The event was very well attended, by over 120 delegates based in, or involved with, the oil and gas industry. The event’s primary focus areas were asset integrity and procedural compliance. Score Europe Limited was represented by Managing Director Richard Sadler and Commercial Director James Geddes, who both attended the conference as delegates, whilst senior training and engineering personnel hosted a technology and innovations stand within the busy exhibition area.

Score representatives were on hand to discuss the three main innovations focused on Hydrocarbon Release Reduction, which are already helping many of Score’s existing customers to achieve better safety, environmental and process efficiency performance. These innovations are :-

MIDAS Meter®, Score’s innovative through valve loss / leak detection system. The device is a simple to use non-invasive leak detection tool, which uses acoustic emission technology to immediately identify leaking valves, saving time, money and resources. It allows your maintenance personnel to move away from traditional reactive maintenance activities and more towards a pro-active and predictive maintenance regime, based on tangible condition monitoring. For more information, please visit www.midasmeter.com.

Hydrocarbon Containment Management Programme™ (HCMP™) Score’s unique training programme which addresses the 76% of all areas identified by the HSE as the source of Hydrocarbon leaks. The training covers 7 key areas and is delivered as a blend of practical workshop and classroom-based sessions. On completion of the course your personnel managing valve populations will have had the knowledge, experience and hands-on practice that ensures they will make a positive contribution to Hydrocarbon Release Reduction targets within your organisation. For more information, please visit www.score-training.com.

Dove Injection Fitting, Score’s innovative injection fitting which is the safest, most environmentally sound injection fitting in the world. Designed to replace unreliable traditional single or double isolation fittings, the Dove fitting has an unprecedented five seat seals and gives operators the protection, confidence and ability to maintain pressure envelope integrity, whilst carrying out lubricating and sealant injection processes. This process containment integrity is maintained even if injection process damage is incurred, thus delivering maximum safety to the operator and minimum risk to the environment. For more information, please visit www.score-group.com.

From the outset, Score’s stand was a hive of interest with delegates crowding in for demonstrations and discussion but it was the MIDAS Meter® that generated the most interest. The product seemed to make a big impact with visitors, who were all keen to hear more about the product and to try it out for themselves.

The event was a clear success with over twenty visitors to the stand being recorded within the first hour; however the total number of people visiting the stand well exceeded that figure. Visitors who registered further interest and provided their details are being contacted as a follow up to their specific enquiries.

Perhaps the main outcome of attending the event is the real buzz of excitement that has been created around the unique products and services that Score has to offer the STEP change partnership organisations in support of achieving their Hydrocarbon Release Reduction targets.

The Score Stand at the event

The event was designed to engage with a targeted audience of maintenance and engineering technicians from process and manufacturing plants. Some of the products and services being promoted by world-class suppliers, from all around the globe included the very latest in condition monitoring and maintenance equipment and systems, health and safety protection equipment and systems, training and competency development and energy efficiency.

Score exhibited and showcased the MIDAS Meter®, the next generation in Acoustic Emissions (AE) through valve loss / leak detection equipment, which is designed, manufactured and exclusively distributed by Score Group plc. The MIDAS Meter® moves you from traditional reactive to a more proactive maintenance approach, by engaging in condition based monitoring and ‘predictive’ maintenance activities.

Representatives from Score Training also attended the show to highlight and promote the specialised range of engineering courses the company can deliver to this target audience.

The event was a major success with over 120 visitors recorded on the stand, generating lots of follow-up opportunities and enquiries, which the relevant sales teams are now following up on.

For more information on the MIDAS Meter visit www.midasmeter.com.

For more information on Score Training and the courses we provide then visit www.score-training.com.

The Score Team at Plant and Asset Management Show

This achievement clearly demonstrates a strong commitment by Score (Europe) Limited to maintain the health, safety and well-being of its employees through good health and safety management. Score Europe was informed of the honor at the end of March by the Chief Executive of the International Safety Council, Mr. Alex Botha.

All applications for this award go through a vigorous judging process. This includes being marked by four independent adjudicators who are trained by the British Safety Council and are all chartered members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, as well as being senior health and safety professionals in their respective organisations.

The International Safety Awards relate to the health and safety management of a company, organisation or business unit, judged on the previous year’s performance. Benefits of the award include benchmarking the company’s health and safety performance, its commitment to high standards as well as the prestige of the award itself. When we considered the company performs high risk tasks in pressure testing, machining and heavy lifting operations, it is a testament to the organisation and benchmarks the priority of a safety conscious culture that has been adopted and installed in its employees over the past 30 years.

The British Safety Council

As would be expected following the recent nuclear events in Japan the conference included heavy content on the consequences and post accident analysis surrounding Fukashima. Despite setbacks in Japan the outlook for the existing fleet of nuclear power plants in Korea was upbeat and new plant construction is still in progress. The MIDAS Meter experience in the US nuclear power industry was presented during the plant maintenance and operations track of the conference. The Nuclear Energy Korea 2012 Exhibition ran parallel to the conference. Score Atlanta provided MIDAS meter demonstrations to conference goers and general attendees during the 3 day exhibition. Nuclear power plants in Korea often adopt US maintenance and testing practices and have experimented with AE-based systems in the past. The difference between MIDAS Meter and traditional Ultrasonic Systems were discussed in detail and future experimental use of MIDAS Meter in Korea is likely.

Score Atlanta Inc. at the Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference

The high number of visitors is perhaps a reflection of the industry’s eagerness to discover the latest developments within the rapidly changing power generation market. The introduction of our new graphics, proactive accessory and ‘hands on’ display’s, attracted operators, manufacturers, supply chain and service providers on to our stand allowing us to cement relationships and establish new contacts.

As always, the main aim of the show is getting across our ever increasing capabilities to new and existing customers. This was enhanced this year by a new wet fogging display introducing our latest partnership with Caldwell Energy who provide wet compression technology systems that can increase the power output of a gas turbine by as much as 25% whilst also reducing NOx emission levels.

Score Energy exhibit at WTUI

The MA (Modern Apprentice) scheme highlights the importance of S.T.E.M – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths within education and employment. Throughout the week a total of 80 pupils were given a guided tour of Score Europe and Score Energy facilities, gaining an insight into the various engineering divisions located throughout the Peterhead premises.

These budding engineers discovered how valves and actuators operate, the need for 100 tonne over head cranes, what is meant by pressure, how test cells function and the importance of safety. They were show examples of strip down assembly and testing of components, and how and why industrial gas turbines are used. Our apprentices and training staff highlighted the importance of mathematical calculations, following instructions and using their imagination.

A short presentation was given outlining the progression of aeronautical engineering developed from the idea of bird flight to rocket and jet innovation followed by a practical exercise on building a glider out of paper.
This exercise allowed the students to use their hand skills, follow procedures, select materials and more importantly work as a team to successfully manufacture the paper aircraft.

