Online Exclusive: Innovations in hydrocarbon processing technologies and lifecycle solutions

Hydrocarbon Processing (HP) interviewed Kevin Dunphy (KD), Vice President and General Manager at Emerson. The interview covered advancements in hydrocarbon processing technologies, such as innovations in Coriolis flow metering and radar level measurement. Kevin explained how these technologies, alongside Emerson's new non-intrusive flow measurement solutions, are improving safety and efficiency in the industry. He also explained how Emerson supports its customers with lifecycle solutions, ensuring long-term value beyond initial costs.

HP: Do you want to start by giving the audience a bit of background on your role with the company?

KD: I'm the vice president and general manager of one of the business units within the measurement and analytical business platform of Emerson Automation. I lead a business unit that focuses on delivering engineered solutions and lifecycle services to the products and portfolio of the measurement solutions business. This is one of the primary measurement platforms of Emerson, and as one of the three business leaders, I lead the global business based in Houston.

HP: What recent technological advancements have had the most significant impact on the efficiency and safety of hydrocarbon processing applications, and how are they being implemented by operating companies and assisted by suppliers?

KD: At Emerson, we have the opportunity to provide various touch points to our customers that impact the safety and efficiency of hydrocarbon processing. We have a history of innovation, introducing new products that expand our portfolio of offerings and how we deliver solutions to our customers. For example, advances in flow measurement technology with the Micro Motion™ G-Series Coriolis Flow and Density Meters product line, which is a compact Coriolis technology that expands the offering of Coriolis into new kinds of flow measurement applications.

Other significant technologies are those that allow us to expand the use of level measurement into applications that we have not been able to serve in the past. Perhaps the most exciting acquisition is the addition of a non-intrusive flow measurement technology through the Flexim product offering, which has been added to our portfolio of companies.

These kinds of product innovations are how we at Emerson improve our customers’ ability to make the most challenging and difficult measurements in their processes to improve their operations. We also provide the ability to combine technological solutions, like process gas analysis, where a gas chromatograph works with its sample system to impact an individual processing unit.

Another example is a custody transfer metering system where our customers buy and sell hydrocarbon products. These solution areas are where customers are expecting us to add incremental value beyond the supply of individual world-class devices by delivering an overall solution.

HP: How have recent fluctuations in hydrocarbon investments and the adoption of renewable energies influenced the hydrocarbon process industry, and what strategies are being employed by operating companies and their suppliers to adapt to these changes?

KD: It is a dynamic environment, especially in the post COVID-19 world that we are continuing to operate in, and the global energy transition is encouraging a greater engagement of sustainability and renewables, while we continue to meet the demands of our day-to-day economies.

The use of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals in downstream chemical processes continue to be a key driver, while users are trying to figure out how to make these processes more sustainable, efficient and productive. Post COVID-19, we have had a huge unexpected “black swan” disruption, where we are seeing a lot of engagement in how CAPEX is recovering.

We see a pretty robust capital environment across the hydrocarbon sector—a capital environment that looks different from supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. It is a pretty robust market from an overall investment portfolio perspective. However, a lot of suppliers struggled to meet the needs of the world as the as the ups and downs of investments progressed over the last several years, and we saw some competitors unable to hazard through the financial upheavals that impacted all of us. We saw supply chain disruptions rear their heads in ways that were new and unexpected. We are getting through all those challenges now and can say confidently that supply chains issues have largely been mitigated as a result.

HP: Do you anticipate an uptick in investments in 2025?

KD: I would offer that our view is that the capital environment is kind of flat, with only a couple percent growth, so we are keeping pace with a more normal inflationary environment. We are not dealing with a massive upswing, but we are certainly not dealing with any kind of downturn. This is a y-o-y capital investment arena that has remained relatively flat, with a little bit of an upside. That is a good environment in which projects can continue to move forward.

For the full interview, visit The Main Column: https://blubrry.com/themaincolumn/137954521/navigating-change-in-hydrocarbon-processing-insights-from-keven-dunphy-of-emerson/

Related News

From the Archive

Comments

Comments

{{ error }}

Add Comment

{{ comment.name }} Editor • {{ comment.dateCreated | date:'short' }}

{{ comment.text }}