Mika K. S. Tienhaara

Technology showcase of how two companies with field-proven technologies can combine the process scheme to achieve ultra-blue hydrogen at large-scale.

Industries are pushing for more automation and digitalization in operations using relevant sensors, data, and IA/ML operations. However, it should be remembered that many manufacturing and processing industries have a variety of waste streams and products, such as scale, wax, metals, emulsions, and other contaminants in their flows that cause in-situ sensors to fail. Research indicates that the US Gulf Coast processing industry has 75% of its' maintenance occurring unplanned and causing an… Vis mer

Industries are pushing for more automation and digitalization in operations using relevant sensors, data, and IA/ML operations. However, it should be remembered that many manufacturing and processing industries have a variety of waste streams and products, such as scale, wax, metals, emulsions, and other contaminants in their flows that cause in-situ sensors to fail. Research indicates that the US Gulf Coast processing industry has 75% of its' maintenance occurring unplanned and causing an economic loss of 650 billion $ per year, as many assets are run to failure. Data also shows that the most common cause of failure for critical processing equipment is faulty sensors.
This presentation will show how we, as an academic spin-off, have industrialized electrical tomography with the capabilities to provide frequent and reliable data from harsh operating conditions with little affection to the performance from surface fouling. The unique data generated carries details that can be utilized for improved operational efficiency, predictive modeling, and data analytics. The presentation will show some use cases on how the technology has been implemented in operating assets, generating reduced costs and improved efficiency. This patented technology is now part of forming the new generation of process control and industrial automation, to make it safer, better and cleaner. Vis mindre

Reducing the carbon footprint in biofuels separation
May 31, 2022 | Jim Lane


By Mika Tienhaara is CEO at ROCSOLE

Special to The Digest

One of the primary polluting industries in terms of carbon-based emissions has been the Oil & Gas industry. Nowadays, we have an energy transition phase ongoing, bringing a variety of renewable energy sources into the energy mix. However, by producing these biofuels based on new feedstocks will bring new and bigger production… Vis mer

Reducing the carbon footprint in biofuels separation
May 31, 2022 | Jim Lane


By Mika Tienhaara is CEO at ROCSOLE

Special to The Digest

One of the primary polluting industries in terms of carbon-based emissions has been the Oil & Gas industry. Nowadays, we have an energy transition phase ongoing, bringing a variety of renewable energy sources into the energy mix. However, by producing these biofuels based on new feedstocks will bring new and bigger production challenges: Firstly, the varying feedstock quality will harm a stable production, secondly many of the feedstocks are rather difficult in oil/water separation, and thirdly the nature of recycled feedstocks is that they will heavily contaminate the piping and all the instrumentation. Generally, a struggle has been to have robust and reliable level instrumentation for critical separation processing equipment to function as more than 50% of the root causes for separation failures are based on wrong level information*. In harsh and hostile production environments where the fluids are mixed to heavy unbreakable emulsions with sensor surfaces covered with sticky matter – leads to a lot of unnecessary and costly maintenance and unexpected shutdowns with major carbon exhausts. Vis mindre

Page 21 - a talk with the reporter Deblina Roy on the issues with run to failures and ways to avoid unexpected shutdowns to reduce operational costs and downtime.

This is an article condensing some of the thoughts from this years’ panelists and moderator about the venture capital view for technology and innovation. The group has vast experience from operations, field development, innovation and disruptive technology, venture capital, startups and scaleups.

There is a huge potential for the oil and gas industry to mould and be part of the charge in the energy transition roadmap. This points squarely at the strengths of the existing energy… Vis mer

This is an article condensing some of the thoughts from this years’ panelists and moderator about the venture capital view for technology and innovation. The group has vast experience from operations, field development, innovation and disruptive technology, venture capital, startups and scaleups.

There is a huge potential for the oil and gas industry to mould and be part of the charge in the energy transition roadmap. This points squarely at the strengths of the existing energy juggernaut of the O&G industry. whereby our agility, technical prowess and scalability to utilise the offshore environment in the development and utilization of new energy resources.