The pupils were a credit to their schools, showing excellent manners, conduct and respect. To show our appreciation we issued certificates to help mark the occasion and ignite that little bit of genius and imagination within all that attended.

A group of pupils at Score

In the following months we will expand this scheme, offering all local primary education facilities the opportunity to attend while we continue to promote and support engineering in all its forms.
Score Europe is currently recruiting for the MA Scheme summer intake.

“Our aim was to provide customers with an uncluttered design, giving quick and easy access to the full range of Score Energy’s capabilities and services. It’s important we make the process of requesting a quotation or contacting us a very simple operation. The site will be updated on a regular basis, with news of events, expanding levels of support and current rotable exchange pool’s”.

The site can be viewed by visiting www.score-energy.com

Mark Webster, Score Energy Customer Support Manager

The new Score Energy Website

This move is in line with business expansion and to support integrity between the two companies, which are managed by Managing Director Geoff Miles.

The newly furnished office houses three divisions, Valve Sales and Energy handled by Score Asia and Engineering handled by Valve Solutions Malaysia. Most importantly, Score Asia maintains its reputation as one of the esteemed valve stockists in the South East Asia and Australasia regions, with a wide range of valve stocks, based at Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ). Valve Solutions Malaysia is gaining reputation as a valve engineering service provider locally and within the South East Asia region, and will continue to expand its services wherever and whenever required.

The Score Team at Kuala Lumpur

The machine has a 60” 1500mm diameter chuck, a maximum machining height of 1.6m and will hold 12 tools in its floor mounted carousel. The machine itself weighs over 26 tonnes. The rigidity of the Ward CNC coupled with its high pressure coolant supply will allow machining time to be greatly reduced and tool life to be extended. The up-to-date Fanuc control system is similar to the systems fitted to Score’s existing CNC machines, so programming will be a natural progression for the operators. The accuracy in repeatability of this CNC programmed machine tool will allow for even greater manufacturing efficiency – especially where batch quantities of identical items are required.

The manufacturer’s commissioning engineer explained that the vertical borer will provide support in improving efficiency by minimising cutting times when machining larger diameter components – both those manufactured from scratch and repaired or modified / cladded parts. It will also deliver the capability to manufacture complex components such as valve ball and seat assemblies.

To complement the new machine, a new rotary table – complete with heating bands – has been purchased for the Cladding Workshop. This will allow for more accurate control on component pre-heating and inter-pass temperatures, as specified on some of the more complex weld procedures that Score have implemented to support their customer needs. This machine will give high accuracy repeatability when machining individual components through to large batches of identical components.

Score (Europe) Limited is delighted to have this machine fully operational following commissioning as it allows the company to offer a greater service capability within the marketplace to existing and new customers. As the machine shop plays a major role in the Score Apprentice training programme, trainees have also been commenting on this major acquisition. One apprentice said during commissioning, “With the company’s investment in this major piece of kit, I will now be able to learn more about and gain experience in CNC technology. Another commented, “when you look at the engineering experience Score currently has, this further expands the service and repair capabilities we can offer clients.” Another noted that, “As an apprentice at Score, I am delighted to see this kind of high level investment. Score has invested significantly not only from a customer service perspective but also to further enhance my training.”

Andrew Buchan, 74, a machinist who has worked for the company for 23 years commented, ‘We really appreciate the expenditure the company has made with the purchase of this machine. It is looking to the future and investing in the development of the next generation of young engineers’

For further information on the Score Group of companies’ capabilities, or careers or apprenticeships opportunities, visit www.score-group.com.

Pictured (L-R) are 3 young Score apprentices, Peter Cruden and Andrew Buchan.

The course is constructed to be an open and ongoing learning procedure with lectures backed up by a more extensive and widespread involvement in the workshop. In the classroom the trainees learn about the basic jet engine in general and the Avon in particular. How it starts, accelerates, disengages the starter motor, ramps up to its design speed of around 7,800 RPM depending on the customer’s requirement.

Then its deceleration and starter motor re-engagement and many points of topic in between, such as vibration and turbine excitation, and special mention of the combustion process.

When they go on to the larger RB211 engine they learn exactly how design changes make this engine 3 times more powerful than the Avon, and are shown the up rating of power in successive larger Rolls-Royce engines. The Avon will produce 12000 lbs thrust. The RB211 40,000-50,000 lbs thrust. The Trent 100, 000 lbs thrust and the new Trent, 115,000 lbs thrust.

They are also made aware of the colossal forces generated within these engines to produce such power, and the catastrophic consequences of these forces being unleashed through engine failure.

A small turbine blade weighing only 2 or 3 ounces may exert a centrifugal loading of 2 tons at top speed. Glowing white hot, it must be resistant to fatigue and thermal shock, be allowed to ‘creep’, resist corrosion and oxidation, endure high frequency fluctuations in the gas stream then return to normal after its 30,000 hours cycle between overhauls. In the throughput of engines in the workshop, a balance between production and quality has to be maintained, with the emphasis on quality. This is best summed up in our own maxim. Right first time, on time.

Bobby Gritton, Score (Energy) Limited

Bobby Gritton Presenting on the Course

The candidates will be given full work based training towards the achievement of an SVQ Level 2 Warehousing and Storage qualification relating to all aspects of Material Management within warehousing functions.

The successful candidates will be trained in Manual Handling, Customs Awareness, Overhead Crane/Banksman Slinging, Company Database, Product Awareness, Logical Material Management Systems, Cataloguing Programme, Microsoft Product Awareness and Application, Packaging Requirements and Forklift – Counter Balance and Reach Trucks as a minimum.

We have generated these Apprenticeships to emphasise our commitment to the local community and to increase the skill base within our Materials departments as the company is continually expanding. We have set forth in motion, a plan to employ a total of six trainees in 2012 to follow this new pathway and in addition we are aiming to offer a number of senior Materials staff with the same qualification opportunities.

For further information, contact 01779 482217 or email HR@score-group.com.

The apprentices made a set of candlesticks as a presentation gift to the Chief Executive of IMechE, Stephen Tetlow, MBE, on a recent visit to Score in Peterhead. Mr Tetlow was so impressed with his gift; he invited them all to London to see around the IMechE headquarters. Following the tour of the building, the guests were all served a 3 course meal in the Stevenson Room, named after the founder of the institute, George Stevenson. The candlesticks are currently being displayed in the foyer at IMechE, a great honour for the young apprentices.

Stephen Tetlow MBE, Chief Executive, commented on the visit “Score has a great apprenticeship scheme. It is an example and an exemplar for other companies to follow. Score has great apprentices too! The Institution is proud to support them and to welcome these professional engineering technicians and engineers of the future. It was a huge pleasure to host everyone from Score to our London headquarters”.

The apprentices were accompanied on the trip by Gordon Milne, Apprentice Co-ordinator and David Gregg, Engineering Instructor at Peterhead Engineers Development Ltd. Whilst in London, the group had time to visit the EDF Energy London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium before returning home the next evening.

