Yokogawa acquires TechInvent2 as it presses ahead with oil and gas push

US electrical engineering firm Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the acquisition of TechInvent2 AS, a Norwegian enterprise that holds the rights to FluidCom, a chemical injection metering valve (CIMV).

According to Yokogawa, FluidCom prevents blockages and corrosion in oil wells, pipelines, and other facilities and employs a patented technology for thermal control. It incorporates the functions of a mass flowmeter, control valve, and valve controller and has very few moving parts.

FluidCom has already been delivered to several international oil and gas majors. With TechInvent2 joining the Yokogawa Group, Yokogawa will now target delivery of this solution to the oil and gas upstream and midstream sectors, thereby helping to improve operational efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance health, safety and the environment (HSE).

In a statement, Yokogawa said: “Based on its Transformation 2017 mid-term business plan, Yokogawa will continue to focus on the oil and gas industries, and will strive to strengthen its solutions targeting the upstream and midstream sectors, in addition to its forte downstream sector businesses.

“Following its April 2016 acquisition of KBC Advanced Technologies, a provider of consulting services that are based on its own advanced oil and gas simulation technologies, the company has been striving to work with its customers to create value through the provision of solutions that address every aspect of their business activities.”

Oil flow path

At oil wells and pipelines, efforts to ensure a secure oil flow path (flow assurance) play an important role in maintaining production efficiency, according to the firm. The adherence of various chemical substances to the inside walls of a pipe can reduces its internal diameter and causes corrosion.

To prevent the accumulation of substances and corrosion, certain chemicals must be injected in the pipes. Improving the efficiency of this process is a major challenge in the upstream and midstream sectors.

Chemical injection

Yokogawa said that chemical injection valves have traditionally been manually operated in the upstream sector, although there are cases where chemical injection has been automated using an actuated solution.

In the former case, the valves must be frequently opened, closed, and adjusted by plant personnel. According to Yokogawa, this is costly as it necessitates the hiring of additional staff, and it is work that must be done under very harsh environmental conditions in the field.