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Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire delivered a Process Safety Performance Indicators workshop at IChemE Hazards XXII conference in Liverpool on 11th April 2011. The workshop involved an introduction to Process Safety Performance Indicators, helping operators in the Major Hazards Industries put statistical values on process safety incidents.

Stephen Groves, Process Safety Manager at GSA delivered the workshop guiding attendees through "Process Safety Performance Indicators for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries" document (API1754) published by the American Petroleum Institute in 2011. Stephen said "I am delighted with the response and up take of our workshop at Hazards XXII. The conference room was filled to capacity attracting delegates from a variety of operators worldwide".

The presentation guided participants through the four tier levels in AP1754, exploring Key Performance Indicators at each level. Using this document the workshop discussions enabled delegates to measure, track, plan, do and review their Process Safety Performance/Management systems across a number of sites.

Dr Mark Bunch, Principle Process Safety Consultant at GSA said "Some of the discussions during the break off sessions proved very insightful. The discussions enabled delegates to share practical learning points and experiences of managing Process Safety Performance Indicators at their individual sites."

Pictured: Left to right, Dr Mark Bunch, Stephen Groves, Ksheereja Rengarajan and Vishnu Narayanan from GSA.

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire has won a contract with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) to carry out the detailed design and installation of additional equipment at the National Industrial Biotechnology Facility (NIBF) at Wilton International in Redcar.

The NIBF is a unique open access commercial facility designed to help companies develop bio-tech derived products and processes quickly and cost-effectively. NIBF combines open access testing and scale-up facilities with practical experience and applied knowledge of science and engineering. The facility enables companies to limit the risks for companies up scaling biotechnology processes.

The project commissioned by CPI will involve the design, installation and commissioning of additional materials handling equipment and engineering modifications to an existing plant fermenter process. The installation of this new equipment will enable the facility to increase the range of products it can manufacture, increasing the sites flexibility and longevity for the future.

Amandeep Othi, Lead Process Engineer at GSA working on the project said "GSA is currently carrying out the detailed design and the Fabricom GDF SUEZ installation team will be moving on site by end of March 2011. We expect the project to be fully commissioned and online by end of April 2011".

This is the first project GSA and Fabricom GDF SUEZ have won together, since the acquisition of GSA on 24th December 2010. Mike Smith, Operations Director at GSA said "We are delighted to have been awarded this project from CPI. The new relationship with Fabricom GDF SUEZ is proving fruitful, expanding our service offering and a range of projects we can deliver collectively".

Further information on Fabricom GDF SUEZ can be found www.fabricom-gdfsuez.co.uk

Fabricom GDF SUEZ has completed the acquisition of the assets and operations of Grimley Smith Associates, the North Lincolnshire based engineering design services Company.

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) has operated from offices in Brigg since 1992 and employs approximately 50 people. They have completed worldwide engineering design projects and are well placed to complement Fabricom's existing capabilities and services to the oil, gas, power and process industries.

Nigel Carlton, Fabricom GDF SUEZ Managing Director UK, said “The acquisition of Grimley Smith Associates is an important part of the development and sustainability of our business. With the quality engineering design skills that GSA can provide for our clients this acquisition places Fabricom GDF SUEZ in a stronger position to provide our clients with either part or the full multi disciplined skills and services required to manage projects in the oil, gas and power industries in the UK.”

“This is an exciting time for Fabricom GDF SUEZ as we look towards being part of even more oil, gas and power projects throughout the UK, with GSA onboard, providing a wider range of services to our clients old and new.”

Mike Smith, Operations Director said “Becoming part of Fabricom GDF SUEZ is an excellent opportunity for GSA to grow our existing business and encompass new opportunities that we can harness together, Fabricom are a GDF SUEZ company which gives us the backing of a large global energy organisation.”

“We are very much looking forward to working together and making the most of the new opportunities that being part of Fabricom GDF SUEZ will bring.”

Further information on Fabricom GDF SUEZ can be found on their website; www.fabricom-gdfsuez.co.uk

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA), Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire will be hosting a workshop at IChemE Hazards XXII conference in Liverpool on the 11th April 2011. The workshop will focus on helping clients to Develop Process Safety Performance Indictors for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries. The object of this workshop is for participants to explore the benefits of Process Safety Indicators in a continuous improvement cycle. This workshop is suitable for any participant from occupational safety; process safety; production; maintenance; or a technical support role.

