Industry

Michael Monica demonstrating the Iso-Smart remote monitoring solution. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Oil Review Middle East caught up with Michael Monica, director sales, marketing and customer care, GPT Industries at ADIPEC, where the company was showcasing its Iso-Smart remote monitoring solution for pipelines

Iso-Smart, which GPT is currently introducing to the Middle East, is an all-in-one solution for checking Cathodic Protection (on and instant off potentials), Isolation, Bond currents, AC vs. DC on the line, and more from remote locations. The device can be mounted on the pole at any current test station along a pipeline, and incorporates True RMS technology to provide reliable real-time data, helping pipeline owners make informed decisions, address any issues or anomalies before they become critical and comply with pipeline integrity regulations. Combining GPT Industries’ decades of corrosion prevention expertise with the latest remote monitoring technology, it sets a new standard for a versatile, user-friendly remote asset integrity monitoring.

Unique characteristics

“The unique characteristic of this device it that it doesn’t require someone to take measurements physically at the test station, this device will do it remotely,” underlines Monica. “It can gather data and provide instant readings on demand, so the user can see what the condition of their pipeline is anywhere where there's an electrical lead or test station.”

Monica explains that as such, it not only provides significant savings in time and cost but in particular addresses the critical issue of safety, as it eliminates the need for physical inspections which may require crossing property lines or accessing remote or inaccessible locations, particularly valuable in the vast and often harsh terrains of the Middle East.

“The original remote monitors were used on rectifiers, where they can turn the rectifier on and off. This device goes to the next level; you can turn the unit on and off remotely, and actually test the current on your pipeline on demand. If you've got critical bonds on the pipeline, you can monitor the critical bonds. You can also directly measure current on the pipeline, across bonds or isolation joints as opposed to calculating prone potentials across a shunt. So it's a really nice diagnostic tool to determine that you have adequate protection against corrosion.”

He adds that the other unique thing about the device is that it addresses the issue of AC interference on the pipeline, a significant concern for the industry today.

“If pipelines are running through a corridor where you've got overhead power lines, those overhead power lines can put AC current onto the pipeline, and depending upon the amount or the density of the AC current, if it reaches a certain threshold or level, it will significantly increase the potential for corrosion. This device can tell you what your AC density is, so you can put mitigation measures in place to make sure that that you don't have a critical amount on your pipeline.”

Middle East interest

While Iso-Smart is only now being introduced to the Middle East, it has already attracted a lot of interest from operators in the region, given that pipeline integrity and corrosion protection are key concerns.

“Operators are cathodically protecting their pipelines, but they want to be able to determine the status of the current on their pipelines and identify where they have issues with AC current, because it adversely affects their DC current.”

Turning to future plans, Monica says that the company is developing a next-gen compact version of the Iso-Smart that will be able to be fixed inside the test station, thus addressing any issues with potential tampering.

See also https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/revolutionising-asset-integrity-in-the-middle-east-with-iso-smart

https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/gpt-industries-launches-iso-smart-for-monitoring

Ed Leung, senior technology advisor at RESMAN Energy Technology. (Image source: RESMAN Energy Technology)

Ed Leung, senior technology advisor at RESMAN Energy Technology discusses the shift towards gas and how Resman’s INFLOW Gas Tracer Technology can help de-risk large-scale gas projects

The energy landscape is shifting as global gas demand rises, moving away from coal toward cleaner alternatives. Consequently, investment trends are shifting. According to Goldman Sachs, the global gas market is expected to expand by 50% in the coming years, and LNG investments are projected to surge by over 50% by 2029, supported by 73 major projects currently under development worldwide.

The Middle East is poised to play a crucial role in this growth. According to Wood Mackenzie, gas production in the region is expected to rise, backed by investments of up to US$120bn to boost production capacity by 14 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030. This investment will significantly enhance energy security and support global demand for cleaner energy sources. This increase is significant, equating to the gas consumption of the entire European power sector.

However, achieving these goals is not without challenges, including infrastructure development, market volatility, environmental regulations, geopolitical factors, competition with renewables, technological challenges, public perception and acceptance, and supply chain constraints, among others. Importantly, large-scale gas projects demand increased operator confidence and a comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions.