The O&G sector is in a transformative phase, where Efficiency, Sustainability and Carbon Footprint have a significant focus. Efficiency improvements for existing O&G production (improve recovery with lower cost), utilizing sustainable energy resources (e.g. renewables, electrification, energy storage) and carbon neutrality via Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reductions and Carbon Capture & Underground Storage (CCUS) technologies. Vis mindre

We live in times of disruption, innovation, and transformation in industries and societies. The future of energy means a transition to renewables. But to phase out hydrocarbons will take time. So how can we improve the performance and efficiency of oil and gas production in the meantime, decrease carbon footprint and other pollution?

Reflections from the 40th CERAWEEK - Agora focus.

Industries, processing, and manufacturing are accelerating their efforts to become carbon-neutral, improve their efficiencies, have an excellent financial performance. But that is not all — publicly traded companies have to ensure shareholder value and return on investment. Today, you have to prove your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measures. Otherwise, I am afraid you will soon be abandoned and left behind.

Last week we had our company get-together gathering. With the new team from various locations, it was the first one. Some of the people had not even met before. So in many ways, it was a first one. Over the past two years, we have been able to show how you can grow as a company, execute sales and projects — and still be “strangers.”

We speak to Mika Tienhaara, CEO of Finnish smart process imaging company Rocsole, about how his company’s AI and predictive technologies are helping oil and gas companies see major savings both financially and environmentally.

Made by you gets more important, don’t rely on outsourcing as this creates risks in being vulnerable for disruptions.
Made by you will require continuous learning, addition of skills and considerations for what is critical to control next.
Made by you will also require the attraction and retention of talents.
Made by you might be the winner.

“Tell me what success is, and I am not counting money as part of this. I want to know what you want to achieve, what is driving you.”

After 2020 saw a record-breaking drop in global carbon emissions, 2021 has seen our numbers bounce back to near pre-pandemic levels. It would appear that “business as usual” will continue to hold back many companies’ ultimate goal for the long-term reduction in their carbon footprint. The oil and gas industry is no different. How will the oil and gas industry simultaneously maintain or surpass their current production levels, while also pushing the industry closer to becoming a greener and more… Vis mer

After 2020 saw a record-breaking drop in global carbon emissions, 2021 has seen our numbers bounce back to near pre-pandemic levels. It would appear that “business as usual” will continue to hold back many companies’ ultimate goal for the long-term reduction in their carbon footprint. The oil and gas industry is no different. How will the oil and gas industry simultaneously maintain or surpass their current production levels, while also pushing the industry closer to becoming a greener and more sustainable operation? Vis mindre

Many times you can hear people (investors, advisors, founders and others) about the lean startup and the lean approach. Having built several companies and in building mode again, I want to share a few of my views and playbook rules. First of all, I want to go for the scaleup, this scary, difficult and uncontrollable phase of company growth. I also think that every founder and startup should go for the scaleup as quickly as possible and try it, to see what true potential lies in the innovation… Vis mer

Many times you can hear people (investors, advisors, founders and others) about the lean startup and the lean approach. Having built several companies and in building mode again, I want to share a few of my views and playbook rules. First of all, I want to go for the scaleup, this scary, difficult and uncontrollable phase of company growth. I also think that every founder and startup should go for the scaleup as quickly as possible and try it, to see what true potential lies in the innovation and disruption. Vis mindre

We are in times of energy transition with governmental, societal and business (ESG – environmental, social and governance) measures to reduce our carbon footprints caused by human activity. Energy sources, production and their use are central in enabling a better future. Around three-quarters of our carbon emissions are coming from the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not replaceable overnight, so what are the actions can be taken?

