News
NOVEMBER 2008: GULF TRIALS
Following a period of discussion with interested oil and gas companies, an Abriox team visited the Gulf region to make the first installations of MERLIN remote CP monitoring units in the Middle East.
The units have been installed on transformer rectifiers and CP test posts in the United Arab Emirates and are monitoring oil, gas and multi-product pipelines. The transmission and distribution infrastructure in the region is expanding rapidly and new technologies for pipeline integrity are of great interest. However, new systems must be capable of reliable operation in the demanding climate, with its high air temperatures and dry soil conditions.
OCTOBER 2008: M C MILLER DISTRIBUTION
Abriox is pleased to have been appointed a UK distributor for M C Miller.
The M C Miller Company manufactures equipment and software for use by corrosion professionals all over the world and has been a recognised leader in the corrosion control industry for over 60 years. Its range encompasses products to prove the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems to the provision of specialised kits for corrosion testing.
In particular, M C Miller designs and manufactures state-of-the-art reference electrodes, including many that have been developed specifically for permanent CP monitoring applications. Both Cu/CuSO4 and Ag/AgCl electrodes are available, depending on the application. These will be a valuable supplement to Abriox’s MERLIN system in the UK and internationally. M C Miller
OCTOBER 2008: BUSINESS AWARDS WIN
The annual Chambers of Commerce Business Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of South Wales companies to the Welsh economy. A small panel drawn from the public, private and education sectors judge all entries and short-list three finalists in each category.
Abriox was short-listed in the “Most Promising New Business” category, sponsored by Kymin Financial Services. The judges’ criteria were: the rationale behind starting the business; objectives set for the business and progress to date in achieving them; and future plans and processes in place to attain these. We were delighted to win the award, which reflects three years of hard work by the whole Abriox team to achieve a market-leading position in our target segment within the gas and petrochemical industries.
The winners of the various categories are then assessed for an overall “Outstanding Business Achievement” award, sponsored by the South Wales Argus. Abriox picked up this award as well! Gerald Davies, Managing Director of Kymin, commented: “I was delighted that you also went on to win the Winner of Winners award, which I felt endorsed mine and the other judges’ opinion of your submission”.
The Celtic Manor Resort is the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup.
SEPTEMBER 2008: FIRST ASIAN ORDER
Following an extensive tender exercise, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), based in Karachi, Pakistan, has chosen Abriox’s MERLIN system for monitoring cathodic protection on its network.
SSGC transmits and distributes natural gas as well as constructing high pressure transmission and low pressure distribution systems. The SSGC transmission network extends from Sui in Balochistan to Karachi in Sindh comprising over 3,200 KM of high pressure pipeline ranging from 12 - 24" in diameter.
AUGUST 2008: WWU SELECTS MERLIN
After a lengthy evaluation process, Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has selected Abriox's Merlin CP Monitors to be installed in the transformer rectifiers of the company's high pressure gas pipelines & pressure reduction installations.
Wales and West Utilities supplies natural gas to most of Wales and the seven English south west counties, including the city of Bristol. WWU’s distribution network consists of 34,000km of underground pipelines, transporting gas to more than 2.3 million industrial, commercial and domestic consumers and supplying almost half the energy needs of a region covering 41,000 sq km (one sixth of the UK).
Tony Perry, First Line Manager for Pipelines (South), commented: “This further initiative gives WWU the ability to remotely monitor its CP systems, increasing the company's already proactive approach to corrosion prevention within its network, with the benefit of reducing operational expenditure”.
JUNE 2008: NEW INTERNET-CPSM LAUNCHED
Abriox has made its popular CPSM software available over the Internet, enabling clients to view CP data from MERLIN monitors via their web browser.
Clients selecting this method access their CP data via Abriox’s iCPSM website. Data is held in a client-specific, secure database, hosted by Abriox, where it can be viewed and downloaded.
The great advantage of iCPSM is that multiple users can access their company’s data across the internet with no requirement for special software or set-up – and upgrades to the iCPSM software are immediately available to all users.
