METS 2 Opens in Qatar

U

nder the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy Industry and Chairman & Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum (QP), Said Mubarak Al-Mohannadi, Director of Operations QP, inaugurated on March 18, the 2

^nd

 Middle East Turbomachinery Symposium (METS 2), which will run until March 20 at the Qatar National Convention Center. Al-Mohannadi delivered the keynote address on behalf of H.E. Dr. Al-Sada and then led the ribbon cutting ceremony.  

“This symposium upholds the nation’s commitment to research education and knowledge sharing in alignment with the vision of both His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser,” he said. “It reflects our commitment for advancing education about rotating equipment for professionals in Qatar, especially turbomachinery users.”

Dr. Dara Childs, Director, Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M University said, “METS offers an exciting occasion for industry leaders to share ideas, exchange technical knowledge, and to discuss ongoing industry-related issues. This unique and comprehensive business platform will bring together hands-on users, manufacturers, buyers and developers from the oil & gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries to meet in the Middle East.”

Dr. Childs and Abdulaziz Al-Naimi, Operations Business Department RasGas Company Ltd., are co-chairmen of the METS Advisory Committee. The Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University organizes this event with support from Qatar Petroleum, the host and titanium sponsor. The symposium’s other sponsors include: ExxonMobil Qatar and RasGas Company Ltd. as platinum sponsors, Qatargas Operating Company Ltd. as gold sponsor, and Dolphin Energy Ltd. as the silver sponsor.

Bart Cahir, President and General Manager, ExxonMobil Qatar said this year’s event is set to raise the bar with its robust and comprehensive technical program and impressive exhibition.

Delegates can choose to attend 12 lectures, 8 tutorials, 8 discussion groups and 21 case studies, let by 133 authors from around the world. Topics include: compressors, steam and gas turbines, expanders, pumps and drivers, including motors, and auxiliary equipment, such as couplings, bearings, gear boxes, dry gas seals and annular seals.

METS 1, which was organized in Doha in February 2001, had over 1,000 attendees and 60 exhibiting companies. METS 2 has over 65 exhibitors and is expected to draw participants in more numbers.