app’s live-chat functionality. The Manlift Rental App is available across the Gulf Cooperating Countries and India. “This online platform provides our customers with a digital tool to simplify their way of interacting with us,” according to David King, Group Managing Director of Manlift. “We are committed to delivering the best customer experience, which now includes the rental app. We have created a selfservice rental experience that is information rich and is mobile and user-friendly to our customers who will increasingly operate in a more digital way.”
Manlift, the leading aerial work platform and rental specialist in the Middle East and Africa Region, has launched the Manlift Rental Mobile App, available in both Android and Apple App Store. Manlift’s rental mobile application allows customers to browse, search, reserve and schedule aerial work platform 54
equipment among other features in one process. The Manlift rental app is part of the company’s digital strategy to increase customer satisfaction through connectivity and engage in new markets. The interface of the app is easy to use and it is designed to improve onsite productivity and the level of customer experience.
The Manlift Group, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, is a fast-growing rental and sales specialist of aerial work platforms, and power generators. In 2009, another branch was opened in Qatar to supply both power generators and access platforms. However, power generators business is only handled by Qatar branch. Currently, Manlift has a foot print in three countries (UAE, Qatar and India) and has 6 depots with more than 2,800 machines.
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5 Ways to Fix Your Common Construction Mistakes What are the common construction mistakes? People invest their money, efforts, and time to build towers, houses or bridges. And one mistake can ruin the projects that took years to build. That’s why it is necessary for you to learn from other’s mistakes because you won’t live long enough 56
to make them all yourself. If the tools are packed away and a construction site is cleaned up, you will feel more rewarding that you have done everything well in time.
But don’t you think that you should step back and check the things if they are done well? Your workers may have fumbled building principles without even realizing it. The Association of Advancing Technologies in Real estate focuses on efficient, cost-effective building methods that support the goal of selling more properties. That being said, you better learn about common errors in building wrap, home siting, and ductwork planning. Staying away from all these mistakes results in constructing a comfortable, higher quality and energy-efficient property at bit extra cost to the contractor. And not to forget, when it comes to the hard times of construction litigation, you can’t afford to go wrong.
material is simply as vital as the amount you put in. Compression setting decreases insulation’s R-value. Scientific studies by the Oak Ridge National Research laboratory reveals that wall insulation that forms to create a 5% space cuts down the effective R-value of the wall as much as 50 %. Batt insulating material has to fit tightly into stud cavities and all over electric and mechanical boxes. In unusually formed areas or spaces with notable blockades, loose fill such as blown-in cellulose can be useful. Make a slight cut in the insulating material to fit instead of skipping areas with spaces or compressing it over pipes, wires, and boxes. Spray foam is more expensive than other insulations,
but since it closes the space while it insulates, you can get rid of the expense of sealing and effortlessly insulate the nooks and crannies. It is better to insulate water lines to preserve water-heating energy and recessed lights that permeate the building envelope.
2. HVAC – Heating and Air Conditioning Bonus Tip: Size HVAC system with rule-of-thumb computation. Make use of Manual J to size your Heating and cooling system properly. With today’s more restrictive building envelopes, general rule usually leads to extra-large systems that are more expensive in the beginning and cost more to work over time. Outsized systems also do not de-humidify the internal environment of the building due
1. Insulation Bonus Tip: Try to install the minimum amount of insulating material at the earliest opportunity. Stick to the U.S. Department of Energy’s proposed padding levels and insulation recommendations. Make your properties more leisurely, a little calmer and a lot more cost-effective by using DOE’s highly recommended installation methods and insulation levels at http://www.ornl.gov/. The way you install insulating 57
to a shorter run time. Therefore, residents usually pay more for discomfort. ACCA’s Manual J computations take construction techniques into consideration to properly size an HVAC system. Implementing Manual J may take a couple of hours per building or less if you are handling several similar buildings. This extra cost is more often than not re-couped instantly because a smaller system can be bought.
3. Building Wrap Bonus Tip: Place building wrap at the earliest opportunity, and do not concern yourself with the strapping or careful installation. 58
Go for a building an outdoor or indoor scaffolding to access the tops to wrap everything as required. Make sure that working platforms are properly snugged with ringlocks; this page describes the basics of scaffolding with quality ringlocks. Just follow the instructions. Placing building wraps inadequately may risk mildew and mold; decaying window jams; and drafty floors and walls. To do it right, overlap all joints at least 7 inches in shingle manner, so they reduce water. Seal the wrap off with codeapproved sheathing tape to make a tight joint. Make use of nails
(plastic lid fasteners work best), and make inside-out Y cuts (also known as “I” cuts) to cover window spaces.
