DOHA: The Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) yesterday announced the setup of an amine solvent management programme, a technical service aimed at benefitting clients in Qatar and the region.
The programme, also available in Amsterdam, offers analysis to clients in order to ensure gas-treating plants or refineries run on the highest quality of amine solvent to achieve a successful and trouble-free operation.
Amines, or Alkanolamines, are chemical compounds used to remove unwanted sour, toxic gas from natural gas, resulting in a cleaner gas product that no longer has foul odors, and is safe for use.
The programme offered by QSRTC will improve the overall amine plant operation, causing fewer unforeseen upsets and unscheduled shutdowns that may incur significant cost penalties.
"Our aim is to be closer to our customers in the Middle East and Africa so that we can service and solve their amine-related operational issues," said Abdirahman Elmi, Head of QSRTC Analytical Laboratory.
"Our programme will offer tailor-made analyses, a technical report within three weeks of the solvent's arrival and advice on how to improve the operation and reliability of the amine unit based on the test results and Shell's operational experience."
Youssif Saleh, QSRTC General Manager, said that with Qatar achieving 77 million tons per annum of natural gas production, it is critical that gas-treating operations run at the smoothest and most efficient level.
"Providing this service in Qatar will benefit our partners and clients locally by offering the most advanced and precise amine monitoring technology. Furthermore, the programme will be utilized regionally to provide countries with gas-treating plants these analytical services which help further cementing Qatar's role as the world's leading gas producer and supplier," said Saleh.
Shell is committed to a substantial expenditure of up to $ 100m over a 10-year period on a world-class technology innovation and development programme at QSTP.
Last year Shell filed the first patent application for an invention by any company there. Shell is an anchor tenant at QSTP and the first company to file for a patent developed from scientific work conducted at the science park.
© The Peninsula 2011
