Networking
Light bulb moment !
On a visit to Shell , our editorial team had the chance to catch up with
Alfred Kruijer from Shell and Emiel Lechevallier from Ventil , where we discussed the energy transition , the importance of sharing ideas and the need for innovations .
By Lyndsey Denton-Fray , Valve World
In Valve World ’ s October 2024 edition , we interviewed Alfred and Emiel to discuss their encounter at Valve World 2022 and their ongoing project that formed from this meeting . To recap , the project between Emiel and Alfred focuses on developing a new method of fugitive emission testing using forming gas instead of helium . Forming gas is a mixture of hydrogen ( around 5 %) and nitrogen ( around 95 %). Their collaboration aims to address the issues and concerns of using helium as a testing gas , such as the safety risks , environmental concerns and high costs . Their goal is to work together to create a safer ( both for workers and the environment ) and more cost-effective alternative for leak testing to improve the current standards and practices within the valve manufacturing industry . Visiting the Shell office in Den Haag , both Alfred and Emiel confirmed that progress was slowly but surely being made towards their project and goals .
Emergence of innovations
Reflecting on how helpful networking was for what they call their ‘ chance encounter ’,
Photo displays : Emiel Lechevallier ( Ventil ), Lyndsey Denton-Fray ( Valve World ), Kiyo Ichikawa ( Valve World ), Alfred Kruijer ( Shell )
Alfred took the time to highlight the importance of networking and how this helps drive new innovations . “ People need to talk , to share ideas . This is how we have solved many dilemmas throughout history ,” commented Alfred . He went on to give the example of the transition from incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs , “ Legislator focus was on the acceptance of the compact fluorescent lamp - as this technology became commercially viable . However , what really happened was the adoption of the LED bulb . This change was possible because of ongoing advancements in LED technology and the willingness of people to embrace better ideas .” This example is a crucial point of history that can be looked at to see not only how the innovation and transition made a difference but also how the networking of scientists and innovators made it happen . It ’ s precisely this point of sharing knowledge and working together that the acceleration and adoption of these new technologies can happen , demonstrating how essential networking and collaboration are in driving meaningful progress . Alfred went on to highlight that Shell ’ s longevity can be attributed to going with the flow of changing times . “ Adaptation is key ,” commented Alfred , emphasising that this , along with sharing ideas , is a golden ticket for success .
Networking in the energy transition
Using the light bulb example of innovation transitions , faith can hopefully be revived that further transitions will take place . Alfred wants to remain optimistic that this will be the case with the energy transition , saying , “ It will only take a brilliant mind with a brilliant idea to make a change ,” and hearing and talking about these brilliant ideas is what will drive that change .
22 Valve World March 2025 www . valve-world . net