News

TECHNICA REPLACES GAS SEAL SYSTEM AT HATTON COMPRESSOR STATION

Grimsby-based engineering firm, Technica, has delivered a multi-discipline management, design and construction project to resolve compressor seal gas system issues at the Hatton Compressor Station near Horncastle.

Following the recent installation of a fourth gas compressor at the station, National Grid, who own and manage the facility, reported operating difficulties with the new compressor which were leading to regular shut downs.

Outlines Bryan Creed, Technical Director at Technica: “National Grid identified a problem with the quality of the dry seal gas. The only way to solve this was to fully replace the existing seal gas system.

“National Grid also found that the existing seal gas conditioning skid unit was incorrectly sized for supplying the correct gas pressure to the compressor’s drive end and non-drive end seals.”

Continues Bryan: “We provided a multi-discipline design to facilitate the installation of a new seal gas system supplying mechanical, civils, electrical and instrumentation discipline designs to enable a new seal gas booster skid to be installed.

“Our construction team decommissioned and removed the existing seal gas conditioning skid, pipework and associated equipment.”

Concludes Bryan: “Following the removal of the old equipment, we provided a variety of construction services including modifying high pressure pipework, vent pipework, instrumentation, electrical distribution and motor control centre.

“On completion of the installation we pre-commissioned the new equipment and also provided assistance during National Grid’s commissioning exercise at the station.”

TECHNICA SIGNS UP TO ECITB SKILLS & TRAINING CHARTER 

Engineering design specialists, Technica, have signed up to the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Skills & Training Charter.

Designed to encourage businesses to commit to developing the skills of their workforce to ensure the competence of employees, adopting the Charter underlines Technica’s commitment to all of its employees.

Commenting on the ECITB Skills & Training Charter, Bryan Creed, Technical Director at Technica said: “We wholeheartedly agree with the ECITB that our most valuable asset is our people.

“Many members of our team work in a variety of different areas, moving from site to site and project to project so it is imperative that they are fully competent in all aspects of their role. The ECITB not only epitomise this but they appreciate the need to formally recognise and validate this competence.”

Continues Bryan: “We have always focused on the continued professional and personal development of our staff and support them in every way we can to achieve their full potential. We firmly believe in offering opportunities for apprentices to join the company, as well as supporting anyone who wishes to gain new qualifications whilst working with us.

“To grow and prosper our industry needs to attract highly skilled individuals wishing to build a successful career in engineering. To do this, we need to be able to offer the correct levels of training and skills development which is why we fully support the ECITB’s Skills & Training Charter.”

TECHNICA COMPLETES PAKISTAN LNG TERMINAL DESIGN CONTRACT

Grimsby-based engineering design company, Technica, has completed the multi-disciplined detailed design for the LNG import terminal in Port Qasim, Pakistan.

Working on behalf of American Floating LNG Solutions Provider, Excelerate Energy, Technica completed onshore and offshore construction in February and have since assisted local contractors with the testing and commissioning of the facility. The project will increase gas availability in the country by up to 15 percent.

Explains John Davison, Managing Director at Technica: “We were contracted in May 2014 by Excelerate Energy to deliver a multi-discipline detailed design and procurement management for the LNG terminal. Our team of design engineers completed the original contract on time and were asked to assist site construction personnel with the testing and commissioning of the facility.”

Pakistan is facing critical and growing gas shortages that have disrupted the economy and everyday life. Its gas deficit is projected to double, by the end of 2015, to almost 2,000bscfd. The Port Qasim project has a maximum discharge capacity of 690mmscfd which will enable it to contribute greatly toward easing Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis.

Natural gas accounts for almost half of Pakistan’s energy mix. To bridge the gas gap, Pakistan is working on transnational pipelines, encouraging additional local production, and promoting LNG import. Pakistan’s gas market is highly developed and there is an urgent need to import LNG.

Concludes John: “The LNG import terminal in Port Qasim provides fast-track gas supplies for the country to ensure continued economic growth. Switching from expensive fuel oils to cheaper, environmentally friendly LNG will reduce carbon emissions, decrease road congestion, increase electricity availability for consumers and provide the Pakistan economy considerable fuel savings each year.”

Definitions
LNG: Liquefied Natural Gas
BSCFD: Billion Standard Cubic Feet per Day
MMSCFD: Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day

MP VISITS TECHNICA FOR BUSINESS BRIEFING

Late last year, we welcomed Marc Jones, Conservative candidate for Great Grimsby to our offices here on Cherry Tree Industrial Estate.

In his preparations for the forthcoming election, Marc wanted to visit a number of local businesses to develop his understanding of the issues we face and find out what’s important to us from a political perspective.

