Generating higher output and greater flexibility NEM

GENERATING HIGHER OUTPUT AND GREATER FLEXIBILITY

NEM is a global leader in the development and manufacture of heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs). Philip Yorke looks at its latest mega project in the Middle East, as well as the company’s new products that are shaping the future of the global energy market.

NEM was founded in Leiden, the Netherlands in 1929 and has grown to become a leading global engineering company in the field of steam generating equipment. However it was not until 1968 that it moved into the expanding energy market. This began when it was granted a license to supply HRSGs to the General Electric Company (GEC). In the 1980s GEC sold manufacturing rights to NEM thereby establishing the company as a major new force in the global energy marketplace.

Today NEM is based at Hengelo and Leiden and is comprised of several distinct business units. These are operating in a diverse range of industrial activities from the manufacture of HRSGs for gas turbines, to a number of related activities such as waste management and incineration and the supply of industrial and utility boilers. Tailor-made products and solutions

NEM’s heat recovery steam generators represent the biggest contribution to the company’s turnover and its unparalleled know-how and commitment to continuous technological innovation has kept NEM ahead of the field. NEM is recognised internationally as the preferred partner for tailormade products and solutions, which are aimed at generating reliable energy in the

most efficient manner possible, whilst taking into account its responsibility towards the environment and sustainable productivity.

In today’s market, an increasing number of contracts call for tailor-made systems designed to suit a customer’s specific needs. NEM’s advanced 3D CAD design facilities and in-depth experience in heat transfer technology, enable it to optimise its project outcomes. Today HRSGs can be supplied either in modules or as ‘loose harps’. In addition, NEM’s dynamic software makes it possible to calculate low-cycle fatigue and apply the appropriate advanced welding techniques, as well as ensuring optimum start-up and cool down procedures.

Whether its HRSGs, direct fired boilers or process components such as dampers and diverters, or simply maintenance services, NEM guarantees a consistent standard of reliability and advanced technology. The company’s products are used in power plants and various other related industries throughout the world and can all be supplied on a turnkey basis. A number of auxiliary systems can also be supplied, such as feed water systems, and DCS systems, which are all backed by the major code requirements including ASME, PED, BS and TRD.

Biggest order

During the first quarter of 2012, NEM secured one of the largest contracts ever awarded for the supply of HRSGs. The company secured the unprecedented order, which is worth many hundreds of millions of US dollars, from the Arabian Bemco Contracting Co Ltd of Dubai against strong global competition. The order involves the development and supply of 40 unfired dual-pressure Heat Recovery Steam generators (HRSGs) for the new PP1- Combined cycle power plant project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Once fully operational, the power plant will be the largest combined cycle power plant in the world.

The advanced PP10 power plant is owned by the Saudi Electric Company (SEC). Construction of the simple cycle gas turbine plant has recently been completed and consists of 40 GE Frame 7EA gas turbines. Ultimately it will provide over 20 per cent of the power required for the city of Riyadh, which has more than 5.2 million inhabitants. This historic award is the result of a close cooperation between the different NEM business units in Hengelo and Leiden in the Netherlands and with Dubai

in the United Arab Emirates. The Saudi Arabian market for power generation is one of the most promising in the world with an expected increase of between 5 and 7 per cent in the coming years and construction of well over 3,000MW is anticipated annually.

A quantum leap for HRSG technology

Recently a major advance in HRSG technology was announced with the launch of the latest Benson HRSG technology system. This represents a quantum leap forward compared to traditional heat exchanger designs and these latest NEM innovations will be employed in the new Riyadh power plant now under construction in association with NEM. The new, advanced module is driven by gas turbine exhaust flows and its attendant high temperature emissions and meets the increasing global demands for higher output plant and optimised operational efficiency.

NEM’s combined experience with HRSGs for H-type gas turbines, elevates the company to a new level within the industry and places it at the forefront of combined cycle power plant developments.

Furthermore, this latest technology from NEM makes it possible to achieve significantly higher outputs and greatly improves overall plant efficiency for its customers.

Consistent with the company’s commitment to innovation and customer service is its unrivalled after-market support. NEM is aware that even a very small defect can be responsible for the shutting down of a plant and its overriding goal therefore is to ensure that every single boiler component provides lasting and totally dependable service. NEM’s installation and commissioning panels maintain a full-time, on-site presence to guarantee optimal installation and commissioning. In addition, its after-market support group is permanently on call to attend any inspection required and to quickly source any parts that may be needed. n