A startup is not finished with the MVP and to cash out with the first buyer knocking at your door. It might be tempting, but why not go the whole scary and difficult way of making your attempt at reaching the peak: SCALEUP!
I have heard it from various sources and a lot from investors: every entrepreneur and startup company should attempt to scaleup, to see the impact your technology, service, a solution can bring to the market. Is it scalable? How does the growth relate to manpower?=Is it… Vis mer

A startup is not finished with the MVP and to cash out with the first buyer knocking at your door. It might be tempting, but why not go the whole scary and difficult way of making your attempt at reaching the peak: SCALEUP!
I have heard it from various sources and a lot from investors: every entrepreneur and startup company should attempt to scaleup, to see the impact your technology, service, a solution can bring to the market. Is it scalable? How does the growth relate to manpower?=Is it disruptive or just incremental innovation? What are the hurdles, how do you lock out the competition? Vis mindre

I am in my 8th startup with a leading role, in addition I have advised and mentored about 100 other startups. Fund raising takes time and mostly you might be met with a “no” from the investor, causing frustration and perhaps wearing you down. So how to succeed with fund raising?

As I have previously written in another article, 90% of startup fail. Most don’t make it beyond the 2-year mark.
BUT: If I have a bright idea, how can I make sure to be successful? Are there any key learnings and best practices that can help me? What are the essential things to consider?

90% of startups fail, as Investopedia stated back in 2019 — they are running out of money, they do not attract funding, and/or they lack a proper business plan according to CB Insights research analysis of 390 startups. But behind these top three reasons, could it actually be a people issue? According to Professor Noam Wasserman at Harvard Business School, 65% of the failures are related to people. I wrote about this topic in an earlier article published on Medium, but with this topic being so… Vis mer

90% of startups fail, as Investopedia stated back in 2019 — they are running out of money, they do not attract funding, and/or they lack a proper business plan according to CB Insights research analysis of 390 startups. But behind these top three reasons, could it actually be a people issue? According to Professor Noam Wasserman at Harvard Business School, 65% of the failures are related to people. I wrote about this topic in an earlier article published on Medium, but with this topic being so important I sense there is more to say about this. Vis mindre

It’s the time of the year I think of all the events, achievements, milestones, and progress we have made as a company. Thinking about this I looked through a variety of pictures that could be featured in this article. But then again, I halted my thoughts and said to myself — what is it really that symbolizes this year? Well, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t made this year easy or “normal” for anyone. How has this affected business? Are there market opportunities? What did we achieve? Below are a… Vis mer

It’s the time of the year I think of all the events, achievements, milestones, and progress we have made as a company. Thinking about this I looked through a variety of pictures that could be featured in this article. But then again, I halted my thoughts and said to myself — what is it really that symbolizes this year? Well, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t made this year easy or “normal” for anyone. How has this affected business? Are there market opportunities? What did we achieve? Below are a few reflections and thoughts on this year. Vis mindre

I feel fortunate to work with innovation, startups that in essence means working a lot with other people to change mindsets, building companies disrupting common practices to increase efficiency and remove bottlenecks. Over the years, I have worked in corporates, had key roles in eight startups, been an advisor to probably close to a hundred startups (in various industries and countries). I have enjoyed very much the possibilities to work with large international corporates as partners and… Vis mer

I feel fortunate to work with innovation, startups that in essence means working a lot with other people to change mindsets, building companies disrupting common practices to increase efficiency and remove bottlenecks. Over the years, I have worked in corporates, had key roles in eight startups, been an advisor to probably close to a hundred startups (in various industries and countries). I have enjoyed very much the possibilities to work with large international corporates as partners and customers, where we have jointly been able to change the business solutions with a great impact. Vis mindre

US entrepreneurial magazine, article related to being named one of the top 10 "most innovative CEOs of the Year".

SPE-207402-MS.
Description of the novel pipeline scanning tool, qualification and the use of AI/ML to enhance and speed up data analytics and reporting.

