Dow Introduces NEPTUNE™ Advanced Subsea Flow Assurance Insulation System
-Sets new performance standards for subsea flow assurance insulation in offshore oil production pipelines
-Proprietary new chemistry enables a complete wet insulation with the widest temperature range available
-Simple, two-layer system designed for use in all pipeline applications simplifies the application process and reduces room for error
May 31, 2012 – Dow Oil & Gas announced the launch of the NEPTUNE™ Advanced Subsea Flow Assurance Insulation System, a breakthrough technology specifically engineered to withstand the increasingly harsh conditions associated with subsea oil production, experienced in Africa. Dow Oil & Gas is proud to announce that the system is now commercially available for subsea architecture applications through Dow’s global qualified coater network, with line pipe and field joint applications to be available soon in Africa.
A simple, complete system designed for line pipe, field joint and subsea architecture applications from the wellhead to the delivery point, the NEPTUNE™ System outperforms existing subsea flow assurance wet insulation technologies, combining excellent thermal properties with the highest temperature performance end-to-end: from -40°C (-40°F) up to 160°C (320°F) during installation and use, at depths of up to 4,000 meters.
This new system allows for reaching wells that are becoming deeper and hotter, such as the case of subsea wells in offshore Africa. The higher reservoir temperatures need an insulation which can cope with this effectively, as the deep water is very cold, yet the depth of the wells below the earth’s crust means they experiences extreme heat. The NEPTUNE™ System will help to address and overcome the previous problems experienced in the region, as it serves as insulation against these extreme temperatures which can change abruptly.
“As subsea exploration efforts in the region require wells to be drilled deeper than ever before, the resulting rise in downhole temperature creates a need for reliable insulation that can effectively handle harsh conditions associated with this type of oil production,” said Antoine Samaha, commercial director Middle East & Africa, Dow Oil & Gas, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company. “The NEPTUNE system combines an ability to resist extreme temperatures with reliability, to create a technologically superior solution that builds on Dow’s extensive track record in the oil and gas industry.”
Designed in response to direct requests from offshore operators, the NEPTUNE System is the result of a Dow-led multi-million-dollar, multi-year research and development effort. It is based on an entirely new chemistry developed by Dow for this application: a proprietary, hybrid polyether thermoset. It has undergone full-scale production trials by globally recognized and respected flow assurance insulation system coaters and additionally, the material has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets operators’ stringent design requirements for deepwater oil production.
Compatible with current industry production and installation methods, the NEPTUNE Flow Assurance Insulation system is an easy, all-in-one system with just two layers:
NEPTUNE™ FBE Anti-Corrosion Coating, a fusion-bonded epoxy based on patented Dow resin technology
NEPTUNE™ Flow Assurance Insulation Coating, a proprietary, hybrid polyether thermoset material.
Competitive technologies can require up to seven layers. The dual-layer composition of the NEPTUNE System provides a distinct advantage by eliminating the need for a separate adhesive tie layer, simplifying the entire application process and reducing the potential for error.
“Our customers asked for an advanced flow assurance insulation system to withstand the increasingly harsh conditions they encounter in deepwater oil production, and we delivered,” said Larry Ryan, global general manager, Dow Oil & Gas. “NEPTUNE™ Technology builds on 25 years of success with Dow HYPERLAST™ technology, with more than 500 references worldwide, but now takes a giant step forward. The market knowledge, chemistry expertise and innovation capabilities of Dow – combined with the application expertise of the coaters with whom we have collaborated – have enabled us to deliver a flow assurance wet insulation solution with the widest temperature range available on the market today.”