Constant Systems will be opening their new Sales and Service Department in Atlanta, Georgia this month.

Andy Goddard has now transferred from Constant Systems Ltd. (UK) to the USA to oversee all operations for our North and South American customers.

Although Constant Systems Inc. previously had a sales office in the USA, Constant Systems understands the importance of Aftermarket and Technical support. Constant Systems have listened to its customer’s comments and have now put this feedback into action.

For further information please contact Andy Goddard at andy.goddard@constantsystems.com

For more information on Constant Systems and their products go to www.constantsystems.com

Andy Goddard of Constant Systems Inc.

Peterhead Energy Hub is a partnership between various companies and organisations in the Peterhead area including Score Group plc, Peterhead Port Authority, ASCO, Banff & Buchan College, Dales Marine, Aquatic, Enviroco and a number of other established businesses. The aim of Peterhead Energy Hub is to build on our established success in the oil and gas industry and become recognised as a centre of excellence for the renewable, decommissioning and subsea industries.

The Peterhead Energy Hub, photo courtesy of Photographic Solutions, Aberdeen

This latest consultation was to discuss promotional activities for the Hub with a few invited guests. Conrad Ritchie, member of the forum and Deputy Managing Director of Score (Europe) Limited said following the meeting, “Score Europe was happy to host this latest meeting. We were given the opportunity to present Score as a company to the assembled guests, with the presentation focusing on current and future capabilities of Score with a strong emphasis on the local economy and training.” Score Group will continue to support this initiative for the foreseeable future.

This year’s meeting ran from January 16th – 20th and was the fourth consecutive meeting attended by Score. This year’s meeting was significant because several participating nuclear plants purchased and used MIDAS Meter in 2011. As a result MIDAS Meter presentations were on the formal agendas for 3 separate meetings during the week and each one was based on real successes experienced by nuclear customers.

As a result of the buzz created from the presentations and from customer word of mouth the exhibit and demonstration setup stayed quite busy throughout the week. In the few short weeks following the January event additional orders have been received from multiple nuclear plant sites including an order for 3 systems from one customer. 2012 is shaping up to be a breakout year as our first Score in-house designed product becomes a useful and used tool in nuclear power plants worldwide.

Score Group has been a major part of the show for many years and once again were there in full force. The evening event was soon crammed with members of the public with many of them intent on speaking to one of our stand team to find out more about the company and engineering opportunities. As Score has the largest apprenticeship scheme in Scotland, many young people along with their parents were interested in discussing careers in engineering, both in valves and turbines.

The Score Group stand. Photo courtesy of Banff and Buchan College

Score was once again delighted to be involved in the event and believe it was one of the busiest they have attended in recent years at the college. For more information regarding Score apprenticeships in Engineering, as well as Welding, NDT (Non Destructive Testing), Electrical, Administration, IT, and Multimedia, visit our career pages.

Oil & Gas Careers Event. Photo courtesy of Banff and Buchan College

The apprentice submitted his project, ‘Investigations into deposition methods & alloys available for the replacement of cadmium containing braze alloy’ for the awards and following a tough selection process the judges said that he was ‘a very capable candidate, particularly with regards to your engineering knowledge and problem solving’.

Hycrome apprentice with his commendation

The commendation was gained in the North West Aerospace/Defence Apprentice 2011 category. He attended the ceremony with his parents alongside Hycrome’s Operations Director Stephen Kelly and Laura Snape, HR and Training Coordinator. Stephen commented, ‘we are really pleased with his achievement. He was up against some very tough competition’.

A companywide campaign engages all personnel in the recycling scheme. This is then recycled into low grade paper thus saving the environment. Due to using recycled paper there is less need for trees being cut down with the amount of paper we produced. The saving resulted in 129 trees being saved from destruction in 2011.

Certificate of Environmental Accomplishment

Score (Europe) Limited views its role within the environment very seriously and is always looking at further initiatives for continuous improvement. Other items that are in the recycling scheme include cardboard, plastics, glass and selected metals.

The client is committed to improving operational safety, and increasing their workforce’s knowledge and understanding of how their equipment functions.

In particular at this time, the emphasis is on how Plug Valves function, and their need for periodic maintenance (lubrication), and inspection.

Part of the training programme

The client is putting approximately 40 offshore staff through this course from various installations, and the feedback so far is 100% positive. This is very gratifying to us, as this feedback is coming straight from the people who will be active in implementing better maintenance procedures on their installations.

It is hoped that this particular course could become a strong selling feature to attract more external clients in the near future.

Plug Valve Maintenance Training

During the incident, Wild Well Control – Houston, Texas was contracted by BP and was heavily involved in the efforts to cap the Macondo well.

Subsequently, Wild Well Control has since designed and packaged their new GSWCS to meet operators’ expectations and align with their contingency plans in response to a subsea well control event whether in the North Sea or other global oil and gas region.

Wild Well Control awarded Score Subsea & Wellhead Ltd the Service Contract to store, service & maintain the GSWCS and have in a “true team spirit” jointly built, pressure tested to 15,000psig and function tested the 100 Ton system and associated equipment. All these services were conducted from within Score’s new enhanced testing subsea and wellhead facility in Wellbank, Peterhead, Scotland.

GSWCS Ongoing Healthcare & Maintenance Programme
To ensure the GSWCS system is in full operational condition at all times, Score Subsea & Wellhead will conduct periodic System Healthcare, Maintenance and Function Tests to the systems critical components.

GSWCS Mobilisation
In order to facilitate a rapid mobilisation in response to a North Sea incident, Score Subsea & Wellhead, under the direction of Wild Well Control, will be involved in the mobilisation of the GSWCS and the system sub-sections which are housed in dedicated containerised units for mobilisation by air\sea freight to the country calling the emergency.

Wild Well Control’s GSWCS covers all the critical aspects for well capping, containment and collection and is currently designed and certified to operate in up to 10,000ft water depth.

The modernisation of the facility allows more flexibility; its agility means we can accommodate six individual tests running concurrently, something unthinkable six months ago and because of the uniformity of test panels, each test cell is identical enhancing the safety of operation and operator. Greater controllability has significantly improved increasing operator productivity.

Following the commissioning phase we have now carried out Low temperature and high pressure cycling tests for AKER Solutions of Indonesia, FMC Dunfermline and Glasgow with FMC engineers from Houston overseeing the first qualification tests.
In addition to this and running in parallel we have completed high pressure gas testing for Emerson and further low temperature and high pressure testing for SP-1 and Crane Stockham.

The start of 2012 has been an extremely demanding period for our Technicians. The flexibility of the test cells meant that we have met and satisfied each of our customer’s requirements.

Shown in the picture are Steven Davidson, Gordon Scott, Andrew Wishart and Steven Davidson Junior, four tests running concurrently. An intensive training program led by Steven Davidson and Stuart Penman has increased our capability and capacity to undertake the volume of activities currently programmed.

