February 2011, Vol. 238 No. 2

Business Meetings & Events

Gastech 2011 Coming To Amsterdam

Pipeline developments and innovative technologies will be explored in depth at Gastech 2011 in Amsterdam March 21-24 with the new “Centres (Centers) of Technical Excellence” (COTE) show-floor workshops.

Day one of the COTE program will be dedicated to “Pipeline Construction & Maintenance” and is supported by pipeline welding solutions company, Magnatech. The COTE sessions will be a crucial educational focal point, encouraging the transfer of technical expertise and the heightening of product and process knowledge.

The presentations will explore CRA-lined steel pipes and flow lines; low-cost power from gas pressure reduction (let-down) stations and city gates – specifically using fluid-solid interaction (FSI) to improve molecular sieve dehydrator design. Particular attention to preventing unintended consequences through effective management of hazardous pipelines will encourage pipeline and infrastructure engineers worldwide to gather together to gain vital information and share job experiences.
Said Chen-Hwa Chiu, senior technology adviser, Chevron, “It is essential that young engineers attend this meeting to hear experienced people who have been in the LNG industry for the last 30 to 40 years and have witnessed its development. There is much to learn from listening to the presentations, joining discussions and providing your own innovative ideas for the future of the LNG industry.”

Officially opening Gastech 2011 will be the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Economic Affairs, Maxime Verhagen. Malcolm Brinded CBE, Executive Director Upstream International, Shell, will accompany Mr Verhagen in the participation of a unique panel debate with other international energy leaders, including Qatargas Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Khalid Al Thani.
Jan van Aken, secretary general, EFET, suggests, “Technology is transforming energy trading from the shale gas revolution and changes in global LNG trade, down to the continuing advances for information provision and intelligent electronic data exchange that are revolutionizing physical and financial commodity trading as well as risk management. With full implementation of the third EU energy package required by March 2011, Gastech returns to Europe with ideal timing.”
Peter Voser, CEO, Royal Dutch Shell plc, adds, “We welcome the international gas marketplace to the Amsterdam RAI at a critical time in the evolution of the industry. With gas set to play a major role in the development of a secure and sustainable global energy supply, this should be the most exciting Gastech in the event’s 38-year history.”

Hosted by Shell, Gastech 2011 is a premier event in the global gas calendar, offering a much-anticipated opportunity to connect with the global professional gas community in exploring issues surrounding the entire spectrum of the upstream, midstream and downstream industry.
The 250 company-strong Gastech Exhibition provides attendees with an unprecedented showcase of the latest innovations, technologies, products and services. Exhibitors include Canadoil Group, Erndtebrücker Eisenwerk, Rosen Europe BV, Borusan Mannesmann and Bristol Metals LLC. The exhibition takes place alongside the Gastech Conference which will feature topical program sessions and a powerful opening leadership panel debate designed to reflect dynamic upheavals affecting the gas sector and creating an important forum for the global industry.

In 2009, more than of Gastech visitors said a key motivation for attending was to discover new types of technology and find cutting-edge suppliers capable of assisting engineers with their daily challenges. The event is supported by the Gas Technology Institute, Gas Processors Association Europe, Halliburton, International Association of Contract and Commercial Management, JC Carter, International Institute of Refrigeration and Magnatech.

The COTE sessions are designed to tackle the need for continuous training, instruction and assessment of standards, particularly in a rapidly changing industry, by providing four days of education focused on specific technical developments.

For further information visit http://www.gastech.co.uk/.