Matthew Grimley, Business Development Manager at Grimley Smith Associates was interviewed on BBC Radio Tees on the morning of the 6th Jan 2010. The interview was conducted by John Forester, to discuss the High Temperature Innovation Centre GSA are delivering for the Centre for Process Innovation and TATA Steel in Middlesbrough. An MP3 of the interview can be accessed here

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire has won a contract with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Tata Steel to develop Engineering Designs for the High Temperature Innovation Centre (HTIC) at Tata Steel's Teesside Technology Centre (TTC) in Middlesbrough.

The project will involve two new pilot plants which are to be installed on the TTC site. The open access site will extend the existing capabilities of the site to carry out research and development work in the fields of novel sources of fuel and energy, the recovery of raw materials and reduction of organic wastes. The two pilot plants will include a 350kg pyrolysis oven and a fully flexible gasifier.

This £5 million project has received £2.5 million investment from One North East through the Tees Valley Industrial Programme, which is helping to accelerate industrial transition in the area and help the region to seize new and emerging opportunities in low carbon and advanced manufacturing.

This project builds upon GSA's knowledge and experience in the field of industrial biotechnology and sustainable processes. Matthew Grimley, Business Development Manager at GSA said; "We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project with a focus on novel technology development. We have wide experience of providing engineering solution to start-up technologies helping our clients to achieve their commercial targets. We hope to be able to draw on this experience to add significant value to the HTIC project".

Matthew went onto to say; "The HTIC project will involve the installation of equipment that will operate on a scale between theoretical, laboratory research and real industrial production. It will enable companies to develop a range of new technologies to a commercially proven and meaningful scale."

CPI Director of Strategy, Dr Graham Hiller, said; "The creation of the HTIC will provide the UK with an asset that is suitable for use by a range of companies using and developing high temperature technologies. Giving organisations access to the infrastructure and skills of CPI and Tata Steel TTC, we will be enabling the UK to increase its capability to transform research ideas into valuable commercial processes."

Director of Business and Industry at One North East, Ian Williams said; "This new facility will be the largest of its kind in the UK and will further strengthen the global position of the North East Process Sector."

Mark Sexton, Tata Steel RD&T Director Processes said; "Our aim is to work with other industries and companies in the field of high temperature process technology, increasing the pace of knowledge and capability development, bringing additional benefits to our own activities."

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) have recently concluded a significant Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for Nippon Gohsei related to modifications at their UK plant in Hull.

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) are looking to recruit new staff engineers to support its growing and expanding team. GSA are looking to permanently recruit a Senior Process Engineer, Process Safety Engineer and a Electrical Engineer. Further details on these positions can be viewed on our jobs page. Click here for further information.

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) have just launched a new sales brochure to compliment GSA's new branding and artwork. In effort to help support and improve GSA's sales proposition, we've developed the new brochure to coincide with GSA's core audiences and target sectors.
A copy of the ebrochure can be accessed here or you can request a hard copy by completing our contact form here.

GSA's Renewables Expert, Steve Whitehead delivered a presentation to IChemE's Hull Branch on the 18th March 2010. Steve's presentation focused on the Alternative uses for Glycerol from Biodiesel Production. The event was well attended, attaching an audience of 30 delegates.
A copy of the slides can be accessed here (6.5MB PDF)

Many thanks to Mick Lee of BP and Chairman of IChemE Hull Branch for organising the event. Further information on the branches activities can be found: www.icheme.org/hull

Grimley Smith Associates and GSA Environmental will be exhibiting at the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary, Canada between the 8th and 10th June 2010 (Booth 4009). Contacts wishing to attend the show can visit the exhibition free of charge using our unique registration code: GSAEGPS.
Matthew Grimley (VP of Business Development) and Colin Gray (Technical Authority for Oil & Gas) will be attending the show, exhibiting GSA's expertise and capabilities. GSA have been working with UK Trade and investment to develop export opportunities to the Canadian Oil & Gas and Oil Sands industries.

Grimley Smith Associates Renewables Expert will be delivering a presentation to IChemE's Hull branch on the 18th March. Steve Whitehead (FIChemE, CEng) will be discussing the ways of maximizing the value of bio-glycerol from biodiesel production. GSA are the nominated supplier of process engineering services to Greenergy on Immingham Dock. The site produces over 200,000 te of product a year, making it one of the largest biodiesel production facilities in the UK.