The role of tracer technology

This is where innovative technologies such as wireless monitoring using chemical tracers come into play. By providing definitive proof of mass transport and enabling continuous monitoring without intervention, tracer technology significantly reduces operational risks while delivering accurate data insights into the gas reservoir conditions. Conventional production logging methods face numerous challenges, from downhole complexities to the need for accurate, direct data.

As the only provider of proven Inflow Gas Tracer Technology, RESMAN Energy Technology has expanded its footprint since 2016 when the first R&D project kicked off, partnering with industry leaders such as Equinor, ENI, and Shell, among others. This growth underscores the increasing importance of innovative solutions in navigating the evolving energy landscape, ultimately helping to ensure sustainability, security, and affordability in gas production.

As gas continues to play a vital role in the global energy transition, the Middle East’s contribution to this shift is crucial. Large-scale gas projects present unique challenges, particularly in terms of subsurface data accuracy and operational safety. RESMAN’s Inflow Gas Tracer Technology addresses these demands, providing precise insights without invasive interventions. By minimising risk and delivering reliable data on gas reservoir conditions, RESMAN empowers operators to maintain productivity and sustainability standards while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Hani El Tannir, CEO, Group Industrial, Al Masaood. (Image source: Al Masaood)

The oil and gas sector will continue to be an important mainstay of UAE-based conglomerate Al Masaood, according to Group Industrial CEO Hani El Tannir

Speaking to Oil Review Middle East, El Tannir said, “Our response to the requirements of the energy sector in general, including end users and their EPCs, is still very much centre stage – but we’re evolving with the industry.

“We are doing a lot more in terms of value addition locally, managing in detail the process with the client on the one hand and the supplier on the other. Value addition is the name of the game for us,” he said.

The Group’s products and services are evolving and diversifying as well, with a stronger focus on services and tailored solutions in terms of engineering, manufacturing and integration, alongside traditional activities such as Rotary Equipment, filtration equipment and workshop equipment supply. Al Masaood’s Projects and Engineering Services (PESD) division offers comprehensive solutions across sectors including asset integrity management (a critical need in the UAE where 80% of oil and gas and power equipment is more than 30 years old), specialised site services and advanced engineering.

Furthermore, through its strategic alliances with global brands, Al Masaood PESD is able to deliver complete turnkey DBOOM (Design, Build, Own, Operate, Maintain) packages for compressors, allowing the integration of compressors and sustainable technologies across diverse energy applications.

El Tannir stressed the company’s focus on environment-friendly products and recycling and the importance of good materials management, adding that, while a large proportion of materials still comes from abroad, the focus on local manufacture means better control of the supply chain, as well as preparing the base for future generations to join the workforce.

PESD has ongoing collaborations with 12 major brands, including KSB, Chart, Man Energy Solutions, QuartzElec, and Hengst, all contributing innovations aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Cutting-edge advancements

At ADIPEC this year, Al Masaood’s PESD division anchored the Group’s presence, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in areas such as LNG, hydrogen and carbon capture, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and aligning with the country’s net zero by 2050 pledge. They include modular LNG liquefaction and storage solutions, developed in collaboration with Chart Industries, and compact and energy-dense liquid hydrogen storage solutions, offered through its collaboration with Chart and Howden, which eliminate the need for high-pressure cylinders and prioritise safety and efficiency. While advanced carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are offered through its partner MAN Energy Solutions, enabling companies to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Also, within ADIPEC, Al Masaood showcased its specialist manufacturing for the Energy Sector, and introduced its regional agreement with NIDEC Power, covering motors and alternators. Al Masaood Motor Tech Services is already executing works for various end users and EPCs in the region.

In 2025, Al Masaood plans to expand its innovative and value-added services for the regional market.

El Tannir added, “We will continue to be a strong pillar for the energy market, as we know the future demands and requirements. The energy sector is critical, technology innovations and sustainability are needed, and we are the company to meet this need. To this end, we are joining hands with many more companies to bring such solutions to the local market.”