4. Ductwork Bonus Tip: Run a duct through an unconditioned attic space. You can run ductwork in conditioned attics and insulate them properly in an unconditioned area. In accordance with the NAHB Research Center, running ducts in conditioned attics can help to eliminate cooling and heating loads by 30 to 40%. Additionally, it reduces ducts length because supply areas are usually more flexible. Cover ducts in
conditioned attics with R-4 insulating material to prevent moisture build-up or condensation. Joe Gregory, a procurement consultant of Bob Ward Company, recently constructed the zero energy Maximum Efficiency Home line in Baltimore. He conducted a duct-blaster test to demonstrate his workers how drippy the duct tubes were. At this point, he guided his sub-contractors to understand the standard of work necessary to install duck channels with 4-5% dripping rates, as opposed to more usual 12.
5. Floor Plan Layout Bonus Tip: Layout your floor plan for the site’s direction. Don’t forget to orient the building to benefit from natural daylight and free solar heating system during the cold months. The key benefits of natural lights have already been well-documented; students learn better, people work better, and are healthier generally. And developing a daylit building doesn’t have to add expense to the projects.
a plan to place all windows in a single row in the south walls for winter gain. Make sure the size of roof overhangs is enough to block the summer heat but let in sunlight and heat from the winter sun. Skylights are vigor hogs that can certainly make your space irritatingly hot. Try to make use of tubular skylights or even sun tubes to let the light enter dark spaces, basement rooms, or the interior rooms so you can avoid the use of electricity more often to light up the dark corners of rooms.
In most but the hottest southern locations, orienting the building can run the long axis from east to west. Try to create 59
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Hassle Free Ways to Help You to Determine Car Problems Remember that tires, brakes, and engine are the most critical systems When something seems wrong with your car, the first thing to determine is whether the vehicle is safe to drive. Remember that tires, brakes, and engine are the most critical systems. Auto repair problems can be scary, especially for the ‘mechanically challenged’. That noise you hear at high speeds? Is it the tires, brakes, or engine? Is the noise a harbinger of worse things to come? Is it simply just that – a noise? The following can help determine the seriousness of the problem and help explain the issue to a mechanic. Most issues relating to safety are very recognizable:
Tires This is where the rubber meets the road. Poorly inflated tires can negatively affect gas mileage, cause the car to pull to one side and cause premature wear. At worst, a tire can suddenly blow out or go flat with disastrous consequences. Checking pressure regularly will prevent future issues and possibly avoid an accident. Rotate tires every other oil change. This practice will help the tires wear evenly. Inspect tires for damage during the rotation. Also, be aware of objects such as nails or metal embedded in the tread or sidewall. Repair as soon as possible.
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Brakes The brake system is an extremely important safety feature. Pay attention to how the car slows under braking. Does the car pull to one side when pressing the pedal? If the car only pulls under braking, tires are not the problem. Do the brakes produce a squealing sound? Some brake pads are designed to make noise when worn. When braking, do you hear a sound like driving over gravel? This is a sign of extreme wear.
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Engine If the engine will not run continuously or seems to stall for no apparent reason, do not take the car on the road. The car may cease to run in a dangerous location, exposing you and other drivers to danger. Most engines that stall are experiencing fuel starvation. Ensure your tank has sufficient fuel before starting your trip. Electrical and fuel pump issues can cause engines to stall. Engines that stall can catch fire if the cause is a fuel leak.
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Summary Any issue with tires, brakes, or engine should be corrected as soon as possible. Make notes of what is wrong, detailing the conditions of the malfunction such as warning lights, noises, visual cues such as smoke or steam, high/low speed, vibrations, etc. Check Engine Light on? You can find the source of the problem easily without a trip to the shop. Code Readers are available at most auto parts stores. The device plugs into a port under the steering wheel. A malfunction code that begins with the letter ‘P’ will read out on the display. Simply type the code into a search engine to determine what the code means. The device will also allow you to reset the light. Remember, safety first. Do not drive a car that is having critical issues. When something goes wrong, write down the malfunction conditions along with any previous actions to correct the problem. Plenty of resources exist on the Internet that help troubleshoot common issues. Enter the year, make, and model of the vehicle plus a simple description of the issue. The results will provide discussion board entries, videos, and articles that may identify a solution or, at a minimum, a starting point for the mechanic even if the mechanic is you. 64