Many thanks go to Steven Davidson our Team Leader the architect and designer behind the network of controls and control systems.
Special thanks to Alistair Wilson has spent many demanding hours working away from home constructing the test panels and installing the equipment and also working closely with Steven during the commissioning phase.

Alistair was ably supported by the industrious Shane Smith throughout. Ian Mann, Brian Findlay and Nick Clayton’s participation is also very much appreciated. The whole test facility was completed in a professional manner. And of course not forgetting Ian Cheyne without whom none of this would have happened, his orchestration and support was very much appreciated by everyone here.

This of course is not the end; our customers are demanding more, higher pressures, increased temperatures and increased tests; we need to remain focussed and aim to meet their needs pushing our capability even further.

The office has primarily been opened to further compliment Score’s control valve support services in the Oil and Gas sector with their Senior Control Valve Engineer, Steve Abel relocating from their Brighouse facility to the office near Aberdeen city centre. Steve brings with him 20 years of experience in providing control valve technical solutions particularly in the area of severe oil and gas service. The new office will also be used as support to our clients in the Aberdeen area, allowing Score to provide support they need on their doorstep.

Scott Will (left) and Steve Abel

This is the fifth time Score have hosted the show in Peterhead, in a tradition which started back in 2003. This year, 25 UK based manufacturers and service companies, who are all members of the BVAA, exhibited at the event, including the Association themselves.

Visitors to the exhibition included Score Group employees, selected Score customers and other invited guests. On arrival, visitors received a layout map of all exhibitors’ stands and a summary of the focus of each desktop presentation, to encourage them to visit all stands. Over 100 visitors packed into the hall and engaged with the suppliers technical experts, who manned each of the displays.

The exhibiting companies were asked to focus their pitches on innovative new products and technology, which they felt would be of benefit to Score and its customers. All exhibitors showcased themselves differently, to try and attract the visitors to their stand. Some displayed their new designs of manufactured products (valves, actuators or associated equipment), whilst others simply focused on describing and promoting their latest range of services.

The BVAA event proved to be a success

Conrad Ritchie, Deputy Managing Director of Score Europe said “This was an excellent event and we were very happy to welcome and host the BVAA members at the VTCC. The feedback we have received to date from all visitors suggests that the products on show, coupled with the expert technical knowledge of the exhibitors made the event the best of its type to date. It was refreshing to see both new and established manufacturers make the effort to showcase their latest products and technical developments. The UK based valve and actuator industry are world leaders and we will continue to do all we can to encourage them to maintain that position.”

The event was highly successful and the Score Europe Limited Board would like to thank all who helped make this event happen and of course everyone who attended.

Following the success of the event, the Score Europe board decided to become a full member of the British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA). The benefits this membership brings will be tenfold with many Score personnel having the opportunity to contribute to current issues effecting the British valve manufacturing industry. More information on the benefits can be found at www.bvaa.org.uk/download/bvaa_members_benefits.pdf or by contacting Conrad Ritchie. A plaque recognising Score (Europe) Limited as full members of the BVAA is now displayed in reception

Conrad Ritchie Deputy Managing Director of Score (Europe) Limited and Dave Anderson Managing Director of S.T.A.M.P. Limited proudly displaying the plaque signifying full BVAA Membership

The celebration was held on the 16th December at the Tufted Duck Hotel St Combs, and was attended by over 230 engineering, administration, IT and multimedia apprentices along with management and directors from the company.

Engineering Time Served Apprentices

This year Score was delighted to award 25 engineering and 4 administration time served certificates to their young people, all from our local north east community. Among the other awards was Apprentice of the Year, Administration Trainee of the year, hardest workers, and top VITAL Training System performers.

Admin Timed Served Trainees

Conrad Ritchie, Deputy Managing Director of Score (Europe) Limited commented ”Score is committed to developing, supporting and investing in the apprenticeship scheme for the long term future allowing young people to reach their full potential whilst offering an array of opportunities worldwide. These individuals are all winners; they are the future backbone of our company and their commitment, effort and loyalty will be rewarded.”

As part of Score Trinidad’s growth and development commitment, the expansion of office space became an obvious need and it was impossible to do it at the main office in Cunupia. The suggestion to relocate the contracts department to Port of Spain was quickly and intelligently put into action and it proved to be a highly commendable move.

View from the new Score Trinidad office

Our contracts team supports and manages the current BPTT contract and intends to further build on our relationship with BPTT in anticipation of a stronger and longer term relationship. It has been 2 months since the move, and the positive comments are still flowing in. Our clients have welcomed the initiative and the benefits it brings.

In today’s highly dynamic environment, it is necessary to be proactive and encourage this kind of initiative, in order to keep abreast of competitors. The main intention of this new office is essentially to attract and sustain corporate relationships with current and potential clients.

The reception at Score Trinidad's new location

As our vision states, Score Trinidad intends to maintain ‘an image that keeps us as the Preferred Service and Procurement provider for all our clients’, and the opening of this new office is a step in the right direction to the realization of this vision.

It is also imperative to proclaim that the opening of Score’s Corporate Office is not merely the progress of the Contracts Department but the entire team of Score Trinidad. The future of the company as a whole looks prosperous and we hope to continue to grow as an organisation with a strong willingness to evolve in the Oil & Gas Industry; as far as we can reach and to the best of our ability.

The Score Trinidad team in their new premises

Score delegates attending will include representatives from Human Resources, Apprentice Co-Ordination, Apprentice Group as well as other Directors from Score (Europe) Limited. The event hosted in the newly refurbished Banff and Buchan College Campus gives the opportunity to speak and discuss the Score Group apprenticeship scheme to parents and prospective apprentices. Available apprenticeships include Mechanical, Electrical, Welding and Non Destructive Testing. Apprenticeships are also available in Administration, Information Technology and Multimedia. If you would like to find out more information about Score Apprenticeships, visit our engineering pages or contact us.

Having worked with several of the steering committee members and the chairman of the conference in the past, it was deemed important to support the request, and to increase exposure for the Midas Meter® product in the European nuclear industry. The conference provided a mix of high level key note addresses such as industry insights on the Fukushima incident in Japan, including its impact on proposed new nuclear construction, to the feasibility of Germany closing down all 17 of its nuclear plants as a response to the Fukushima incident. Midas Meter® was presented and well received in Workshop 3 – “Effective Maintenance” along with presentations from the other panel members shown in the photograph. As a direct result of participation in the conference, the first Midas Meter® demonstration at a European nuclear plant was set up and carried out, supported jointly by Graham Smith of Score Brighouse and Bobby Greenlees of Score Atlanta. The Midas Meter® was used successfully to identify leaks on components ranging from hydrogen valves to steam dumps and steam traps.

