Flow efficient is your up-to-date, reliable source of information regarding industrial liquid flow systems. Here you can find articles, blog-posts, and news features related to industrial liquid transfer applications, techniques and equipment. We also cover topics pertaining to the protection of flow systems, relevant actors in the industry and innovative solutions.
Currently, our coverage is mostly focused on the topics we find most interesting or we believe are the current trends in the industry. These topics include, but are not limited to: Liquefaction processes and all related news; STS, LNG and LNG STS operations and developments; Petrochemicals and specifically Offshore Petrochemicals; and finally methods, technologies and techniques to protect your flow systems.
The Fluid Flow Systems of the Future
Our focus on the previously mentioned topics is not trivial. All of those are activities currently driving the industry forward, and ones where flow systems face the greatest challenges. The risks are always present, and the consequences of failure are devastating. The truth is that proper management of the flow systems is one of the keys for success in the future of Liquefaction, LNG, Petrochemicals, and many more industries. For that reason, we have written a substantial number of articles on how to solve the challenges involving fluid flow systems and how to protect your flow systems.
When it comes to industries on the rise oftentimes we find industries and services trying to explore new markets, new technologies or new products. That is not the case here. Liquefaction, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and the Petrochemical industry have all been around for a long time now. So, what has changed that is turning them into relevant actors looking into the future (excluding Petrochemicals, which were already extremely relevant)? The answer is simple: Climate Change and the increasingly environmentally-conscious regulations. LNG is the least polluting out of all the fossil fuels and while far from perfect it is an affordable solution in the mid-term to replace other more polluting fossil fuels.
Optimising your Flow Systems
The most important principle to keep in mind when thinking about optimal flow systems is also the most obvious: the flow must never stop, ever. In industrial processes, downtime is the single most common cause of headaches for the companies, excluding accidents. That is the reason why every decision you make in this regard has to be focused on that very same goal: to minimise downtime. With that in mind, there are a few easy solutions you can implement in order to avoid downtime altogether, or at the very least lower the possibility of failure and minimise the consequences.
Firstly, you will want to make sure all your pipeline filtration systems are in order. We assume everyone working in this industry is aware of the importance that a proper pipeline filtration system has in the well-being of flow systems. If they are nearing their expiry date, are damaged beyond repair or are simply no longer functional (i.e. you updated your machinery or your pipeline system), you should invest time and resources into acquiring good enough filters and strainers for your needs. It is not a good strategy to risk the integrity of your flow systems to save your company a negligible amount in the long term.
Besides the aforementioned solution, you should also take into consideration the geometry, thermodynamics, pressure and velocity of your flow systems. Thankfully you don’t need a degree in engineering for that, or even to hire an engineer if you own a small business (although, depending on your situation, maybe you should). There are a handful of companies that specialise in technologies such as 3D modelling of the flow systems or parts of it, and many more. You can learn all about these technologies in our article covering the topic.