An anthology by business leaders (more than 40 contributors) - best seller on USA Today and Wall Street Journal.
Mika's chapter is named: "Dare to Win - from fast failures to scalable successes"

Mature fields operations, which are almost 70% of today's production have a high water cut content. For each barrel of oil produced there can be 3 or more barrels of water. This means that operational conditions are challenging and might not be ideal for the facilities. In crude oil tanks, one of the most crucial operation parameter is the settling time of oil and water. Especially with heavy oils and high water cut, the operational conditions can be challenging with the existence of… Vis mer

Mature fields operations, which are almost 70% of today's production have a high water cut content. For each barrel of oil produced there can be 3 or more barrels of water. This means that operational conditions are challenging and might not be ideal for the facilities. In crude oil tanks, one of the most crucial operation parameter is the settling time of oil and water. Especially with heavy oils and high water cut, the operational conditions can be challenging with the existence of emulsion/rag layers in the tank. Most common level detection instrumentation struggle with detecting the proper interface levels leading to faulty control that can cause costly remediation and loss of revenue. This paper presents a novel solution by applying electric tomography pipe and probe sensors. Vis mindre

The oil and gas sector is ripe for technological disruption. But how do you help a traditional well-established sector embrace cutting edge technology? Mika Tienhaara, award winning CEO of Rocsole Ltd, has the solution.

Article published by Hart Energy in relation to the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC2021.

NCE Raufoss is one of the five national Norwegian Catapults set to accelerate innovation. As part of this structure we have identified the need to work closely with the educational system and academia. This presentation will give examples on how we integrate this in the catapult and how this is useful for the industry.

It is critical to minimize the amount of free hydrocarbon entrained in the aqueous phase (i.e., Produced Water or Rich Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) streams) in order to mitigate impact on the operational performance of the Effluent Water Treatment and MEG Recovery Unit facilities. Hydrocarbon entrainment in Produced Water or Rich MEG is often the result of process conditions that favour emulsion formation and/or hinder emulsion separation. Consequently there is a need to look at the process and… Vis mer

It is critical to minimize the amount of free hydrocarbon entrained in the aqueous phase (i.e., Produced Water or Rich Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) streams) in order to mitigate impact on the operational performance of the Effluent Water Treatment and MEG Recovery Unit facilities. Hydrocarbon entrainment in Produced Water or Rich MEG is often the result of process conditions that favour emulsion formation and/or hinder emulsion separation. Consequently there is a need to look at the process and equipment design employed, along the flow path that the hydrocarbon/aqueous phase travels through, prior to entering the separation equipment used for hydrocarbon removal from the aqueous phase, as well as the separation equipment itself.

The paper will present a roadmap of the overall route that the aqueous stream can take to offer insight into the process units affected by improper hydrocarbon removal. Operational situations arising from the impact of excessive hydrocarbon entrainment will be given as well as a summary of wellhead operating parameters that need to be considered in terms of their impact on equipment selection/design.

The flow path, to be focused on, starts at the reservoir/wellhead and ends where the aqueous stream leaves the final hydrocarbon removal equipment, just upstream of either the Effluent Water Treatment or MEG Recovery Unit facilities.

Factors concerning emulsion formation and separation are introduced as required to describe how process fluid properties and flow conditions influence the formation of emulsions and the separation of hydrocarbons from the aqueous phase.

How to improve on existing methods for the selection/design of liquid-liquid separators by considering and trying to estimate the entire droplet size distribution (DSD) of the dispersed phase in the stream entering the separation equipment, along with estimating the amount of coalescence, will be elaborated on.
Vis mindre

The advances in separation technology, project implementation and qualification facilities have leap frogged to a new level over the past years.

Field developments, from greenfield to mature field rejuvenation are challenging and there are various possible options. Attention to production risks and flow assurance issues are key in determining what type of production concept that is optimal for any field in question.

Sand production issues can have a severe impact on any field architecture but this can be remediated by the use of sand removal technologies. With the advances in separation technology and the feasibility of using… Vis mer

Field developments, from greenfield to mature field rejuvenation are challenging and there are various possible options. Attention to production risks and flow assurance issues are key in determining what type of production concept that is optimal for any field in question.

Sand production issues can have a severe impact on any field architecture but this can be remediated by the use of sand removal technologies. With the advances in separation technology and the feasibility of using subsea separation solutions, there can be many benefits in terms of reducing erosion and clogging risks as well as enabling prevention of gas hydrates. Subsea separation can be an important enabler for field development decisions.

Some key technologies for subsea separation solutions, such as gas/liquid separators, desanders and hydrocyclones have been qualified for subsea applications and have been proven topsides. Gas/Liquid separation can be part of subsea solutions aimed to minimize formation risks of gas hydrate in the risers. Ongoing development work can contribute to reduce complexity and total project costs for field developments.