The Nuclear Exchange Committee

For more information on the MIDAS Meter® go to www.midasmeter.com

The event organised by Skills Scotland was aimed at 14-19 year olds with the purpose to give this age bracket a flavour of the diverse career opportunities available in the market place. The event which was also ran in Glasgow and Edinburgh over the last few weeks came to Aberdeen for the first time and was attended by around 40 exhibitors each supplying career information in their relevant fields as well as providing hands on interactive activities for the students to get involved in.

The Score Team at Skills Scotland

The Score stand had both ‘hands on’ activities as well as visual information displays available throughout the day. Our training valves were available with simple tuition on the assembly and disassembly procedure causing a great deal of interest giving the opportunity to discuss the functional requirements and difference between valve types. An interactive touch screen with challenging aptitude test on basic engineering, mechanical and mathematical problems was also very well received. The game stored the top score meaning a number of students kept returning during their time at the show to see if their score had been beaten. Two screens also ran various Score designed engineering and apprenticeship videos again giving the Score representatives the opening to engage with the young people as well as teachers and a number of parents who attended.

Our representation at the event covered a number of areas within the organisation including Human Resources, the Apprenticeship scheme, and Training. Most importantly we were accompanied by two of our current female apprentices, one from Score Europe one from Score Energy, each of which did an excellent job throughout the day connecting with the visitors.

A range of questions were being asked about the company and scheme, not only aimed at Engineering. Our Administration, Information Technology and Multimedia schemes were also enquired about. With over 30 schools and colleges attending from Aberdeenshire providing an enthusiastic audience of around 1500, the Score stand was one of the busiest at the event. At one point, we had around 20 plus people waiting to speak to us about the company, career opportunities, and general information regarding engineering.

The Interactive Game Challenge drawing in crowds

A highly successful day giving a wide range of young people the awareness of Score Group, career opportunities it can provide, as well as basic engineering information that may well inspire our future generations.

He made the visit to present the Group’s newest and developing members with their professional recognition awards. Stephen was joined by his colleagues Sandra Mulligan (Business Development Manager, Scotland) and Dennis Helliwell (Aberdeen Area Committee Member). They had specifically come to Score Group in recognition of the fact that they had awarded more Eng Tech and M IMechE awards to Score Group staff than any other company in Scotland.

Mr Tetlow, CEO of IMechE, with Score Group apprentices

The event began with a formal welcome to all guests and was followed with a short presentation by Score introducing the company and highlighting its commitment to its personnel’s continuing professional development, including its award wining apprenticeship programme, which is now recognised as the largest in Scotland.

Following a brief introduction and insight into his career biography, Mr Tetlow was then invited to address the audience and give the gathering of Score Engineers and their invited guests an update on the IMechE and its current activities. He took time to reflect on his own experience of being an apprentice, noting that it was what he valued most in his long and distinguished career in Engineering. He went on to deliver an inspirational speech, to further motivate the engineers, encouraging them to keep pushing forward their company and personal aims and to achieve the best they can, before closing with the thought that, in engineering, “anything is possible, if you just try”.

To show Mr Tetlow Score Group’s appreciation for visiting and presenting the awards, 7 first year apprentices presented him with a pair of inscribed Dice Candle Stick holders, which they had manufactured by hand. In presenting these, the apprentices described the design and manufacturing process and what each of their workscopes had been. The CEO was of course delighted with the gift and immediately announced that he would place these on display in the main foyer of the IMechE’s Headquarters in Bird Cage Walk, in London, for all visitors to see.

7 first year apprentices with Mr Tetlow

For more information on IMechE please visit :- www.imeche.org

The exhibition took place on the 23rd and 24th November where we showcased the Midas Meter® valve leak detection device, V-Scan in-line valve monitoring system, and Fuel Nozzle Systems, accessories and repair capabilities to some of the world’s leading Power/Energy companies including EDF, Siemens, Doosan Power, Iberdrola, Jacobs and Alstom among many others. All the companies carried out a series of presentations to the delegates present.

The Score team at EIC Connect Power 2011

During the two days we had a series of 1-2-1 meetings with the presenting companies which we found to be very informative and positive. There was a lot of interest in our Midas Meter demonstrations especially from the organisations dealing in the Nuclear Industry. Since the exhibition we have been busy following up the contacts provided and we have had very positive feedback, especially from Siemens who are looking for Score to help them with valve maintenance on their current sites.

• Health & Safety - 9.3
• Environment - 9.0
• Competence & Training - 9.0

FPAL was established in 1996 with its main purpose to enable purchasers and suppliers working within the oil and gas industry to create and maintain effective working relationships within the supply chain.

Score (Europe) registered with FPAL by completing an online registration questionnaire with details of the companys health, safety, environment, financial performance, products and services etc. The results of the questionnaire were subsequently evaluated by FPAL and then an advanced registration profile was created with scores awarded for each of the following categories:

• Product Quality;
• Service Quality;
• Project Management;
• Documentation;
• Planning & Delivery;
• Supplier Management;
• Installation & Commissioning;
• Health & Safety;
• Environment;
• Skills, Competence & Training;
• Innovation & Improvement;
• Organisation;
• Facilities;
• Commercial Management;
• Customer Interfaces

A verification audit is conducted by FPAL every two years to establish any improvements and / or potential weaknesses and therefore scores awarded may change as a result of this audit.

In addition to the score awarded during the verification process; supplier performance feedback reports are conducted by the purchaser and the supplier for any work carried out. The purchaser and supplier will agree scores (between 0 and 10) for the 15 elements summarised above. These reports are then returned to FPAL where the information is uploaded onto the supplier profile and is available for all potential purchasers to see.

Year after year the company has shown continuous improvement with these scores being the highest awarded to date. All staff are to be congratulated on making this happen.

The FPAL Certificate

Score Group plc
The Score Group stand was the primary stand for all visitors where they were warmly welcomed to the event. Through this welcome, they were directed to the main hall and more specifically to the sector, product or service stands that would benefit them most.

An overview of the layout at the Copthorne Hotel

Valve Sales
ValveEnquiries.com is a web portal containing a selection of over 15,000 valves accessible world-wide and was demonstrated on the valve sales stand. The Technical Sales Director of Score (Europe) Limited was on hand to speak to clients on all aspects of valve sales as well as other associated products and services that can be provided by the organisation.

Hycrome (Europe) Limited
Hycrome (Europe) Limited, based in Burnley and part of the Score Group of companies exhibited their capabilities in specialised coatings, electroplating, manufacturing and engineering capabilities. The stand focal points explained to visitors the sectors they work in which include Aerospace, Offshore Oil and Gas, Mining, Pharmaceuticals and Power Generation and where they can provide benefits and value to their clients by extending in-service life of components through surface treatments and engineering.

Service and Repair
Score (Europe) Limited’s Works Manager presented on this stand which was equipped with a screen showing aspects of service and repair then can be carried out by our specialists within our facilities. Modification, Engineering Design Consultancy, Enhanced and Specialised Testing and Field Services were among a number of highlighted areas that were discussed on the stand. Customers were encouraged to share and discuss their current valve problems in order to explore potential solutions with the Score representatives.