Our managing director, John Davison, gave Marc a brief introduction to Technica, including the history of the company, the services we provide and an outline of the national and international projects we’ve successfully delivered for clients. Marc then talked to us all about exactly what he wants to achieve for businesses in the area should he win the Great Grimsby seat.
Commenting on the visit, John Davison said: “We appreciate Marc taking time to come and listen to us both as business owners and employers.

He spent over two hours here and we all found the exchange educational and rewarding.”

We’re proud to support ‘Drive for Grimsby’, a charity that helps underprivileged children in our region take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Our donation of £500 will help disadvantaged youngsters access the scheme and enable them to take part in projects as well as buying equipment to help with their field studies.

Bryan Creed, technical director at Technica commented: “Both of my daughters have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme before and I know it’s something which employers like to see – it sets candidates apart.

“It’s a great experience and everyone should have the chance to take part, this is our way to give something back.”

Drive for Grimsby committee member, Barry Howells, added: “We’re extremely grateful that Technica has supported us with a donation – it is very generous.”

2014: A REVIEW

It’s been another busy year for all of us here at Technica. Just some of the highlights include; working on the $8 million design and procurement contract over in Puerto Rico for Excelerate Energy, securing places on two more national design and build frameworks, working on our first biomethane to grid entry facility project, winning the Barclay’s International Trade Award at the North Lincolnshire Business Awards and securing several new contracts here in Europe and abroad.
This is the perfect opportunity to thank you, our customers for the projects you’ve asked us to deliver this year and our staff who have worked hard to complete these projects on time and on budget.

2015 is set to be just as demanding as we enter our next phase of business growth and continue our transformation to become a medium-sized company. Our focus will be to further enhance the design engineering capacity of the business and continue to support, encourage and develop the exceptional young (and old!) talent we have within the team.

Once again, thanks for all your support this year – here’s to an even bigger and better 2015!

John Davison and Bryan Creed
Directors

ON BOARD WITH CADWorx®

In order to further enhance our design engineering offering we’re now using CADWorx® to enable the collaboration and review of our designs quicker and more intuitively.

CADWorx® facilitates 3D so users are able to reduce the need to interpret designs via paper printouts and other non-interactive methods.

Explains Dave Bennett, Project Engineer at Technica: “CADWorx® is an integrated, complete software series for plant design that provides intelligent drawing/database connectivity, advanced levels of automation and easy-to-use drafting tools.

“Several of our engineers and designers have recently completed training courses to ensure they are able to use the software to the very best of their abilities. Working in 3D is highly beneficial for us and our customers as well as being highly efficient and cost effective when it comes to project planning and approval.”

Former Grimsby Town player, Dave Boylen, couldn’t believe his eyes when we threw him a surprise retirement party.Dave, who has worked in our stores for the last two years, thought he was heading to the pub for a quiet pint after his last day at work but we had other ideas!

Explains Dave’s friend and manager at Technica, Alan Brown: “I’ve known Dave for over 15 years – he’s a great guy and we just wanted to do something special to mark his retirement.”

Commenting on the surprise party, Dave said: “I’ve worked for a fantastic company in the last two working years of my life but there comes a time when you need to retire.

“I will miss my colleagues, they are a great set of people and this party showed what comradeship they have. I’d like to thank directors Bryan and John for everything they have done for me over the last couple of years.”

Concludes managing director, John Davison: “We wish Dave all the very best for a long and happy retirement but we know he’ll be kept very busy with his two grandchildren and his work as an ambassador for Grimsby Town!”

When Rob Morgan laid down the Movember Challenge, his colleagues (including a couple of the ladies with the help of some false moustaches!) duly ditched their razors and got growing.

They achieved varying degrees of hirsute success but raised over £400 for the Movember Foundation that funds programs working to improve the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issue

SPARKLING CAREER FOR FORMER APPRENTICE

Jack accepts full time role as Junior Designer

An award-winning apprentice has been offered a full-time role with Grimsby-based engineering firm, Technica.

Jack Browning has just completed a four-year indentured apprenticeship as an apprentice Electrical and Instrument Designer. During that time he has worked on numerous assignments including Electrical and Instrumentation projects, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) replacement projects and various projects associated with the UK Gas Networks playing a key role in Technica’s growth.

As a result of his performance he has been offered, and has accepted, a position as Junior Designer. He will continue his training studying for an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Grimsby Institute.

Commenting on his appointment, Jack, who was named Yorkshire & Humber Regional Apprentice of the Year 2013, said: “The last four years have been hard work but I’ve enjoyed every minute and learnt so much. Being offered a full-time job here is the icing on the cake for me!”

Concludes Bryan Creed, Technical Director at Technica: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Jack and watching him develop new skills over the last four years. He is a key member of the team and we were in no doubt about offering him a full-time role. He has a great career ahead of him and I’m delighted he’s chosen to continue it here at Technica.”