NEPTUNE™ Advanced Subsea Flow Assurance Insulation System
Installation method
Reel, S-lay, J-lay
Depth rating
at least 4,000 m
Subsea service temperature, °C
-40 to 160
Thermal conductivity under SST conditions†
0.152
Density (ASTM D792, 23°C)
1.1
Heat capacity (ASTM E1269, 0 to 160°C)
1.2 to 1.7
†160°C at 300 bar for 28 days
About Dow Oil & Gas
Dow Oil & Gas is committed to maximizing value for our customers by offering innovative, customized solutions tailored to the ever-evolving needs of the oil and gas industry. Backed by the proven resources of The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, Dow Oil & Gas offers advanced chemical innovation, intimate industry knowledge and exceptional service. More information can be found at www.DowOilandGas.com.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
About Dow in Africa
Dow established its first sales office in Africa more than 50 years ago. Today the company enjoys a growing commercial and manufacturing presence with 11 locations across the continent in Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Dow's growing presence in Africa demonstrates the company's commitment to the continent and aims to deliver industry leadership, technical innovation and expertise with a commitment to sustainability to help transform the region into a key player in the global chemicals industry. Dow is focusing all its efforts towards being an active social and community member and an employer and partner of choice on the continent. Through innovative and sustainable initiatives like the Habitat for Humanity project in Egypt and Osizweni Mobile Science lab in South Africa, Dow is playing a pivotal social and development role in the region. Dow serves approximately 700 customers across 38 countries in Africa. For more information about Dow in Africa, please visit www.dow.com/africa
For more information and resources on the NEPTUNE™ System, please visit www.dowflowassurance.com/neptune
23 May, 2012
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY: THE NEW CONSUMER CAMPAIGN ON NUTRITION HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY NESTLÉ
Nairobi- 23 May 2011 – Nestlé Equatorial Africa Region (EAR) today announced the launch of its consumer awareness campaign whose objective is to educate the general public about nutrition, especially the impact of micronutrient deficiencies and lifestyle diseases on their general wellbeing. Dubbed “Listen to Your Body”, this nationwide campaign will also act as a call to action for individuals to start paying closer attention to their health and lifestyle choices.
Region Head and CEO of Nestlé Equatorial African Region, Pierre Trouilhat, said “As an initiative to generate awareness of common nutritional deficiencies and their related symptoms, Nestlé has embarked on this communication campaign to spread the message.”
He said that the “Listen To Your Body” campaign encourages consumers to be more attuned to their bodies, to understand fundamental signs and signals that the body may be providing from time to time. The campaign suggests a simple call to action, a simple everyday conversation that consumers can have with their bodies in order to better understand themselves and their health.
Today, Nestlé is not only the world’s leading food and beverage company; it is also increasingly recognized as the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company. This shows a clear commitment by our management to single-mindedly focus on providing solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of our consumers. And the reason is quite simple: we are not here to simply provide products for our consumers, but rather we make it our central mission to focus our efforts to combat the dual problem of malnutrition and obesity that prevails at an alarming rate across the globe” added Trouilhat.
Speaking at the same event, Ruth Oniang’o, Chairperson of the Food Security and Nutrition Thematic Working Group, Founder of Rural Outreach Program in Kenya and Member of the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Advisory Board, said that women and especially mothers are very key in the issue of nutrition because most of the time, it is them who make meal decisions in their homes. “Mothers and women guardians are key to this campaign and we want to encourage all mothers to use this campaign to make the nutrition change in their homes.”
“Listen to your body” campaign will target the general public, as an ongoing countrywide campaign. Billboards have already been erected in strategic locations around Nairobi. TV commercials have started featuring on local TV stations. As part of the engagement strategy, Nestlé will launch the Nutrimovil, a caravan that will go on a grassroots roadshow where people will get the opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition in their lives and benefit from health checks. Leaflets with key nutritional information will also be distributed in strategic locations.
Phyllis Obote, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager at Nestlé EAR, said that Nestlé has a comprehensive nutrition strategy that focuses on balance, understanding and responsible pleasure in our products. Nestlé has internally developed a system to continuously monitor our existing product portfolio for their nutritional content with regards to the public health sensitive ingredients like salt, fats and sugars.
Region Head and CEO of Nestlé Equatorial African Region, Pierre Trouilhat, said “As an initiative to generate awareness of common nutritional deficiencies and their related symptoms, Nestlé has embarked on this communication campaign to spread the message.”
He said that the “Listen To Your Body” campaign encourages consumers to be more attuned to their bodies, to understand fundamental signs and signals that the body may be providing from time to time. The campaign suggests a simple call to action, a simple everyday conversation that consumers can have with their bodies in order to better understand themselves and their health.
Today, Nestlé is not only the world’s leading food and beverage company; it is also increasingly recognized as the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company. This shows a clear commitment by our management to single-mindedly focus on providing solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of our consumers. And the reason is quite simple: we are not here to simply provide products for our consumers, but rather we make it our central mission to focus our efforts to combat the dual problem of malnutrition and obesity that prevails at an alarming rate across the globe” added Trouilhat.
Speaking at the same event, Ruth Oniang’o, Chairperson of the Food Security and Nutrition Thematic Working Group, Founder of Rural Outreach Program in Kenya and Member of the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Advisory Board, said that women and especially mothers are very key in the issue of nutrition because most of the time, it is them who make meal decisions in their homes. “Mothers and women guardians are key to this campaign and we want to encourage all mothers to use this campaign to make the nutrition change in their homes.”
