Heat Exchanger World Magazine December 2024 | Page 15

Industry News
PETRONAS signs MoU with CNPC for integrated sustainable energy solutions
Petroliam Nasional Berhad ( PETRONAS ) and China National Petroleum Corporation ( CNPC ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) during the CNPC International Cooperation Forum at the 7th China International Import Expo . This collaboration , marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties , aims to advance sustainable energy development . The MoU , signed by senior representatives from both companies , focuses on upstream oil and gas exploration , LNG
value chains , specialty chemicals , renewable energy , green hydrogen , and carbon capture utilization and storage ( CCS ). It also establishes an open communication platform for sharing insights and best practices to drive the energy transition . PETRONAS has long supplied China with energy resources , supporting the transformation of its energy sector and contributing to economic growth . At the forum , PETRONAS ’ President highlighted the company ’ s commitment to global strategies aligned
with inclusive and sustainable economic globalization , further
strengthening ties with China ’ s energy sector .
Elliott Tool Technologies recognizes Dunn Heat Exchangers for industry contribution
Elliott Tool Technologies awarded Dunn Heat Exchangers , Inc . the 2024 Gustav Wiedeke Award at the Heat Exchanger World Americas Conference , recognizing Dunn ’ s collaboration in product development and industry problemsolving .
Dunn sought a solution to streamline step rolling thicker tube sheets , a process hindered by traditional expander limitations and air-driven system challenges . Partnering with Elliott ’ s development team , Dunn provided valuable market insights and
fabricated a tube sheet for field testing , enabling rapid design and validation of the new expander in real-world conditions . The resulting Ultra Hawk tool has expanded the boundaries of tube expansion , achieving 3 ” and 4 ” roll lengths through its electric servo
motor and parallel pin capability . “ Dunn ’ s collaboration was critical to our success ,” said Mollie Martin , Marketing Manager at Elliott . “ Their insights helped us deliver a tool designed to address market challenges and improve productivity .”
Glacier Energy snaps up another North East England firm
Glacier Energy has snapped up another firm based in the North East of England as it aims to double in size . The private-equity backed business acquired Advanced Group Services ( AGS ), a heat transfer company based in Tyne and Wear , for an undisclosed sum . It is the acquisitive Aberdeen firm ’ s second recent deal in the region after it bought out heat transfer specialist , Francis Brown in Teesside . The business has now counted 12 acquisitions since it was founded in 2011 with the acquisitions of Roberts Pipeline Machining and Wellclad from from MB Aerospace . At the start of the year , Saudi Arabian-backed investment group Averroes Capital bought a majority stake in Glacier alongside its chief executive Scott Martin .
Shortly thereafter the state-backed Business Growth Fund ( BGF ) also invested a multi-million-pound sum in the business . The business now counts 320 employees , and locations including Aberdeen , Blyth , Fife , Glasgow , Rotherham , and Stockton-on- Tees with an additional office in Kazakhstan . The company is looking to make announcements about further takeover deals in the coming weeks . The latest deal enables Glacier to establish a mechanical solutions hub offering a range of heat exchanger repair and refurbishment services in the North East to target its presence in renewable and industrial markets , including rail . The acquisition of the familyrun AGS brings a 26,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Washington .
Conflux Technology raises USD 11M in Series B funding
Conflux Technology , the heat transfer and additive manufacturing ( AM ) company has announced its USD 11M Series B capital raise for further technology development and increased customer support across the globe . The round was led by Breakthrough Victoria , with participation from AM Ventures and Acorn Capital . Conflux Technology is solving the heat exchange limitations while helping its customers achieve net zero by manufacturing heat exchangers that are lighter , smaller , and can conform to unique geometries . With additive manufacturing , Conflux has the ability to print a high performance heat exchanger as a single part , saving on time , materials , and energy to produce the products more efficiently and reduce environmental footprint .
The funding will be used to speed up the development of Conflux Production Systems ( CPS ) - an advanced end-toend manufacturing solution for producing AM heat exchangers – as well as scale hiring and support customer demand across the US , Europe , and Asia . CPS is a comprehensive production system that replaces traditional heat exchanger manufacturing plants , automating the production of complex AM structures to ultimately address supply chain risk , increase efficiency , and streamline operations . With the combination of Odys ’ expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion and Conflux ’ s cutting-edge manufacturing solutions , the companies aim to create a heat recuperator turbogenerator solution that integrates seamlessly into an existing aerospace turbine and can reduce fuel consumption by over 40 %. The solution targets reduced weight and increased efficiency of the turbo generator system . The system is planned for integration in Odys Aviation ’ s 21 ft wingspan ‘ Laila ’ aircraft , a plane designed in multiple configurations for cargo , and once deployed , should enable the aircraft to achieve a range of 450 miles with payloads up to 130 pounds .
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