GTC 2019

WLPGA Global Technology Conference (GTC2019)

 

Increasing Global Market Opportunities for LPG

 
The Industry’s 12th Global Technology Conference (GTC2019) took place in Amsterdam on Tuesday 23rd September during the 32nd World LPG Forum & European LPG Congress.

GTC Innovation Award

PlasMerica, an American company focused on transforming methane into renewable propane, won the prestigious 2019 Innovation Award at GTC2019 in Amsterdam. The winning paper,  ‘Sustainable, renewable propane through energy transformation’ described how this proprietary technology converts methane from a greenhouse gas into renewable LPG, a clean, environmentally sound non-greenhouse gas that helps address climate change.

A total of five awards were given, with the awards in the other categories as below:

  • Safety: Ineris for ‘Numerical Simulation and Modelling of Bleve Triggering on a Road Tanker’
  • LPG Applications: Aggreko for ‘Change through Innovation: The Role of Technology in Encouraging the Use of LPG in Modular Power Generation’
  • LPG Operations & Logistics: Smart Cylinders for ‘Improving Logistics and Resource Efficiency by Use of IoT’
  • Autogas – Engines: Cummins Inc for ‘LPG Direct Injection Engine for Medium Duty Trucks”

Read the Press Release here.

Discover the selected abstracts 2019 for the 32nd World LPG Forum & 2019 European Congress

SUSTAINABLE, RENEWABLE PROPANE THROUGH ENERGY TRANSFORMATION

An innovative technology which is the key to creating sustainability through energy transformation resulting in a viable, revolutionary change for the LPG industry.

This paper describes the process of converting methane to LPG, propane, and bio-methane to bio-LPG. Through proper propagation control, the economic value can be maximised to offer a process that breaks through the historical value add limitations.

Mr Dennis Manning, PlasMerica, United States

LPG DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE FOR MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS

This study looks at Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) concept engine developed for medium duty applications (class 6-7 trucks) targeting high efficiency with a power density that matches turbocharged diesel engines. The turbocharged in-line 6 cylinder engine incorporates an advanced spark ignition combustion system design, purpose built medium-duty class engine structure, and an engine cooling package optimized for operation with a direct injection (DI) LPG system has resulted in an egine capable of producing a high brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) of up to 22.4 bar at hgh brake thermal efficiency (BTE) throughout the operating map. The present work demonstrates a 20-43% total cost savings (depending on the cost of propane) over a pickup-and-delivery type of drive cycle when compared to a diesel engine with similar displacement and torque curve.

Mr Saradhi Rengarajan, Cummins Inc, United States

INTRODUCTION OF DIRECTBLUE BY VIALLE

Injection of Autogas in liquid phase directly into the cylinders, without having to modify the motor management. Excellent drivability is maintained with no concessions in engine performance.

The DirectBlue system is specifically developed for direct injection petrol engines. Engine performance and drivability is maintained. The technology allows smooth switching between petrol and Autogas.

Mr Jordy Vrugt, Vialle Autogas Systems B.V., The Netherlands

GAME CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEWABLE DME & LPG BLENDING

BioLPG achieves deep decarbonisation and offers a unique pathway to affordable zero emission transport. Supply pathways are constrained by feedstock availability.

A game changing approach for the LPG industry is the possibility to include renewable DME (rDME) into the mix. rDME uses waste feedstocks such as agricultural residues, manure and municipal waste which are widely available. A consortium, including California based Oberon Fuels and SHV Energy, is exploring the potential for rDME & LPG blending in transport.

Ms Rebecca Groen, SHV Energy (on behalf of the International DME Association & Oberon Fuels), The Netherlands

IMPROVING LOGISTICS AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY BY USE OF IOT

Logistics costs, replacement precision, and resource efficiency can be improved significantly by applying sensors and machine learning in LPG distribution. This can reduce fear, improve customer loyalty and present a new opportunity – Gas as a Service.

A revolutionary new sensor and IT-system, which together eliminates current replacement inefficiencies, constantly monitors and analyses weight data from the cylinders. The net effects are reduced logistic costs for gas distributors, and reduced stress and fear for interrupted supply for end-customers.

Mr Tormod Haugland, Smart Cylinders AS, Norway

AGILE AND LOW-EMISSION LPG POWER GENERATION FOR A LOW CARBON WORLD

The combination of LPG, a much cleaner fuel than heavy fuel or diesel, and agile reciprocating engine technology combined with renewable generation, can help island utilities and other isolated small and medium-sized power systems to take a quantum leap towards a low emission and cost-effective power generation.

Mr Andrej Borgmastars, Wärtsilä Finland Oy, Energy Solutions, Finland

A UNIVERSAL REGISTER FOR DATA-DRIVEN LPG MEASUREMENT

The universal register can be used with any metering technology (electronic or mechanical) and on any LPG process (mobile, bulk plant, dispenser). The register can be used in conjunction with any level of automated data management: standalone in a basic “pump and print” mode, in conjunction with a smart device and database, or with fully customised software based on the register’s open API. Designed to work with readily available smart devices and Google’s Firebase, eliminating the expense of handheld computer systems and proprietary software and providing unlimited flexibility to adapt to any current or future registration application.

Mr Chuck Strawn, Read Seal Measurement, United States

HEATING UP SOIL TECHNOLOGY WITH LPG, DOWN TO 30 CM DEEP

Technology makes it possible to heat up soil by using LPG, down to 30 cm deep. It kills weed, seeds, fungus and nematodes without the use of pesticides. One treatment lasts up to five years.

The technology is patented, and equipped with advanced software, including an AI system that makes machines learning from each other.

Mr Hans Kristian Westrum, Soil Steam International AS, Norway

CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATION: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ENCOURAGING THE LPG USE IN MODULAR POWER GENERATION

LPG to Power generation on a Mobile and Modular basis applying innovative solutions working with global players. Adding solar PV and battery storage – to create a unique and game-changing application for remote, island or any off-grid application. This combines with the fact that LPG is a cleaner and cheaper than traditional power generation fuels helps companies, industries and communities address their environmental agenda in an affordable way.

This fits with the global energy transition with lower emissions, lower cost of power, capex free, enables decentralisation of power.

Mr Noreen Howat, Aggreko, United Kingdom

NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND MODELING OF BLEVE TRIGGERING DURING THE BOLOGNA ACCIDENT

Predictive tool developed by Ineris is applied to BLEVE accidents and theoretical results are compared to real observations. Numerical simulations are performed considering a finite element tool for LPG tank failure, a Large Eddy Simulation tool for thermal impact on the tank and an explicit coupling procedure between the two. LPG phase change within the tank is taken into account. Based on the main features of LPG tank, calculations allow to estimate and compare the fire development and the time before BLEVE and lead to a better understanding on how BLEVE was possible. Modelings with security systems like pressure relief valve are also led opening the discussion on potential efficiency of safety devices to avoid or delay BLEVE.

Mr Etienne Catry, Ineris, France