“Listen to your body” campaign will target the general public, as an ongoing countrywide campaign. Billboards have already been erected in strategic locations around Nairobi. TV commercials have started featuring on local TV stations. As part of the engagement strategy, Nestlé will launch the Nutrimovil, a caravan that will go on a grassroots roadshow where people will get the opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition in their lives and benefit from health checks. Leaflets with key nutritional information will also be distributed in strategic locations.
Phyllis Obote, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager at Nestlé EAR, said that Nestlé has a comprehensive nutrition strategy that focuses on balance, understanding and responsible pleasure in our products. Nestlé has internally developed a system to continuously monitor our existing product portfolio for their nutritional content with regards to the public health sensitive ingredients like salt, fats and sugars.
Open Innovation Africa Summit provides essential platform for Africa’s innovators
Nairobi, 23 May 2012 – The stage is set for more than 200 of Africa’s top policy makers, developers, entrepreneurs and private enterprises to engage in three days of intense debate at the Open Innovation Africa Summit (OIAS) held in Nairobi, Kenya next week. The OIAS exists to stimulate discussion about the role of entrepreneurship, innovation and ICTs in Africa – not just among participants, but also virtually – and to explore the transformative innovations necessary to successfully address many of the challenges facing Africa today.
This year’s OIAS – the second of its kind – is organised by Nokia, CapGemini and infoDev, a technology, entrepreneurship and innovation program in the World Bank. The main aim of the summit is to empower African thought leaders to find ways to spur technological innovation within their own local context.
This year’s summit, themed “Leadership in Innovation”, brings the spotlight on the leadership required to drive acceleration of African entrepreneurship and innovation, in order to reach ambitious targets for socio-economic development across the continent. After years of lagging in ICT, Africa is now emerging as a recognized innovator in areas such as financial inclusion and mobile app development, demonstrated by the growing number of firms from the continent now competing on the international stage.
“Without open innovation enabling business environment and seamless collaboration, creation of new innovative enterprises and locally relevant solutions becomes incredibly challenging,” says Jussi Hinkkanen, Nokia’s Vice President of Corporate Relations and Business Environment for the Middle East and Africa. “This event underscores that Nokia and infoDev believe in the power of partnerships and that Africa is ready for an entrepreneurial revolution”.
“We want that ‘switch’ to click in the minds of the policy-makers, innovators and business leaders who can envision change and make it happen,” says Valerie D’Costa, Program Manager of infoDev. “In the end, we want it to lead to new sustainable businesses creating new jobs. Both Nokia and infoDev believe that mobile innovations can change lives for the better, leading to improvements in education, health, agriculture and overall livelihoods”.
The summit will also celebrate the winners of the open ‘Ideas to Innovation’ challenge, an online competition held earlier in the year for turning ideas into successful businesses.
For more information, visit the infoDev website or Nokia’s OIAS web page.
This year’s OIAS – the second of its kind – is organised by Nokia, CapGemini and infoDev, a technology, entrepreneurship and innovation program in the World Bank. The main aim of the summit is to empower African thought leaders to find ways to spur technological innovation within their own local context.
This year’s summit, themed “Leadership in Innovation”, brings the spotlight on the leadership required to drive acceleration of African entrepreneurship and innovation, in order to reach ambitious targets for socio-economic development across the continent. After years of lagging in ICT, Africa is now emerging as a recognized innovator in areas such as financial inclusion and mobile app development, demonstrated by the growing number of firms from the continent now competing on the international stage.
“Without open innovation enabling business environment and seamless collaboration, creation of new innovative enterprises and locally relevant solutions becomes incredibly challenging,” says Jussi Hinkkanen, Nokia’s Vice President of Corporate Relations and Business Environment for the Middle East and Africa. “This event underscores that Nokia and infoDev believe in the power of partnerships and that Africa is ready for an entrepreneurial revolution”.
“We want that ‘switch’ to click in the minds of the policy-makers, innovators and business leaders who can envision change and make it happen,” says Valerie D’Costa, Program Manager of infoDev. “In the end, we want it to lead to new sustainable businesses creating new jobs. Both Nokia and infoDev believe that mobile innovations can change lives for the better, leading to improvements in education, health, agriculture and overall livelihoods”.
The summit will also celebrate the winners of the open ‘Ideas to Innovation’ challenge, an online competition held earlier in the year for turning ideas into successful businesses.
For more information, visit the infoDev website or Nokia’s OIAS web page.
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