MAY 2008: ABRIOX EXHIBITS IN ASIA
Abriox exhibited at the NACE East Asia Pacific Regional Conference & Exhibition, 12-14 May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The theme of the Conference was “Managing Corrosion beyond the 21st Century”. Neil Summers (Abriox Managing Director) presented a paper on “Remote Monitoring of Pipeline Cathodic Protection Systems”.
We welcome enquiries from potential customers and distributors in the region.
APRIL 2008: MERLIN INTERRUPTER LAUNCHED
Abriox announces the release of an important new feature of our remote CP monitoring system – the MERLIN Interrupter.
The new product has been developed in response to companies wishing to permanently install a device for switching the output of their Transformer Rectifiers remotely. Now, from a cell phone in the field, CP technicians can open and close the TR output relay and remotely synchronise interrupter patterns from different TRs on a pipeline. This removes the need to visit the TRs to install (and afterwards remove) portable switching units for CIPS or DCVG surveys.
The MERLIN Interrupter uses the GPS system for precise synchronisation, is surge protected and fail-safe. The output pattern is remotely configurable and all Merlin units on a pipeline automatically maintain synchronisation with each other.
MARCH 2008: ABRIOX AT NACE NEW ORLEANS
Abriox exhibited at the NACE CORROSION Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, March 17-20.
NACE reports that the event was a huge success and brought in a final attendance of over 5,700, one of the highest to date. A keynote address by Buzz Aldrin was received with a standing ovation.
For Abriox, the show was an opportunity to renew contact with customers – existing and prospective – in the United States. Many international delegates also visited the Abriox booth and were impressed with the performance and compactness of the MERLIN system.
FEBRUARY 2008: ABRIOX GOES TO PRESS
Two important industry journals have published articles on Abriox’s remote CP monitoring system.
World Pipelines (February 2008) has published an article by Kevin Young of United Utilities in which the implementation of the MERLIN system on a gas distribution network is described.
In the Journal of Pipeline Engineering (March 2008) Neil Summers of Abriox describes the important CP measurements and how compliance reporting has been facilitated by remote monitoring.
These articles can be downloaded from our Publications page.
JANUARY 2008: MERLIN MONITORS NEW LNG PIPELINE
MERLIN units selected to monitor Britain’s new and prestigious LNG pipeline.
National Grid operates 6,800km (4,160 miles) of high-pressure pipelines in the UK. The UK has more than 21 million gas customers and this number is rising daily. With North Sea offshore fields decreasing in output and demand for gas increasing, new terminals are being built to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The LNG will arrive by ocean-going tanker, be transferred ashore into storage tanks and then converted back into gaseous form for onward transportation.
National Grid is installing a new pipeline from the Milford Haven LNG terminal in Pembrokeshire, continuing through South Wales and Herefordshire into Gloucestershire and connecting there to the existing National Gas Transmission System. This work is important to ensure reliable and economic gas supplies to homes and businesses across the UK.
This is the biggest and most high profile pipeline project in the UK in recent years. The pipeline passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The integrity design is to the highest standards and Abriox has been awarded the supply of remote monitoring equipment to check and report CP levels on the pipeline.
Further details: http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Pipelines/milfordhaven/
NOVEMBER 2007: ABRIOX GOES FOR GROWTH!
Successful MERLIN CP monitoring system underpins UK/international office move.
Building on the success of our new MERLIN remote CP monitoring system, Abriox is pleased to announce the relocation of our UK office to new, larger premises at Imperial House, Newport.
Newport, a city of 138,800 people, is the venue of the Ryder Cup 2010. It has one of the most impressive inward investment records in the UK, especially in electronics, semiconductors, manufacturing, financial/business services and distribution/logistics.
Imperial House is a prestigious location, purpose-designed for technology-based R&D companies and easily accessible from the M4 motorway. The winner of a design-based competition, it projects a progressive appearance and sets high standards of detailing, with a fully managed conference core. The building accommodates a mix of embryonic and small high technology businesses with laboratory, advanced computer or communication requirements.
OCTOBER 2007: ABRIOX AWARDED UNITED UTILITIES CONTRACT
Abriox has been awarded a contract by United Utilities for remote monitoring of cathodic protection in Northern Gas Networks.
Following pilot trials held earlier this year (see NEWS: January 2007) the MERLIN system was selected to monitor transformer rectifiers across Northern Gas Networks. United Utilities has calculated that replacing manual functional checks at TRs with remote monitoring will deliver a payback of less than 18 months.
