The company, in a new partnership with Dutch innovator Qlayers, is integrating data intelligence with the coating process to offer a transformative solution for asset protection that is well-suited to the Middle East’s specific needs

In its commitment to supporting the GCC’s goal of ushering in a new age of technological advancement, Kanoo Industrial & Energy (KI&E), a key division of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, is continually investing in innovative technology.

The company fully realises the potential of digitalisation in the oil and gas industry to improving productivity and profitability by streamlining operations, and even its impact on the entire value chain.

There has been increasing adoption of digital technologies in the industry, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the internet of things (IoT) and robotics.

As such, KI&E offers a broad range of technological solutions including gas-based power solutions, nuclear, hydrogen, waste to energy, and flare to energy.

The company works with major industry names with an aim to bringing the best systems to the region. These solutions include:

• Predictive corrosion management: Kanoo Energy has partnered with the UK’s CorrosionRADAR, which designs and supplies the world's longest-range corrosion under insulation (CUI) monitoring technology for pipelines, refineries and more.

The patented system enables the move away from manual inspection to automated monitoring, and from reactive to predictive corrosion management.

Being predictive, it offers earlier detection aids with corrosion prevention, lowering costs and risk.

• Robotics: Another global partner is Gecko Robotics from the US that makes some of the world’s most advanced ultrasonic inspection robots.

Gecko produces high-quality data from full coverage inspections to provide unprecedented insights into current and future asset health with patented robots and software, and over 100,000 hours in the field across multiple industries.

This offers users immediate time, labour, and cost savings by reducing or eliminating the need for access requirements. It replaces conventional and slow manual or automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) methods.

Furthermore, these robots help increase safety and security. By having small inspection teams (two to three) and fewer work shifts, the robots reduce the risk of accident or security incident. Robots scan outside line of sight reducing confined space entry (CSE).

Last but not the least, Gecko robots allows for high quality data interpretation, including doing A-scan review performed on-site for preliminary results, and complete data analysis—completed by proprietary software and reviewed by ASNT Level II and III NDT Experts.

• Methane detection: Kanoo Energy works with Mirico to offer unique laser dispersion spectroscopy (LDS). The UK-based company leads the way in high performance gas sensing intelligence using LDS in any weather conditions to transform productivity and deliver a positive impact on the environment.

Mirico’s technology enables autonomous monitoring of fugitive emissions (Greenhouse gases) and troubleshooting of large areas to ensure the client’s site and equipment are optimised and profitable.

The unique features of the LDS technology include real time, continuous gas measurement; wide area monitoring of the entire site with a single sensor; and fully configurable setup and autonomous operation; and real time localisation, quantification and visualisation through cloud interface.

It also works in a wide range of weather conditions; raises automatic alerts upon detection of anomalous events; detects a range of gasses including methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrous oxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Another method Kanoo Energy applies to detect methane is through satellites. It has partnered in this area with UK firm Geospatial Insight, a leading provider of geo-intelligence software and services.

Geospatial Insight applies advanced technologies, including in-house developed deep learning algorithms, to produce evidence-based, risk- and climate-relevant data and solutions that enable our clients to make better business decisions.

It helps derive market-leading intelligence solutions from the analysis of satellite, aerial and drone imagery, social media and mobile device timing and positioning data.

• Training: Using the Knowtified AI engine, Kanoo Energy can help automate and complete the corporate training cycle to close skills gap.

This helps businesses improve productivity with knowledge transfer and competence assurance, using AI and AR.

It also helps clients share and manage their internal key learnings between teams, verify skills for competence assurance (in-person or remotely) and generate centralised competency reports.

For competence assurance, the AI engine can verify the skills of employees after course completion, and also generate training compliance reports.

The system also features ‘Academy’, which is a catalogue of eLearning courses with competence assurance and interactive micro learning courses.

QLAYERS & KANOO ENERGY: NEW PARTNERSHIP

Adding to its list of global partners, KI&E’s partnership with Qlayers’ underscores a shared vision for revolutionising asset integrity management (AIM) through digitalisation and automation.

This collaboration not only showcases a significant advancement for the involved parties but also sets a new industry standard.

According to Manoj Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Energy: 'This disruptive technology will revolutionise asset integrity management service business in the region.

Nitin Gaikwad, Head - Robotics Solution - Kanoo Energy, says: 'Customers are looking for technologically advanced solutions with faster and better deliverables. With 10Q painting robots, we aim to achieve cost efficiency for our customers.'

On his part, Josefien Groot, CEO of Qlayers, says: 'Qlayers is committed to bringing sustainable solutions to the Middle East along with Kanoo energy as our trusted partner.'

PIONEERING INDUSTRIAL COATING IN MIDDLE EAST

The 10Q robot cutting-edge technology integrates data intelligence with the coating process

Asset integrity management in the Middle East is undergoing a significant digital transformation, spurred by the rapid evolution of data and connectivity technologies.

Traditional methods, often reactive and paper-based, are being replaced by a digital ecosystem that leverages sensors, advanced analytics, and automation.

This shift is set to drastically improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance asset uptime and safety, catering specifically to the unique environmental and industrial demands of the Middle East.

In the harsh Middle Eastern environment, industrial coatings are vital for AIM, protecting key infrastructure, such as storage tanks and vessels from the severe conditions.

These coatings are for preventing corrosion, weathering, and other environmental damages, thereby extending asset life and ensuring ongoing functionality.

Given the significant costs due to corrosion, including extensive repairs and downtime, the importance of effective coating solutions in the region cannot be overstated.

Recognising the critical need for corrosion protection and the industry’s push towards digitalisation, Qlayers, a Dutch innovator, is redefining industrial coating with its groundbreaking 10Q robot.

This cutting-edge technology integrates data intelligence with the coating process, offering a transformative solution for asset protection that is well-suited to the region’s specific needs.

PRECISION MEETS EFFICIENCY

Traditional coating techniques, such as manual spraying, often fall short in consistency, quality, and environmental safety.

The 10Q robot addresses these challenges. This solution includes a magnetic crawler for precise application and a trailer equipped with advanced control systems.

This setup not only ensures consistent coating application but also minimises environmental impact by reducing overspray and hazardous emissions.

The 10Q robot offers numerous automation’s advantages, including:

• Speed and consistency: The robot’s advanced spray technology allows for up to 200 sq m per hour (m²/h) of application, offering a controlled, efficient solution.

• Minimising overspray: Its innovative spray shielding system drastically cuts down on overspray and emissions.

• Increased efficiency: With a 90 per cent transfer efficiency, even with variable wind speeds, the 10Q robot ensures material savings.

• Safer workplaces: The robot’s design allows for remote operation, reducing the need for work at heights and improving safety standards.

Beyond automation, the 10Q robot incorporates a comprehensive sensor array for real-time monitoring and analysis of coating parameters.

This enables unparalleled visibility and proactive maintenance, moving from a reactive to a preventative approach in AIM.