TPT July 2019

I NDUS T RY

Heat exchanger optimising tech receives funding

ACONSORTIUM led by fouling-removal specialist Tube Tech International has received Horizon 2020 SME Instrument funding to develop Flow Optimiser, which will deliver the first optimised flow technology within shell-and-tube heat exchangers (STHEs). STHEs are the most commonly used heat exchangers. Non-uniform flow of product fluid within the heat exchanger causes excessive accumulation of fouling, resulting in lost revenue in refinery operations and a negative, long-term impact on CO 2 emissions due to reduced production and increased energy consumption. The Horizon 2020 SME Instrument is a public programme that funds market-creating innovation in disruptive small businesses that have significant growth potential and global ambitions. The SME Instrument is part of Horizon 2020, the EU’s €80bn funding programme for research and innovation. As part of the programme’s goal to radically reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate resilience by the second half of the century, Tube Tech’s Flow Optimiser solution has been granted funding in recognition of the benefits it can bring to the oil, gas, power and chemical sectors. Flow Optimiser is said to be the world’s first method to combat the global issue of fouling at the source, creating optimal product fluid flow within STHEs to deliver a reduction in accumulation of fouling; reducing blockages disturbing the flow path; increasing production, and decreasing fouling rates and energy consumption; and creating longer asset life on a global scale. During the project, the Flow Optimiser technology will be tested and verified in multiple industrially relevant settings, to create real-world validation of the in-lab physical experiment results, which recorded an approximate average temperature improvement of 7°C and an inflow velocity improvement of approximately ten per cent. Henry Mwai, project manager for Tube Tech International, said, “It is a privilege to be part of the Horizon 2020 project, particularly given the competitiveness of the programme’s funding allocation. Less than five per cent of applications were successful. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop Flow Optimiser and the impact it can make to the critical global challenge of reducing fouling at source.” According to Innovation Kitchen – Horizon 2020 SME Instrument impact report 2018 Edition , companies funded under the SME Instrument grow on average by 118 per cent in terms of turnover, and 158 per cent in terms of employment within 20 months of receiving Horizon 2020 funding. For 30 years, Tube Tech has been providing cleaning and inspection services for static heat transfer plants, providing savings to clients by reducing downtime, cutting CO 2 emissions, increasing throughput and improving safety standards.

Tube Tech International Ltd – UK Email: info@tubetech.com Website: www.tubetech.com

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