Emerson Process Management has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Petroleum Institute of Abu Dhabi (PI), to support the PI engineering programs through technology transfers, and development programs that bring industry and academia together.
In effect for four years
The MoU which will be in effect for four years with the option for annual renewal came about as a result of a recommendation by Abdul Munim Saif Al-Kindy, CEO of Abu Dhabi Company for On Shore Oil Operations (ADCO) and Deputy Chairman of PI, following discussions with Emerson Process Management personnel at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2010 exhibition.
The MoU was signed by Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson Process Management and Dr. Ismail Tag, acting president and provost of PI on January 16, at a formal ceremony at Emerson's facility in Abu Dhabi attended by Dr. Ebrahim Al Hajri, assistant professor at PI and other senior representatives from both parties.
Seminars, workshops and training
Emerson will provide joint seminars, workshops and training courses in automation, control and instrumentation and offer PI students summer internship opportunities and field trips to manufacturing plants, assembly plants and service centers. Emerson will also donate a life-sized plant representation with a functioning control system and instrumentation.
Tailored program for PI students
In addition, the MoU involves the provision of a tailored program to PI students utilizing Emerson's PlantWeb University and Control Loop Foundation courseswith the capacity to track progress and provide formal qualifications. Emerson's accredited Flow Calibration and Service facility in Abu Dhabi – the first and only one of its kind in the Middle East – will be used to support PI's R&D and graduation projects.
Under the terms of the MoU, PI will provide infrastructure and space for the permanent installation of the donated equipment and will promote the courses and seminars internally and, if required, externally to any of the ADNOC group of companies.
The MoU underscores Emerson's commitment to capacity building in the Middle East region and improving its long-term relationship with the PI and the ADNOC group of companies.
