TPT September 2018

T E CHNOLOG Y

Robotic heat exchanger cleaning technology FOULING removal specialist Tube Tech International has received Horizon 2020 SME Instrument funding to develop the next generation of its patented Shell Side Jet™ solution. operations around the world, resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue every year and a negative, long-term impact on CO 2 emissions. 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 Shell Side Jet solution has been granted funding in recognition of the benefits it can bring to the performance of the petrochemical industry and its environmental responsibility. 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. We are very grateful for the opportunity and support to develop and showcase Shell Side Jet and the difference it can make to critical cleaning challenges in a worldwide market.” By ensuring the removal of fouling from heat exchangers’ external tube surfaces, Shell Side Jet is expected to deliver design thermal efficiency, cleanli- ness, improved profits, reduced CO 2 , improved safety, reduced downtime, robotic operation and simultaneous real- time inspection. During the project, Shell Side Jet robotic cleaning and inspection performance will be tested and verified in real environments at multiple locations, on fouling levels of 60 to 90+ per cent. With more than 50 cleaning systems and almost 40 years’ multi-sector experience, Tube Tech International has become an expert in research- led fouling removal and inspection services. The team has also received funding from the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME), which funds market- creating innovation in small businesses. According to Venture Radar, 25 per cent of the companies funded under the SME Instrument are in the 10 per cent fastest growing companies in Europe. Mr Mwai continued, “The coaching and support we will have from the EASME will be invaluable in bringing our innovation to the market. We will be seeking advice on commercialisation, business development and operations to maximise our performance and further expand our business network.” Tube Tech International Ltd – UK Email: info@tubetech.com Website: www.tubetech.com

The SME Instrument is a public funding programme that targets risk innovation in small businesses. It funds market-creating innovation in disruptive small businesses that have significant growth potential and global

This will help to remove fouling from the outside heat transfer surface of shell and tube exchangers. Heat exchanger fouling is one of the greatest challenges in refinery

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SEPTEMBER 2018