Adequate technology qualification for new technology should be done utilizing a large-scale realistic conditions flow loop. Vis mindre

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company (EMURC) conducted a comprehensive laboratory testing program of a produced water de-oiling system primarily targeted for subsea applications. The test program included performance evaluation as well as durability testing of a two-stage mixed-flow de-oiling hydrocyclone technology. The objectives of the test program were to evaluate the separation performance of two system configurations i.e. decoupled and integrated hydrocyclones stages, to understand the… Vis mer

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company (EMURC) conducted a comprehensive laboratory testing program of a produced water de-oiling system primarily targeted for subsea applications. The test program included performance evaluation as well as durability testing of a two-stage mixed-flow de-oiling hydrocyclone technology. The objectives of the test program were to evaluate the separation performance of two system configurations i.e. decoupled and integrated hydrocyclones stages, to understand the overall system integration effects on the performance, and to determine system sustainability to sand loading. Vis mindre

For the Santos owned and operated Wortel field, shallow waters offshore Indonesia, there was a need to install compact
inline gas/liquid separation equipment with high performance. Due to space constraints, an inline gas/liquid separator was
selected. Santos implemented the ASCOM Twinline technology on the platform, which has been in operations since February
2012 and is performing very well. This is an example of rapid technology development, initiated in 2010, with… Vis mer

For the Santos owned and operated Wortel field, shallow waters offshore Indonesia, there was a need to install compact
inline gas/liquid separation equipment with high performance. Due to space constraints, an inline gas/liquid separator was
selected. Santos implemented the ASCOM Twinline technology on the platform, which has been in operations since February
2012 and is performing very well. This is an example of rapid technology development, initiated in 2010, with performance
verified over a longer period under operations. Vis mindre

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multi-phase inline de-sanding and inline de-oiling, all tested and verified for subsea processing conditions and used in subsea system solution concepts by varying oil companies.

Whereas very few new deployments of subsea separation solutions have been done to date, this paper will highlight new development and qualification for subsea purpose of high performance… Vis mer

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multi-phase inline de-sanding and inline de-oiling, all tested and verified for subsea processing conditions and used in subsea system solution concepts by varying oil companies.

Whereas very few new deployments of subsea separation solutions have been done to date, this paper will highlight new development and qualification for subsea purpose of high performance separation technology.

The separation of the wellstream phases subsea has a huge impact on the boosting, riser system, flow assurance as well as topsides design, which can be highlighted in the chart below, showing on the different building blocks, and the knock-on effects for the solution complexity created by not having subsea wellstream phase separation.




It should not be neglected the extensive measures required to hinder or limit gas hydrates formation, growth and plugging of risers, as in cases with high wellstream watercuts and high GOR levels, which can be the case for instance during the late phase of production. The hydrate inhibition requires substantial volumes of thermodynamic or kinetic inhibitors, with regeneration and recovery units (modules) on surface facilities.

Looking at subsea applications there has been an emphasis on multi-phase pumping rather than deploying robust single-phase or hybrid pumping solutions which would require robust and reliable separation technology. This can be achievable by using robust and reliable technologies that have been verified under realistic conditions for generic use (large operating window) allowing for design data and correlations with high accuracy.

The different steps of the separation will also allow for use of single-phase boosting, using less complex pump systems, with a large amount of installations and long track-record topsides, as well as some in subsea use.


Vis mindre

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified both for topsides as well as subsea processing.

These compact technologies in combination with high performance vessel internals technologies provide a big potential in reducing (topsides) separation facilities CAPEX for newbuilts or increase throughput for existing facilities but also enabling demanding… Vis mer

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified both for topsides as well as subsea processing.

These compact technologies in combination with high performance vessel internals technologies provide a big potential in reducing (topsides) separation facilities CAPEX for newbuilts or increase throughput for existing facilities but also enabling demanding subsea developments.