Non Destructive Testing / Examination
Unknown to many clients, Score (Europe) Limited operates it own in-house NDT facility. This includes Radiography, Ultrasonic/Dye Penetrant/Magnetic Particle/Ferrite Inspection, as well as Hardness and Water Testing. The team of specialists were on hand to discuss any client requirements and the technology and accreditations involved in providing this type of service.

Valve Automation and Controls
The Valve Automation team demonstrated Score’s ability in Control System Design and manufacture, Hydraulic Flushing and Fluid Testing, Instrumentation Calibration and Automated Valve Assemblies. Equipment on the stand showed how some of these techniques are processed, supported by offshore and site management.

The Control Valve stand at the Lunch and Learn

PSV In-Line Testing
Using the In-Situ testing demonstration kit, the PSV team showed clients how downtime can be minimised. Engineering and Failure Analysis, PSV Benchmarking and Spares Strategy were also discussed with a number of visitors.

V-ScanTM
Score’s Control Valve Diagnostic system named V-ScanTM was on show and being demonstrated by our senior engineers. This ability is becoming increasingly sought after by clients helping to improve performance monitoring whilst reducing downtime therefore providing substantial cost saving. All aspects of the system were discussed with the actual demo unit on display at the event.

V-Map
The V-Map system and technology was demonstrated at the venue and this included a live link to the Ormen Lange facility in Norway, a facility where this technology is already installed and continuously monitoring valve position and performance. The system provides passive and non-intrusive monitoring, maximising plant safety integrity and efficiency and gathers auditable records continuously.

MIDAS Meter®
The MIDAS Meter® valve leak detection equipment, which has been researched, designed and manufactured entirely by Score Group plc, also had a dedicated stand. Using a specially developed demonstration panel, the MIDAS team demonstrated how using this equipment can quickly detect leaking valves – long before conventional methods or instrumentation can do so – and then quantify the as-found leakage rates. This ultimately improves plant safety and efficiency, and can make a significant contribution to reducing or eradicating through-valve leaks and leaks to atmosphere.

The MIDAS Meter Stand at the Lunch and Learn

Subsea and Wellhead
Score Subsea and Wellhead Limited spoke to a number of visitors regarding their requirements in this sector. With a custom-built facility to support clients, Score demonstrated their service capabilities and technology advancements, which are now being offered to support end users.

CNC Machining and Automated Cladding
Score demonstrated its technology in the area of CNC Machining and Automated Cladding. Senior Engineers from the custom-built facility, were on hand to discuss all aspects of this service, supported by demonstration pieces and a focused video of the organisation’s operations in Peterhead.

Score Energy Limited
The Score Energy stand team had an array of equipment and exhibition pieces on display and talked to a number of clients about how the facility can support customers in this high technology sector. With support agreements with many major companies in place, including the only approved independent test flow rig for Woodward products, the team demonstrated how the company are at the forefront of technology in their field.

Score Training
For many years Score has, through its award winning apprentice training programme, been involved in the development of the next generation of highly skilled engineers. Much of this training has now been released to the open market. The Training team discussed with many interested parties what could be offered through a blended learning approach of both practical and theoretical knowledge transfer. Operating in a dedicated training workshop, lecture theatre and training rooms, Score training focuses on developing engineering and soft skills, rather than simply safety and offshore certification alone, although much of this can also be obtained through the company. For further information visit Score-Training.com

This was a highly successful event for both the Score team and its customers, where old friendships were strengthened and new ones forged. The feedback collected from customers who attended was extremely positive, demonstrating Score‘s unwavering commitment to its promise of delivering best in class Integrated Valve and Gas Turbine Solutions™. If you would like more information on the Score Group of companies, please do not hesitate to contact us at or call +44 (0) 1779 480000

Score Group plc Chairman, Charles Ritchie said that it was a testament to Ian’s hard work and dedication that the Group now has this unique facility and we wanted to recognise his incredible contribution by naming the building after him. The official naming ceremony was held at the front of the building, in front of a gathering of Ian’s peers, where a red granite name plaque was unveiled with his name on it.

Born on 16th January, 1963, Ian Davidson grew up in Peterhead. He served his mechanical engineering apprenticeship at International Twist Drill, starting in 1980, before joining up with Charles at Score UK in June 1988. Ian is at the commercial core of the Score team.

Never scared to throw himself into new challenges, he soon became one of the Group’s most successful valve contracts engineers, achieving many successes to the great benefit of the company and its customers furthering the company’s valve management strategies and contracts.

His unwavering commitment to developing others has also brought rewards for those individuals and the company. Some of the engineers and commercial personnel he has coached and mentored over his career have risen to great heights within the Score Group, up to and including Director level and these individuals still work closely with him to this day.

Always popular amongst his colleagues with his level-headed, positive and friendly approach to life, Ian now travels around the Score world, passing on his lifetime’s knowledge and experience to the next generation of Score team members.

From left - right: Beryl Ritchie, Charles Ritchie, Ian Davidson and Elsa Davidson

In 2008, Ian was promoted to the post of Managing Director of Score (Europe) Limited, a position he held for almost three years before being appointed a Director of Score Group plc in December 2010. Ian is also the Managing Director of Score Marine and has been in this position since 2004.

Whilst his focus is now on Group activities, he retains a very strong connection with the operations of the organisation and can still often be seen helping others including the youngest apprentices with their latest challenges. He recently presented the entire Score first year apprentice pool of 54 Apprentices, with their first Engineering Qualification Award Certificates – Performing Engineering Operations SQV Level II.

What little time Ian spends away from work, he likes to spend it with his wife Elsa and their two children Lewis and Amy.

Speaking recently, Chairman Charles Ritchie commented “This ceremony is a recognition of Ian Davidson’s contribution to the Score Group of companies. He is the Group Commercial Director and the Managing Director of Score Marine, our naval and M.O.D. business. Ian also runs with special projects and spends time training our young budding talent. We are very fortunate having such a team player on our side. The plaque is in Peterhead red granite – Ian’s birth place – the material is strong, hard and dependable, a few of Ian’s attributes.

Conrad Ritchie, Deputy MD of Score (Europe) Limited comments: “Score (Europe) Limited is delighted to host another BVAA Desktop Exhibition on Wednesday 16th November.

“The focus of this event shall be that of cutting edge technical developments associated with British designed and manufactured valve related products, with over 20 confirmed exhibitors and 200 plus delegates from Score (Europe) Limited and its client base, the event is sure to be a success.

“Score (Europe) Limited’s Peterhead premises have held two BVAA Desktop Exhibitions in 2006 and 2008, both of which were very well received and productive. It is fantastic to have such technical knowledge and market focus at a bespoke event of this nature. We look forward to welcoming the BVAA and its members back to Peterhead.”

