In the dynamic landscape of the oil and gas industry, the downstream sector faces numerous challenges. These include navigating global economic uncertainties, mitigating supply chain costs and disruptions, adhering to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and striving for cost-effective production.
Given this complex environment, downstream plant operators are actively seeking suppliers that can partner with them to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. This article explores how Trillium Flow Technologies provides service solutions that help operators improve their refining and processing operations in response to today’s challenges.
For the past 12 years, engineers from Trillium’s Termomeccanica Pompe legacy brand have been stationed at a customer’s petrochemical plant, with a full workshop that provides ongoing support for a comprehensive range of rotating equipment. This includes centrifugal, gear, and screw pumps, screw and reciprocating compressors, agitators, blowers, electric motors, and valves. Over the years, this on-site presence has led to a wide range of requests and services for Trillium’s engineers, ranging from spare parts to maintenance, as well as engineered solutions such as upgrades, re-rates, and retrofits.
Operational Symbiosis
Trillium’s partnership with a European-based chemical plant has yielded numerous benefits. The plant specializes in producing polymers and lubricating oils for high-tech applications. It covers approximately 4 km² and employs over 1,500 people. Around 800 m² of the site is dedicated to a permanent workshop that houses more than 20 Trillium Flow Technology employees. This workshop is fully equipped with tooling and machinery and can expand to accommodate up to 70 Trillium engineers during the annual shutdown, tripling its productivity.
The contract for housing dedicated engineers on-site began in 2013 and was recently extended to 2027. Initially brought in to perform essential maintenance on the equipment Trillium had installed, the team has since expanded their role to utilize their skills across the entire plant.
Throughout their 12-year tenure, Trillium engineers have provided comprehensive support to the customer, repairing and maintaining a wide range of equipment, including centrifugal and gear pumps, screw and reciprocating compressors, agitators, blowers, electric motors, and valves (including the revision and calibration of pressure safety valves).
The service offering has gradually expanded to include the provision of spare parts, reverse engineering of discontinued components, retrofitting units for changes in service and efficiency improvements, and even conducting complete unit redesigns based on a 3D anthropomorphic arm measurement.
Notably, Trillium engineers have redesigned a series of vacuum pumps, which they now service and supply with spare parts, significantly extending their operational lifespan for the customer.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by the oil and gas industry underscore the vital importance of collaborative partnerships between plant operators and their suppliers. These partnerships are essential for the continued success of all involved. By working closely with expert suppliers like Trillium Flow Technologies, operators can leverage specialized knowledge and resources to optimize operational efficiency, ensure safety and reliability, and achieve long-term sustainability objectives in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
