Interview with Chiu Gha Uai, Technical Service Manager, Asia for Aspen Aerogels, Inc
Could you elaborate on Aspen Aerogels Asia’s specific focus within the broader downstream oil and gas sector? Which segments of the industry do you primarily serve?
Aspen Aerogels insulation solutions are used extensively in downstream facilities, where controlling temperature is critical and Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a costly threat. We are witnessing a trend of refineries, petrochemical plants, LNG terminals, and floating production fabrication shipyards in Asia adopting our material as part of their updated specification standards. These sectors have especially high demands for an innovative insulation material that delivers superior thermal and protective properties.
Technical Service Manager, Asia
Aspen Aerogels, Inc
What motivated Aspen Aerogels to be part of the event this year? Are there any aspects or sessions that you are particularly excited about?
Last year, we rekindled with old friends and met new ones during the Asia Downstream Summit. We have seen great engagements on both the exhibition floor and the speaking stage, especially around the unique properties of our materials that protect aging assets. We decided we want to keep the momentum going and drive greater awareness towards aerogel material innovation in Asia, therefore we are back to support ADS 2024.
Tell us a little about what we can expect to see or hear from you at the event this year.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are top of mind for oil and gas operators in Asia. We will be sharing some case studies on how material transition helped asset owners achieve their sustainability commitments and make their assets more energy efficient.
What role does energy efficiency play in the overall profitability and sustainability of downstream operations? How can aerogel technology contribute to significant energy savings?
Oil and gas production is an energy intensive process; therefore, energy efficiency plays a crucial part in helping to both reduce carbon emissions via reduced energy consumption, and to save operational costs of the downstream assets.
Water that gets into the insulation of equipment and piping systems creates energy “sinkholes” that unnecessarily consume energy that is meant for the process. It also causes degradation to the insulation material which further increases the amount of energy required to operate. Our Pyrogel® insulation addresses these two “culprits” of energy waste by being hydrophobic, subsequently keeping systems dry, and by sustaining its thermal performance over a long period of time.
What are the key trends driving the demand for advanced insulation materials in the downstream sector? How is Aspen Aerogels positioned to capitalize on these trends?
Asset operators are facing multiple challenges and outdated, single-purpose materials are no longer able to efficiently meet their requirements. Our Pyrogel® and Cryogel® insulation suite of solutions offers superior thermal performance, fire protection, and acoustic attenuation. effectively meeting the multiple requirements of operators.
Furthermore, the ultra-thin and ultra-lightweight profile helps save precious space and weight, especially for floating production units where both come at a premium.
Operators are also facing pressure to continuously produce and to reduce or avoid costly maintenance downtime. Our material’s unique properties allow for online insulation while the process is running, therefore significantly improving production value and reducing or eliminating the need for process shutdown.
Given the increasing focus on sustainability, how does Aspen Aerogel’s technology contribute to a lower carbon footprint in the downstream industry?
Thermal performance is front and center of customer demand, and it remains a key trend in the Asia region. Pyrogel® and Cryogel® insulation has one of the lowest thermal conductivity in the world and is a go-to material for operators looking for long lasting, high-performance thermal insulation. By maintaining thermal performance over time, assets using our materials are able to reduce annual incremental energy load, which has a direct impact on carbon reduction efforts.
Traditional materials are not only inefficient, but also degrade within 2-4 years and require replacement. Our insulation has been known to serve for 15 years and counting, and its reusable feature eliminates the need for replacement, even after an inspection event. Its flexible blanket format also ensures near-zero waste during installation.
Mr. Chiu has more than 15 years of engineering management experience, of which, 8 years of field application, installation, design and consultation in heavy industries, and more recently, over 7 years in energy and hydrocarbon processing, involved in engineering design, installation, and consultation. He is currently based in Malaysia as the Asia Technical Services Manager in Aspen Aerogels