Steve Whitehead has over 25 years of experience in the chemical and renewable industries; Steve has actively developed new products, technologies and processes for numerous operators around the world. At GSA (Grimley Smith Associates) Steve manages the design, operations and debottlenecking projects at the largest biodiesel production facility in the UK (Greenergy on Immingham Dock at 200 te). Steve has assisted the client to develop new processes and technologies to increase the flexibility and economics of the site.

The event will hosted at the Hotel Elizabeth, North Ferriby at 18:00, starting 18:30. Register your interest in attending by calling Clare Sanders on 01788 534457 or by visiting IChemE's website. IChemE's Hull branch host a rolling programme of events throughout the year. If you want to support the group's activities or want to learn more about the membership; Click here

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers continually aim to promote the projects we are involved in. To support the activities of one of our clients (px Limited), GSA recently included an advert and article in Energy Digital. A copy of this article can be found by clicking here (page 104).

Operating & maintenance provider, px Limited operate and maintain Greenergy's Biodiesel production facility on Immingham Dock. The site produces over 200,000 tones of product a year making it the largest biodiesel production facility in the UK. GSA provide onsite support and process engineering services to px Limited acting as an extension to their own engineering department. GSA Engineers have assisted px Limited in increasing the capacity, improving the overall efficiency and the flexibility of individual process units. Following the work GSA Engineers have done on site, the plant can now process a wider range of feedstocks, dramatically improving the economic performance of the site. GSA continues to enjoy a close working relationship with px Limited.

To support the development of GSA's new Business Development Team, an article was recently included in the Grimsby & Scunthorpe Telegraph Business Supplement. A copy of this article can be accessed by clicking here (page 14).

For further communication please contact Paul Lawrence on 01652 601581. For sales enquires please contact Andrew Read on 07769167733.

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire have recently been awarded a contract to design a unique biorefining technology centre for Yorkshire Forward.

Mike Smith Managing Director for GSA said "GSA are delighted to have won this unique contract from Yorkshire Forward. The technology centre will be the first of its kind in the UK, being able process a wide range of bio-feedstocks through biorefining and extraction. Delivering such a project for Yorkshire Forward places GSA at the forefront and cutting edge of biorefining technology in the UK."

The biorefining technology centre will give companies and academic institutions an opportunity to trial their product and process technology converting feedstocks and waste streams into useful biodegradable products and renewable transport fuels and energy. It will offer companies a platform and facility to scale-up their operations from the laboratory to a full scale pilot plant operation. The centre will enable companies to build their knowledge and understanding of the economies of scale and feedstock requirements for particular process units and technologies - a vital element when designing and commissioning process operations and delivering products for customer trials.

The Government's Industrial Biotechonology team are striving towards a greener future with greener jobs. Industrial biotechonolgy and biorefining is at the heart of the governments drive for new industrial opportunities potentially delivering new long term employment also helping the UK work towards a sustainable future. Yorkshire Forward sees an opportunity to support these emerging industries, positioning the region at the forefront of these new technologies and knowledge of the processes. The Yorkshire and Humber region is already home to a large number of process operators, building upon the success of these industries is a key business opportunity for the area going forward.

Mike said "The use of biorefining technology has been known in the process industry for a number of years. This innovative technology could deliver numerous benefits – converting waste streams into useful bio–degradable products and renewable transport fuels. This could also help cut the amount of waste we send to landfill and CO2 released into the atmosphere. The proposed technology centre will help build the regions knowledge and experience in processing this material making sure the feedstock requirements are fully understood before a full scale biorefining operation is commissioned – with an estimated capital cost of £1 billion upwards."

Mike said "GSA have over 17 years of experience in designing and performing feasibility studies for a wide range of clients worldwide. We are really pleased to be awarded such a prestigious contract locally – the 'buy local' principal has certainly been applied here."

Grimley Smith Associates (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers will be supporting, attending and exhibiting at a number of events over the coming months. These will include:

8th & 9th October 2009 Bottom of the Barrel Conference
Athens, Greece, Hilton Hotel
GSA will be hosting an exhibition stand at the event.