Network Officer Kevin Young gave the reasons for selecting Abriox’s MERLIN system:
“Abriox were the first company to actually ask us what we would require from a remote monitoring system. They came up with an excellent selection of monitors which can be adapted for a variety of scheme types throughout the network. Having successfully trialled the system, we are delighted to be implementing Merlin initially to cover our ‘functional’ monitoring inspections. We will be able to respond quickly to system failures rather than waiting a month to discover the problems. With such a large geographical area to cover, this will free up our technicians’ time and allow them to concentrate on other compliance issues.”
United Utilities acts as the Operator on behalf of Northern Gas Networks, whose network comprises 35,000km of gas distribution pipeline. It contains a mixture of large cities such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, York, Hull and Bradford and a significant rural area including North Yorkshire, Northumberland and northern Cumbria. The area has around 6.7 million inhabitants and approximately 2.5 million Northern Gas Networks customers.
SEPTEMBER 2007: NEW MERLIN ON THE PRODUCTION LINE
New MERLIN units reach customers; installations at TRs and test posts nationwide.
Abriox has set up production to ensure rapid delivery of MERLIN monitoring units to our customers – we hate to keep you waiting! The smaller size (see NEWS: May 2007) and improved serviceability of the units have proved extremely popular with customers, as has their ease of installation in the field, typically taking an hour or less per site.
In conjunction with our new CP System Manager software, MERLIN offers the most comprehensive remote CP monitoring system available, with unique features and very high performance based on two years of design, testing and input from CP professionals.
AUGUST 2007: NEW CP SYSTEM MANAGER SOFTWARE
CP System Manager software package v2 released; many new features.
We welcome customer feedback on our products and software and the new version 2.00 CPSM incorporates many new or improved features requested by users. These include: new CP graphs, status information, configuration screens, install package, GSM signal monitoring, improved reporting, etc.
As MERLIN TR and Test Post Monitors are deployed in the field they are automatically installed on CPSM, enabling users to immediately display and archive CP data, control monitor settings remotely and export to asset management programs. The software can handle unlimited numbers of monitors, making it very easy to expand the CP monitoring system in line with user requirements.
JUNE 2007: AC CORROSION STUDY COMPLETED
AC interference threatens pipeline integrity - MERLIN called in to assist.
In recent years it has become apparent that AC interference is a major threat to buried metal pipelines, with the potential to accelerate corrosion where localised coating defects occur.
A key design feature of the MERLIN Test Post Monitor is its ability to measure and monitor significant (up to 70V RMS) levels of AC on the pipeline while losing none of its accuracy in measuring sub-volt DC levels. Abriox has completed a CP monitoring study on a pipeline with known high and fluctuating levels of AC. The study, carried out in conjunction with a major UK gas company, tracked levels between 9-12VAC on the pipeline and, from the cyclical profile of the measurements, successfully identified the source of the interference. This enabled the operator to take measures to mitigate the effect of AC on the pipeline.
Abriox’s CP System Manager software automatically calculates current density (in A/m2), enabling users to quickly identify pipelines at risk from aggressive AC corrosion.
MAY 2007: SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL!
New MERLIN CP monitors 25% smaller than predecessors.
Size matters! Resulting from early trials with customers in the UK and US, Abriox has reduced the size of the MERLIN TR and test post monitors by a quarter. The new units, measuring a mere 125mm x 85mm x 55mm (5.0in x 3.4in x 2.2in) have lost none of their functionality but benefit from an improved mechanical design that also make them easier to assemble and test.
In the UK, CP measurements are taken at concrete tests posts (conventionally known as “M28” posts) with tight constraints due to the internal volume available behind the face plate and the rigid cables to pipe, reference cell and coupon. The new MERLIN monitor fits easily into a M28 – the connections can even be prewired to make installation even easier.
April 2007: MERLIN CP SYSTEM ON TRIAL IN US
US systems go live! Environmental factors the key for operators in Mid-West & South West.
