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Axens and SP3H join forces to develop and commercialize a realtime microanalyzer for liquids

| By Gerald Ondrey

Axens (Rueil Malmaison, France; www.axens.net) and SP3H (Technopole Arbois Méditerranée, France; www.sp3h.com) have signed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize an industrial application of the microanalyzer developed by SP3H for the refining, biofuel and petrochemical markets. This rugged, smart and highly efficient microanalyzer, allows in situ analysis of liquid fluids, in particular to measure octane number and biofuel, olefin, benzene and aromatics content. The information thereby collected is transmitted in real time to the industrial plant’s control system.

The solution developed will be integrated into the digital service offer that is already marketed by Axens, especially the APC (Advanced Process Control) and Connect’In, which features the latest information processing innovations developed by Axens, for process control and optimization.

The microanalyzer uses part of the optical and electronic components of the low-cost infrared scanner developed by SP3H and approved by the automotive industry. It will be adapted to meet the highest level of anti-explosion standards (ATEX zone 1 or IEC/Ex). Axens provides its expertise and skills regarding design and engineering in the oil-and-gas industry.

On signing the partnership, Pierre Beccat, executive vice president of Axens in charge of Technology, Development and Innovation, states: “This partnership is in line with our objective to provide high-quality digital services to our clients, enabling them to significantly improve their operating margin and the reliability of their facilities, all while respecting the environment.”

Alain Lunati, CEO of SP3H, states: “This strategic partnership agreement with Axens will enable us to integrate and combine our connected sensors with Axens’ solutions to accelerate the deployment of innovative high added value services in the field of refining, biofuels and petrochemicals. We are providing operators with one of the links in the digital transformation of their processes, a ‘must have’ for maintaining their competitiveness over the next decades.”