This presentation will highlight key compact technologies with proven performance, such as inline gas/liquid separation, such as the ASCOM TWINLINE technology, and also a novel compact subsea processing system for 3 phase separation and compact sand handling which is under development. Trials and performance data will be shared in the presentation of specific technologies.

The presentation will in addition highlight some FPSO/offshore platforms retrofit case studies, showing how inline technologies can debottleneck existing facilities and boost production. For newbuilt facilities there is a big potential in reducing weight and costs, maintaining the equal performance.

Conclusions:
• compact technologies can in an easy way boost production on mature facilities, we show how
• compact technologies combined with advanced vessel based technologies can reduced overall CAPEX, weight and size for newbuilts (FPSOs or new modules)
• compact technologies provide an excellent technology platform for sub-sea separation applications, a novel subsea processing system is presented
Vis mindre

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified for subsea processing conditions. This presentation will show the performance, test results as well as operational units of the ASCOM TWINLINE deliquidizer with examples on compact hybrid separation solutions.

These compact technologies in combination with high performance vessel internals technologies… Vis mer

ASCOM has over the recent years developed high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified for subsea processing conditions. This presentation will show the performance, test results as well as operational units of the ASCOM TWINLINE deliquidizer with examples on compact hybrid separation solutions.

These compact technologies in combination with high performance vessel internals technologies provide a big potential in reducing separation facilities capital costs (CAPEX) for newbuilts both topsides as well as on the seabed or increase throughput for existing facilities.

Over the field life (mostly 20-30 years), the conditions and characteristics for the wellstream varies and changes, demanding very much of the separation facilities to produce the right quality according to set requirements. Mostly combinations of conventional technology along with chemicals (with increasing importance in later stages of production) are used to ensure this, however with proven reliable high performance mechanical separation technologies, there are alternative solutions.

During the last decade this has been recognized by oil companies that more advanced technologies are required, primarily by means of developing, qualifying and implementing inline separation technologies, designed and built using piping code. Vessel based separation technologies can only give room for small improvements and optimization, which is not sufficient for the required performance.
Vis mindre

ASCOM has over the recent years developed and supplied high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified both for topsides as well as performing subsea processing qualification for it´s technologies.

Subsea developments such as Tordis, Pazflor, Marlim Sul, has taken the processing solutions to a certain level of advancement. ASCOM Separation has developed a concept for multiphase separation… Vis mer

ASCOM has over the recent years developed and supplied high performance compact technologies for e.g. inline gas/liquid separation, multiphase inline desanding and inline deoiling tested and verified both for topsides as well as performing subsea processing qualification for it´s technologies.

Subsea developments such as Tordis, Pazflor, Marlim Sul, has taken the processing solutions to a certain level of advancement. ASCOM Separation has developed a concept for multiphase separation using compact internals in spherical vessels to enable the next level of technology advancement for subsea processing. Not only is the solution much more compact than by using horizontal separator vessels, it has also the benefits of largely reduced footprint, weight, simplified fabrication and seabed installation. It has an overall simpler internals arrangement. The intention of this solution is to be able to make compact subsea processing feasible for water depths down to 3000m, by means of reliability, robustness and costs.

This paper will describe a system for a specific case and how a 2-vessel system (spherical) is arranged for gas-liquid separation, sand management and with downstream liquid/liquid separation and sand management by means of sand jetting system and sand removal cyclones. The different internals components with functions will be described along with performance data.


The inlet of the bulk separation sphere has a vane diffuser, in addition the sphere has a circular sand jetting system installed. In the top, a cyclovane demister is installed for demisting. At the bottom line there is a sand boot for solids removal with fitted solids removal cyclone (SRC). The liquid flow goes into the downstream main spherical separator that is fitted with a spiral baffle which has an adapted inlet device. At the lower section of the spherical separator, there is a circular sand jetting system in addition to the outlets for water and crude oil.
Vis mindre

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is very important used for dynamic simulations, performance simulations and product development realting to separation technology. For product development a combination of lab testing and cfd is essential. The technical presentation shows on our R&D approach combining lab data with CFD, further on correlation between measurement data to CFD simulated results.