Following its successful US launch in Nashville, March 11-15, Abriox Inc. has delivered its first MERLIN CP monitoring units and software to customers in the United States. The systems have been installed on a water utility CP system in the South West and on a crude oil pipeline in the mid-West; both operators are evaluating the performance of the system with a view to enlarging it if trials go well.
Environmental performance is key to the success of these projects – previous systems from other suppliers have failed to survive the frequent lightning strikes in the mid-West while heat and dust are the main issues in the South West. The MERLIN units have been designed to withstand relatively severe lightning discharges along the pipeline as well as extremes of temperature, humidity and particulate ingress.
MARCH 2007: ABRIOX EXHIBITS AT NACE CORROSION EXPO
Abriox exhibited the Merlin Remote CP Monitoring System at NACExpo in Nashville, Tennessee (March 11-15). Visitors to our booth were impressed with the compactness and performance of the unit and many good contacts were made with CP engineers in the US and internationally.
FEBRUARY 2007: INNOVATION PROJECT EXTENDED
Abriox has won a further grant from the Welsh Assembly Government under the SMARTCymru programme. The new award recognises the success of the recently completed Industrial Research project and particularly the huge potential of the Merlin Remote CP Monitoring System that is presently undergoing trials with petrochemical and gas companies. The system is now headed for full production and is generating considerable interest in both UK and US oil and gas sectors.
The SMARTCymru programme is aimed at SMEs in Wales and supports the research, development and exploitation of technologically innovative products and processes.
JANUARY 2007: MERLIN TRIALS EXPAND TO GAS SECTOR
Pilot trials of the Merlin Remote CP Monitoring System have commenced in two UK gas companies.
There are about 11,000 miles of gas transmission pipeline in the UK. Many transformer rectifiers are located in inaccessible areas, requiring considerable manpower to carry out the functional and operational checks that are necessary. Test posts that are “at risk” include those located at busy roadsides, pipeline intersections, near compressor stations or at the midpoint between TRs.
The Merlin system offers huge cost savings for TR monitoring and will improve safety by remotely monitoring “at risk” posts.
DECEMBER 2006: MERLIN SYSTEM ENTERS PILOT TRIAL PHASE
Abriox has successfully completed the Industrial Research phase of its remote CP monitoring system development. In order to expose the units to realistic field conditions the system is being trialled by a major multi-product petroleum pipeline operator in the UK.
The Transformer Rectifier Monitor records TR voltage and current output, pipe-to-soil potential and also monitors the AC mains supply to the TR. At the Test Post AC and DC measurements are taken, using a permanently installed reference cell and a coupon. A major advantage of the Test Post Monitor is that it can be fitted into a standard M28 CP test post. Data is transmitted simultaneously to the pipeline operator and Abriox for evaluation, displayed via the new CP System Manager software.
The Pipeline Engineer managing the trial commented: “I was very impressed with the professional way the equipment was packaged and it is nice to go on site with prototype equipment which works without a lot of fuss”.
DECEMBER 2006: ABRIOX INC. INCORPORATED IN EL PASO, TEXAS
Abriox has established Abriox Inc. This strategic move follows our recent success in concluding a package to fund expansion and reflects the importance to the Company of the US oil and gas market.
Abriox Inc.’s new office is located in El Paso. El Paso is the fourth largest city in Texas and 22nd in size in the United States. It is also the nation's third fastest-growing metropolitan area and almost as close to Los Angeles as to Houston!
Abriox selected El Paso because of its proximity to the South Western oil and gas utilities, discussions with which are expected to start in early 2007.
NOVEMBER 2006: US MARKETING PROJECT LAUNCHED
Abriox has been awarded a grant by International Business Wales to assist with an initial marketing and sales project in the United States market.
US oil and gas companies have a proactive policy towards pipeline maintenance and the International Trade Fund grant provides support for market research, visits / presentations to potential customers and exhibiting Abriox´s technology.
OCTOBER 2006: FINANCE WALES INVESTs IN ABRIOX
Abriox is delighted to announce the conclusion of a funding package with Finance Wales Investments Limited that consolidates its financial position and provides a firm foundation for growth.
The package, under which Finance Wales has taken an equity stake in Abriox with an option to provide additional loan funding for the expansion of the business, follows a period of detailed negotiations. Coming only shortly after the end of the first year’s trading, it represents the best possible external endorsement of the Company’s strategy to develop a successful range of monitoring products.