If you would like more information regarding the exhibition, please contact customersupport@score-group.com

The new 0.6 mile long travel way, with it’s new signage, road markings and lighting, cost around £¼ million pounds and was opened by Chairman Charles Ritchie as part of a wider “green travel plan” for the South Peterhead area. It stretches from McDonalds at Invernettie Roundabout, past Arnold Clark, the Scottish Ambulance Depot, the Damhead Way entrance to Dales Industrial Estate, Dales Engineering and Enviroco, before terminating at Wellbank.

Commenting on the new route, Mr Ritchie stressed the importance of safe and environmentally friendly travel and access for all the personnel working in the various business premises within and around the now serviced area, as well as social and pleasure use.

The pathway now helps both cyclists and pedestrians to safely negotiate what would otherwise be a very dangerous stretch of road where vehicles are travelling at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and where the local authorities have failed to provide this for the people who require access to these areas. For example, pedestrians alighting from the main bus route into Peterhead can now safely access all business premises in the area using the donated pathway.

The pathway has already become popular and is being extensively used by others including the local running club, as one of their training routes. This is a significant investment by Score Group plc and it is hoped that their donation will help keep the people of Peterhead fit, healthy and safe for many years to come.

Picture © 2011 Google Maps

A new facility will be developed in Sandnessjoen for serving BP onshore and offshore in the best way.

To accommodate this work 5 new service staff has been employed and are in the process of being trained in the Score AS workshops in Stavanger. These new Service Engineers will cover our offshore service needs mobilized from Stavanger and to cover BP Skarv contact in Sandnessjøen.

The disciplines assessed are as follows:
Bench Fitting, Centre Lathe Turning, Vertical Milling, CNC Milling, Electrical Wiring and Electronics.

All SEMTA (sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) accredited training centres in Scotland are invited to put forward trainees to be entered into the competition.

This year’s competition was held at the Banff and Buchan College of Further Education in Fraserburgh and this is the twelfth time the college has hosted the competition. The competition provides a platform for the brightest young engineering talent in Scotland to compete for the coveted awards and to promote engineering careers in Scotland.

The IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) are the headline sponsors of the annual competition, which is also supported by co-sponsors Score Group plc in Peterhead, who run an award winning, and the largest, apprentice training programme in Scotland.

More than 30 people attended a pre-competition dinner held at the Tufted Duck Hotel in St Combs. The night started off with a welcome speech given by Paul Sherrington, Principal of Banff and Buchan College. The competitors and their chaperones then enjoyed a pre-dinner presentation from David Moir, Customer Support Engineer at Score Energy Limited.

After the meal, Charles Ritchie, Score Group plc Chairman and probably the biggest champion of engineering and related apprenticeships in Scotland, shared some words of wisdom and gave some personal encouragement and advice to the apprentices. He also congratulated them on their achievements on being put forward for the competition. At the end of his talk Charles also engaged in a question and answer session from the group. The night was enjoyed by all and set the stage for the following day’s competition.

The following day, the competition got underway for the trainees at the college. Meanwhile, their chaperones were given a guided tour of the college by Duncan Abernethy, Project Sponsor. The Banff and Buchan College is undergoing a major multi-million pound redevelopment and the group was given a site tour to see the project progress.

Following an anxious wait for all involved, the independently verified results were announced. The overall quality achieved by the candidates exceeded previous years and all should be proud of what they achieved on the day.

The winners in this year’s competition were as follows :-
Winner – Grant Mitchell of Glaxo SmithKline, trained at Angus Group Training Association Limited in Arbroath.
Runner Up was Grant Forsyth of Glaxo SmithKline, trained at Angus Group Training Association Limited in Arbroath.
Second Runner-up was Steven Smith of Score (Europe) Limited, trained at Peterhead Engineers Development Limited, in Peterhead.

From left to right: Alan Swankie – Director, Angus Training Group Limited, Gordon Milne – Chairman, Peterhead Engineers Development Limited, Grant Mitchell – Trainee, Angus Training Group Limited, Charles Ritchie – Chairman, Score Group plc, Grant Forsyth – Trainee, Angus Training Group Limited, Steven Smith – Trainee, Peterhead Engineers Development Limited, Dennis Helliwell – Immediate Past Chairman, IMechE

As well as the coveted winner’s trophy, Grant also received a cheque for £500. Grant and Stephen were presented certificates and cash prizes of £200 and £100 respectively.

The awards ceremony was held at Score Group Plc this week, with the prizes being handed
out by immediate past IMechE Chairman, Dennis Helliwell, who congratulated the winners and
wished them well in their future careers in Engineering.

Conrad Ritchie, Deputy Managing Director of Score (Europe) Limited noted that the Score apprentices who took part in the competition were ‘excellent role models’ and that all Score ever asks for, is for its people to try their best. In this occasion, they did not disappoint.

Score Group have committed to support this Annual Scottish First Year Craft Competition for the foreseeable future and are currently in discussions regarding next year’s venue.

By popular demand, theory and practical sessions on a range of valve technology and training subjects will be presented at the event and we anticipate these will be of great interest to those working with valve related equipment, compliance issues associated with valves or with competency and training.

The event will introduce changes and improvements to Score’s range of services and offer the opportunity for you to benefit from our knowledge through displays and presentations with the option to discuss further with our key people. Score’s MIDAS Meter®, a handheld acoustic monitoring device for leak detection and measurement, now fully certified, will be demonstrated and is of major interest to anyone involved with piping system integrity. Other display areas will include CNC Machining, PSV In-Line Testing, Online Valve Enquiries, Subsea and Wellhead Services and Score Energy Limited. Those with responsibilities for competency and training will have the opportunity to see how Score can provide specialist awareness and skills training, which can help address critical competency gaps.

The two session event begins at 11am with the second around 2pm, with buffet lunch between. If you would like further information about the event or would like to book a place, please contact Steffi.Cowe@score-group.com.

Training and Technology Lunch & Learn 2010

The 36” bore pipeline, brings around 40% of the UK oil production onshore. The 105-mile pipe was to be shut down while bomb disposal experts moved the ordnance away from its current location on the seabed before detonating it in a safe area, meaning production at 75 offshore fields had to be halted.

It was imperative that robust safety risk mitigation and contingency planning was in place prior to commencing this critical operation and that all organisations involved communicated openly and worked closely together to ensure that the operation was concluded safely.

As part of the contingency plan, a simulation test was completed at Score Group plc’s recently commissioned state of the art Subsea and Wellhead Testing facilities in Peterhead, with the assistance of Score’s highly experienced enhanced testing team.

The purpose of this test was to ensure that in the event of the pipeline being damaged during the removal operation, that any subsequent leakage from the pipeline could be quickly and easily contained, while emergency repairs were being carried out.

The fluid containment mechanism designed was two inflatable rubber bags, which were to be inserted through two rectangular holes (which were to be cut in the pipeline by a clamp-on chop saw, as shown below), on either side of the damage location and then inflated to create isolations within the pipeline.