Haytham Yehia, general manager, Middle East and Central Asia Region, Shell Lubricants. (Image source: Shell Lubricants)

Haytham Yehia, general manager for Middle East and Central Asia Region for Shell Lubricants, discusses the outlook for the lubricants market in the region and the impact of sustainability considerations

What is the outlook for the base oil and lubricants market in the GCC region, and are there any trends you would highlight?

The GCC region offers a dynamic and evolving landscape for the lubricants market. The growth we’re seeing across both industrial and consumer sectors is not just driven by economic activity, it’s driven by a deep shift in how industries are approaching efficiency and performance. In the UAE, the rise in construction and infrastructure projects is fuelling demand, while Iraq’s oil and gas sector is seeing a resurgence, pushing growth in the lubricants market.

But it’s not just about volume, it’s about the shift towards higher-performing, synthetic lubricants. As more modern engines and industrial equipment are introduced, the need for advanced lubrication solutions becomes critical. At Shell, we’re focused on meeting these demands with products designed for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s innovations. Markets like the UAE, Iraq, and Oman are at the forefront of this transformation, and the trends we’re seeing here will set the stage for the broader region.

To what extent is sustainability a factor impacting the lubricants market?

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. At Shell, we believe that our role in the market goes beyond providing lubrication solutions, it’s about supporting a sustainable future. Our introduction of the Shell PANOLIN range in the Middle East is a testament to that commitment, addressing the uptick in demand for more sustainable products, especially in sectors such as construction, agriculture, renewable power, hydropower and offshore wind sectors. These biodegradable lubricants provide high performance lubrication while also having the ability to degrade naturally. Biodegradable lubricants help to contribute to a more sustainable future, offering greater protection for wildlife and ecosystems in the event that they come into contact with the environment, in comparison to conventional lubricants. This enables our customers to reduce the risks of operating in sensitive environments.

The portfolio includes biodegradable lubricants for hydraulics, gears, universal tractor transmission oils, engine oils (HDEO), turbine oils, and greases for machine lubrication, including leading OEM-approved products. They are designed with the future in mind, delivering high performance while minimising environmental impact.

How is the carbon-neutral lubricants market developing, and what is the role of these products in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices across industries?

The move towards carbon-neutral lubricants is a powerful shift that’s changing the way industries operate. In the Middle East, industries are beginning to embrace carbon-neutral solutions, not just to meet regulatory requirements but as proactive lever in reducing their emissions. At Shell, our carbon-neutral lubricants, alongside initiatives such as our sustainable packaging innovations at the Oman plant, are tangible solutions for businesses to help reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

Carbon neutrality is about more than just compensating emissions, it’s about designing products and solutions that actively help our customers avoid and reduce their carbon footprints. As industries shift towards more sustainable practices, the role we want to play is to provide our customers products and services that help make their transition possible, and our continued innovation in this space helps ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

How is EV adoption impacting the lubricants market in the region?

The shift to electric vehicles brings both new opportunities and challenges. While traditional lubricants like engine oils are in lower demand for EVs, the need for specialised fluids is increasing. These include transmission fluids, greases, and thermal management fluids, which play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency, longevity, and safety of EV batteries and other key components.
EVs also shift the focus from friction management to thermal management, with cooling fluids becoming more important. In fact, EVs typically use double the amount of coolant compared to internal combustion engines, highlighting the growing importance of thermal management in electric mobility.

While regions like China, Europe, and the US lead in EV adoption, the Middle East, particularly countries like the UAE, is making significant investments in EV infrastructure. This is already beginning to influence demand for EV-specific lubricants. As the UAE targets net-zero emissions by 2050, addressing emissions from transport will be key to achieving this goal.

At Shell, we’re dedicated to advancing reliable, scalable solutions that support the growth of EVs. We’re leveraging our global expertise in advanced fluids to work with OEMs and co-engineering partners to optimise EV performance and efficiency. Our immersion cooling technology, for example, plays a crucial role in managing battery temperatures, ensuring safety and prolonging battery life.