Middle East Turbomachinery Symposium at Qatar begins with robust program, impressive exhibition

The 2nd Middle East Turbomachinery Symposium (METS 2) officially began March 18th, with an opening ceremony, during which His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy Industry and Chairman & Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum, delivered the keynote address and then led the formal ribbon cutting and opening of the exhibition, which will run until March 20, at the Qatar National Convention Center.

H.E. Dr. Al-Sada said the symposium upholds the nation’s commitment to research education and knowledge sharing in accordance 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. “It reflects our commitment for advancing education about rotating equipment for professionals in Qatar, especially turbomachinery users.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Dara Childs, Director, Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M University said METS offers an opportunity 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.”

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. 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.

Delegates can choose to attend 12 lectures, 8 tutorials, 8 discussion groups and 21 case studies, led by 133 authors from around the world. The 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.

The 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.