9th October 2009, Humber Energy Institute Dinner
Cleethorpes, UK

8th to 10th October 2009, EBEC Conference
Warwickshire.
GSA will be hosting an exhibition stand and presentation at the event.

22nd October 2009, Process Safety Leadership Conference
CATCH, North East Lincolnshire

18th Nov 2009 Humber Estuary Conference
Country Park Inn, Hessle Foreshore - Click here for further information.

We also hope to be attending IChemEs Hazards Conference (9th to 12th November) and HazardsEx Conference (24th & 25th Feb 2010). As exhibitors we can sometimes access discounted attendance rates for these conferences. If you are a client and want to attend please contact our Marketing Co-ordinator Paul Lawrence 01652 601581.

Grimley Smith Associates Ltd (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire have been continuing to invest in growth despite the recession. GSA have always gained business & projects locally, but over recent years GSA have seen significant growth in areas such as Venezuela, Iran, Iraq and Middle East. These projects have resulted in over £5 billion worth of assets in 2009 alone.

Michael Grimley, Business Development Director said "GSA have built up a good working relationship with some of the major process manufacturers locally such as PX Limited, BP Exploration, Synthomer and Corus. But as a company GSA have seen significant growth in business further afield. At GSA's inception in 1992, we never imagined we would be managing major process engineering projects in the Middle East and Central America."

Unlike other process engineering companies across the UK, GSA are continuing to recruit senior members of staff with the hope of increasing the capability of their core team. Michael went on to say "In order for GSA to service new projects, we are hoping to increase the size of our core team and strengthen core competencies for the future. As an employer, GSA are one of the largest employers of Chemical Engineers in the region."

GSA have also been developing a competency in deep refinery residue, complementing the unique technology for metals recovery owned by its sister company GSA Environmental (GSAE). Following a successful design and execution project, GSAE originally had a production plant in Harwich. GSAE are now in detailed negotiations with a number of partners with the hope of bringing this pilot plant to the Humber region, investing in further technology and intellectual property. The plant will be a scaled-up demonstration plant for prospective clients worldwide.

Michael elaborated further "GSA are proud to be a member of Humber Chemical Focus and service provider to industry along the Humber Bank. The next few years will see GSA not only continue to grow but also become a process operator, developing its own unique technology and intellectual property".

Click here to view the Chemical Supplement online

Grimley Smith Associates Ltd (GSA) Consultant Process Engineers in North Lincolnshire, successfully assisted Petroplus to re-configure an existing distillation column at their Coryton refinery to reduce the Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) of their gasoline. Petroplus can now allow the addition of bioethanol to help meet the requirements of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

The presence of bioethanol in the gasoline pool increases the RVP. Petroplus determined that it had to lower the RVP back to its sales specification. The amount of C4 hydrocarbons in the gasoline pool had to be reduced for the summer months.

GSA were commissioned to perform a design review to assess the feasibility of using an existing propylene splitter column as a debutaniser in the summer months, reverting back to its original duty during the winter. Calculations and simulations were carried out to rate the column and its ancillary equipment for the new process.

The drag stream from the C4 Isomerisation Unit was historically sent directly into the gasoline blending pool but now it can be fed into the column in 'de-butaniser' service. This stream mainly contained C4s with a small percentage of C5s. In the column most of the C4s are now separated overhead and routed back to a C4 storage spheres, with the C5s now being allowed to proceed to the gasoline blending pool. The reduction in C4s in the gasoline blending pool helped decrease the RVP of the fuel, assisting Petroplus meeting its gasoline sales specification after ethanol blending.

As process designers, GSA were responsible for the simulations, design review, piping routes, P&IDs, control philosophy, Hazop study and operating procedures. GSA worked alongside Petroplus engineers to ensure the process operated with the new duty in a safe and energy efficient manner. The design work included assessments and modifications to the column, its ancillary equipment, piping routes and associated control system.

The column was commissioned in July 2009 and is operating well within design expectations. Petroplus Coryton Refinery Technology Manager, Graeme Mean, said "GSA's input to this project has been very valuable. They have provided technical assurance and operated as an effective extension to our own Process Engineering department. Their performance has assisted the refinery to meet a strategic goal of being able to meet the RTFO requirements on time and to budget. I look forward to working with them again."

For further Media Enquires please contact Paul Lawrence, Marketing Co-ordinator (+44) 01652 601555