OREANDA-NEWS. November 28, 2013. At a time when the chemicals industry is burgeoning throughout the region, more than 600 chemists and engineers participated in the ninth International Chemistry in Industry Conference and Exhibition (ChemIndix 2013).

“Every successive ChemIndix conference becomes more consequential as the Gulf region emerges as a global hub for the chemical industry,” Saudi Aramco senior vice president of Downstream Abdulrahman A. Al Wuhaib said in his keynote speech. “Saudi Aramco is determined to go beyond innovations that only sustain or incrementally increase existing production.”

ChemIndix 2013 offered chemical practitioners, professionals and students “an exciting platform on which to learn and discuss issues of common interests,” as well as providing an excellent networking opportunity, according to conference chairman Abbas Al-Ghamdi.

“Energy Transformation: Feasibility to Sustainability” was the theme for the event. Sponsored by Saudi Aramco, the event provided an opportunity for engineers in the Middle East to learn about solving technical challenges in the oil and chemicals industries. The conference featured dozens of national and international speakers.

Al Wuhaib said Saudi Aramco and the Kingdom’s institutions are embracing best practices in the chemical industry: integrating entrepreneurial education into engineering and science programs, cultivating small and medium size enterprises and investing in research and development.

Al Wuhaib pointed to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology commercialization program to deliver technology from research and development to the market. Wa’ed, the Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Center, is cultivating a culture of innovation by providing training, due diligence and funding for individuals who want to start new businesses in Saudi Arabia. Sadara and the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu‘ are developing the PlasChem Value Park, a complex for hosting conversion industries and a fostering environment for small and medium businesses, he added.

“Saudi Aramco and other institutions in the Kingdom are committed for the very long-term to invest in the discovery of things that enterprising chemists dream of — for example, breakthroughs in converting CO2 to other chemicals,” Al Wuhaib said. Saudi Aramco will increase its funding and expansion of human resources in research and development to reach that goal. Additionally, the company is going to leverage its new network of satellite research centers in North America, Europe and East Asia.

HE Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiman, vice president of Renewable Energy at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, said fossil fuels will be the primary source of energy for the foreseeable future. He pointed out that chemistry will play a role in overcoming technical challenges in renewable energy, such as storing energy.

Adel Al-Moayyed, chairman of the Bahrain Petroleum Co. Board, spoke about the upgrading of chemical processes at Bahrain refineries to reduce sulfur in the products and protect the environment.

Meanwhile, scientists and engineers from Saudi Aramco spoke about the company’s latest scientific endeavors. Sai P. Katikaneni of the Research and Development Center spoke about “Catalyst Development of Diesel Pre-Reforming for Methane Rich Gas Production.” Taha M. Okasha of the EXPEC Advanced Research Center presented a case study about “Wettability Evaluation of Arabian Carbonate Reservoir after Prolonged Water Injection.” Additionally, the conference featured regional and international chemists and engineers who explored the latest trends in the field (see box).

The event’s exhibition gave participants the opportunity to learn about the most advanced solutions in the chemical and hydrocarbon industries.

Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, adviser to HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for Industrial and Petroleum Affairs, inaugurated the event.