Finance Wales was created by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide commercial funding to Welsh businesses. It has assisted over 1000 companies and community enterprises throughout Wales, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship by offering financial solutions on a commercial basis.
SEPTEMBER 2006: BIRTHDAY AND HOUSEWARMING
Abriox invited representatives of organisations who had participated in its successful first year to join the Company for a tea party in its new offices.
Newport City Council, the Welsh Assembly Government, Royal Bank of Scotland, Newport & Gwent Enterprise, Finance Wales, Astrum-IP and Rombourne Business Centres joined Abriox to celebrate completion of the first year’s trading.
Local specialist caterers Celebrations provided the “corporate cake” and a champagne toast was raised to Abriox’s continued success. The recent move to new serviced offices in Newport has ideally positioned Abriox for further growth.
August 2006: Abriox opens New Office
Abriox has moved into brand new office accommodation - among the first occupants of the prestigious £12m Merlin House development at Langstone Business Park in Newport, South Wales.
The purpose-built centre is furnished to a high standard with excellent on-site facilities including air conditioning, conference rooms and a cafe. Located in the shadow of the Celtic Manor Resort, it occupies a prime location in the Newport area with plenty of on-site parking and local amenities.
The premises are superbly attractive, with a Japanese-themed ornamental garden and decor. Merlin House is a suitably professional and sophisticated working environment for Abriox’s staff - and will enable the company to expand flexibly in future.
The new office is easy for customers to access, strategically situated just 1 minute’s drive from the M4 motorway.
May 2006: Expansion of Engineering Department
Following the award by the Welsh Assembly Government of a SMARTCymru Industrial Research grant, Abriox has expanded its Engineering Department with the recruitment of a Senior Hardware Engineer and a Senior Software Engineer.
The two Engineers will join the project team working on the design and development of a remote monitoring system for oil and gas pipelines. Their responsibility will be to test various hardware configurations, optimise the wireless communications scheme and write the PC user software.
Future job vacancies will again be advertised on this website.
April 2006: New Innovation Award
Following submission of our Technical/Commercial Feasibility Study in January 2006, Abriox is delighted to announce a further SMARTCymru award from the Welsh Assembly Government. The Industrial Research award recognises Abriox´s innovative proposals for the development of a new remote monitoring system for gas and fuel pipelines.
The system will enable pipeline operators to:
- • Prolong the operating lifetime of transmission pipelines
by monitoring more effectively their resistance to external corrosion
- • Improve safety through regular automatic indication
of protection levels, with an alarm if these fall below acceptable
limits
- • Reduce the labour cost of monitoring the pipelines –
and spend more time interpreting the corrosion data from them
- • Comply more easily and effectively with regulatory requirements
and demonstrate “smart” asset management
- • Reduce the risk to staff from roadside work and the
emissions from survey vehicles.
The SMARTCymru programme is aimed at SMEs in Wales and supports the research, development and exploitation of technologically innovative products and processes.
October 2005: Abriox wins Innovation Award
Abriox Limited has won a SMARTCymru award from the Welsh Development Agency. The Technical Feasibility grant recognises Abriox´s innovative proposals for the development of new gas and fuel pipeline monitoring systems and will support an assessment of the technological and commercial viability of transforming Abriox´s ideas into new products.
The development project aims to produce a new range of pipeline integrity monitoring instruments that will significantly benefit gas (and other fuel) pipeline operators by:
- • Increasing public safety by identifying and positioning
pipeline failures
- • Reducing environmental damage from corrosion that leads
to leakage
- • Lower wastage and therefore lower cost to the consumer
- • Detecting leaks earlier, allowing more cost effective
repairs and less supply disruption
The WDA´s SMARTCymru scheme for Research and Development is aimed at SMEs in Wales. Grant funding is offered, at the discretion of WDA, to help businesses carry out research and development work that will lead to technologically innovative products or processes.
Abriox is a start-up company, founded in 2005 around an existing management team experienced in technology, manufacturing and management. Its core expertise is the monitoring of gas and fuel pipelines. It also seeks opportunities for contract product development and joint ventures.
