Discussing the Value of Engineered Solutions for
CPI applications
 
Sundyne’s Mike Romano recently sat down with the editors of Chemical Today/World of Chemicals Magazine to discuss material advancements and how customers are looking for specific, custom-made, ‘engineered solutions’ for CPI applications.

 

  1. How is the global economy and chemical industry advancing and how will it develop in the future? How is it affecting the pumps & compressors industry?

    • Sundyne is seeing growth – for both inquiries and orders for pumps & compressors in the Chemical & Petrochemical markets. In the Petrochemical space, activity has returned to (and even exceeded) pre-COVID levels.
    • We’re seeing increased interest in “engineered solutions” – I.E. – pumps & compressors that are designed & built to a customer’s specific requirements (using certain materials of construction, and built to perform at highly specific flows, temperatures & pressures.)
    • We continue to see demand for Sealed pumps – and the demand for Sealless pumps is increasing even faster for certain CPI applications.


  2. What global trends are emerging in pumps & compressor segments for the oil & gas, refining, petrochemicals, chemical, hydrocarbon industry. How will these trends shape up in the future?

    • Sundyne compressors are widely used as Fuel-Gas boosters (increasing gas pressure from pipeline pressures to the levels required by gas turbines).
    • We’re seeing significant demand for Sundyne’s PPI line of Diaphragm compressors, which are used to transport Hydrogen and also to boost Hydrogen to higher pressures required by dozens of applications.
    • In chemical processing, we’re seeing increasing demand for sealless pumps.
    • And across the board, Sundyne is focusing on the following segments of the CPI:
      1. Chlor-Alkali
      2. Agricultural chemicals
      3. Polycarbonates
      4. Isocyanates
      5. Plastics & polymers
      6. Inorganic Specialty chemicals
      7. Pharma & biotech
      8. And Petrochemical
    • In each of these 8 areas, Sundyne’s business model is evolving. We’re working with large CPI companies at a highly strategic level. Sundyne provides custom-engineered pumps & compressors, with all the aftermarket services, on a single P.O. – making it easier for customers to get more of what they need from a single equipment provider.

  3. What is the growth potential for the pumps & compressors segments within the chemical industry in Asia Pacific & India? How will it advance in the future?

    • India is a strategic region for Sundyne. We recently announced an expansion to our office in India. We’ve been adding headcount aggressively in this region – not just to support local demand, but also to bolster Sundyne’s engineering services to all of Sundyne’s global customers. Our staff in India are playing a key role in Sundyne’s growth around the globe.

  4. With the pandemic outbreak and changing market dynamics, how is it making a difference for the pumps & compressors manufacturers globally?

    • Lead time for deliveries is always a priority. Sundyne makes customized, engineered solutions, so there is a lead time built into the: conceptual design, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, and delivery stages. Sundyne’s testing is rigorous – and this is designed to ensure that there are no surprises for the customer once the equipment is installed onsite.
    • Despite this highly customized process, Sundyne strives to reduce delivery times by manufacturing products on several continents. Our facilities in Arvada-Colorado, Dijon- France, Illescas-Spain and Eastbourne-England are continuously ramping up capacity in order to meet delivery schedules.

  5. In what ways has Industry 4.0, IIOT, automation and digitization made a difference for the pumps & compressors segments? How do manufacturers adopt the latest technology for their products?

    • On the compressor side, Sundyne has always provided a wide range of condition monitoring capabilities (both internal tech and third-party solutions.) We’re investing resources to bring this same level of conditioning monitoring to our pumps. For our customers (who are some of the world’s largest refineries & chemical manufacturers), security – and integration with a plant’s existing monitoring systems are always priorities that influence our thinking when it comes to condition monitoring solutions for pumps & compressors.

  6. In terms of your pump & compressor offerings for the chemical industry, which specific solutions within the segment are seeing increased demand? Also mention the reasons for growth.

    • Sealless pumps (both HMD and ANSIMAG) are seeing significant growth – for several reasons. Safety, EHS & ESG concerns all influence our customer’s criteria, and sealless pumps have a great track record when it comes to handling harsh & aggressive chemicals. In addition to the sealless designs, Sundyne pumps feature secondary containment capabilities that lead the market – offering customers an unmatched level of safety & security.
    • On the compressor side, Hydrogen applications are permeating several markets. Diaphragm compressors are the preferred type of compressor for Hydrogen, and Sundyne’s PPI line is seeing significant growth in terms of inquiries, and sales.

  7. Give us a sense of what is the advancement of materials used for manufacturing of pumps & compressors. How will it evolve moving ahead?

    • ANSIMAG pumps are a great example. They’re ETFE lined pumps, with a Kevlar-fibre secondary containment shell. This combination provides unmatched resistance to harsh chemicals that are being used widely today. For example – the chemical polymers that coat electrodes in lithium ion batteries are extremely harsh in nature, and these polymers corrode the internal linings in most types of pumps. It takes combinations like ETFE, and Kevlar to stand up to these materials.
    • For extremely high temperature applications, Sundyne’s HMD line offers a wide range of metal alloys (that are each specifically designed to handle different substances). It takes a comprehensive portfolio to be able to meet a wide range of customer needs.

  8. For the chemical pumps & compressors, give us some information regarding your after sales services. How do you address customer problems and look into availability of spare parts during on-going operations?

    • Sundyne takes a proactive approach to rerates and exchanges. Sundyne’s global service centers (and our global channel partner network) do not wait for problems to arise before proactively engaging with customers. Sundyne’s exchange programs have been aggressively expanded and promoted in recent months. Our channel partners make sure that customers are aware of their options to keep Sundyne equipment running at peak performance.

  9. List out some of the factors that affect the life cycle costs of pumps & compressors. Explain how it can be resolved? How can smart electronics help in addressing these issues?

    • About 10% of the cost for equipment is the initial purchase.
    • Another 10% comes from the installation.
    • Approximately 50% of the total cost (over the life of the pump or compressor) comes from the operation costs (I.E. the power bill).
    • and roughly 30% is the maintenance costs.
    • Sundyne equipment is highly engineered to run at BEP – which helps minimize operational costs. Hundreds (if not thousands) of Sundyne pumps & compressors have been reliability running in the field for 20 years or more (in some cases, 30 years.) Vibration monitoring, and other sensors play an important role in helping maintenance teams stay on top of maintenance activities – however, the initial design and the construction of the equipment ultimately plays a bigger role helping customers maximize the total lifecycle value of the equipment.

  10. What are the challenges faced by the pumps & compressors manufacturers (chemical industry related)?

    • Today, everyone, in every business is facing supply chain delays. In the CPI, additional challenges form when a plant’s process conditions change. For two years now, plants have either reduced capacity, or quickly ramped up capacity. As process conditions change, equipment needs to be tuned, and re-rated. It’s important for pump & compressor manufacturers to make flexible equipment that can be easily adapted to address changing plant requirements.

Mike Romano is Sundyne’s Global Strategic Account Leader. He is responsible for shaping the business strategy and growing the account teams that are responsible for expanding Sundyne’s chemical business around the globe.
 

To learn more contact Sundyne today.



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