The entire operation was to be carried out in the water-filled test cell, and this was achieved, using Score’s large test cell (6m x 10m x 4m) located in their new Wellbank premises in Peterhead.

The first part of the test operations was to cut a test coupon out of a sample of 36” diameter concrete coated steel pipe. The image on the right here shows the guide frame mounted on the pipe, with the chop saw located on it, in position and ready to cut out the rectangular coupon.

This is the coupon that was removed following the cutting operation, using the clamp-on chop saw.

Once the coupon was removed, the chop saw was retracted from the guide frame and the inflatable airbag “stoppers” shown on the right were inserted through the aperture and positioned ready for inflation. An accumulator module was then lowered into the aperture to inflate the bags and create the double isolation as shown in the diagram below.

On inflation of the airbags, the test flange at the far right hand side in the diagram above was removed and a pressure test was carried out to test the integrity of the double isolation seal. The seal tested perfectly.

The test trials ran for a period of 6 days, from 1st to 6th August and all stakeholders were present to witness the tests as they happened, from the safety and security of the Score Subsea and Wellheads Test Control room, which is fully equipped with remote operated cameras and viewing / recording equipment, as shown in the photo below.

The project stakeholders, BP, Technip, Oceaneering and Halliburton hailed the tests as a success and were delighted with the positive outcome achieved. The simulation test had proven their strategy and equipment capabilities were up to the task and that the contractors could be instructed to proceed with the removal of the unexploded bomb.

In the end, the contingency plan and equipment was not called into action as the bomb was removed safely with no damage to the pipeline, but all concerned parties were able to sleep a little easier knowing that a reliable risk and recovery management system was in place should something have gone wrong during the operation.

Maintaining their long track record of investing in their National Award Winning Apprenticeship Training Programme, the Score Group – now in its 30th trading year – has the largest apprentice training programme in Scotland, with over 250 Apprentices engaged in a wide variety of traditional and new apprenticeship disciplines, with a major focus on Mechanical Engineering.

All 27 new apprenticeship positions offered in Peterhead this Summer (2011) were filled by the end of July, as the company sustained its commitment to, and investment in, the local population. The Group continuously strives to provide opportunities for those who wish to invest in their own futures and intend to become part of the next generation of highly skilled engineers.

Speaking at a recent in-company apprentice lecture, Score Group plc Chairman Charles Ritchie – who’s vision and commitment has sustained the organisation’s growth and specifically driven its Apprenticeship Training Programme throughout the company’s long and distinguished history of investing in developing new young engineers – reaffirmed his commitment to the future of the programme and the youngsters engaging in it by saying that “These young persons are our future workforce and every one has the potential to become a Manager or even a Director in one of our worldwide operational centres, so it is imperative that we help them succeed in their chosen field in every way we can. We wish them every success in their careers with us”.

Score Group plc are leaders in the provision of Intelligent Valve and Gas Turbine Solutions to the Offshore Oil & Gas, Subsea and Wellheads, Petrochemical, Energy and Marine Markets. They are currently recruiting for their January 2012 Apprentice intake. If you are interested in joining their award winning apprenticeship programme, please contact Jenna Buchan at Score (Europe) Limited on 01779 482217 or applications@score-group.com or apply via our website at www.score-group.com/careers/modern-apprenticeship.php

Pictured above are all 27 of Score’s July 2011 intake of Modern Apprentices, at the Peterhead Training Centre

The benefits of what Score could offer the program were soon recognized by other areas of Suncor and soon Score TransCanada were receiving Valves from Suncor Edmonton Refinery, Suncor Onshore Natural Gas, Suncor Major Projects as well as other areas of the main Oil Sands facility.
The number of Valves received at the recently upgraded Score TransCanada, Edmonton facility exceeds 3,000, with additional Valves being considered for inclusion into the program.

Score TransCanada stock

Where large populations of Valves exist it is easy for businesses to lose track of stock especially if items are purchased against a major project, the cost of the units are often written off against the original project and the operations lose visibility of what is there.

Score TransCanada have been instrumental in documenting the Valves and then providing this information back to Suncor allowing the Valves to become visible to all interested parties. Use of surplus over new can generate significant savings for operating companies as well as improving their environmental credentials.

Valves are now being marketed to interested 3rd parties as well as within Suncor; sales to both areas have already been generated. In addition all stock is visible to the Score Global network through the Score business system.

A completed valve returned to service

Score TransCanada has been supported throughout the initiative by Kevin Gibb and his team from Score Europe, their assistance in establishing the stock system, training the Canadian team as well as meeting with the client to explain the process has been invaluable, our thanks goes out to all involved.

Andrew Milner

General Manager

Please click here to see the full technical article on the approvals and certifications acquired

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers is an exciting new initiative to recognise excellence in businesses that employ apprentices. By celebrating their outstanding achievements, NAS and City & Guilds hope to raise the profile of Apprenticeships and promote their benefits to learners and employers alike.

With increased funding for Apprenticeships and new frameworks being developed there has never been a better time for learners to consider alternative paths to employment, such as Apprenticeships. The Government has announced it will increase funding for Apprenticeship programmes and they will play an integral role in providing the skills required to grow Britain’s economy.

Hycrome (Europe) Ltd have achieved National recognition at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards beating off tough competition to attain the Highly Commended Medium Employer of the Year Award 2011.

Laura Snape, HR and Training Coordinator for Hycrome, who attended the Regional Awards alongside Engineering Apprentice Zayanah Mansor and Pete Wardyn from local training provider Burnley College said, ‘’Gaining this accolade for Hycrome is a massive accomplishment. We pride ourselves in the support and opportunities we provide for young people and it is nice to be recognised for this success. Over 1600 applications were received for the Awards and to get down to the last 3 Medium sized Employers across the whole of the North West is a big achievement’’

After a rigorous selection process the most outstanding Apprenticeship employers from all four National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories went forward to feature in the list.

Speaking about achieving the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Stephen Kelly, Operations Director at Hycrome commented, “Hycrome is thrilled to be up there with some of the top UK employers, and we will continue to invest in our Apprenticeship Scheme year after year to reflect the growing status of Apprenticeships. Our Apprentices are valued team members’ who contribute to the growing success of the company.”

Simon Waugh, Executive Chairman of the National Apprenticeship Service said, ‘I am delighted to be celebrating the success of the first Top 100 Apprenticeship employers; they represent the very best Apprenticeship programmes across the country. The list includes organisations of all sizes, from a wealth of industry sectors and this highlights the benefits that Apprenticeships offer to all types of employers including increased productivity and improved staff retention’.

Meanwhile, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds, Chris Jones said, ‘City & Guilds is committed to creating a more proficient and sustainable economy through vocational education whilst encouraging learners to discover their talent and unlock their potential. Apprenticeships will be integral to this, providing the workforce of tomorrow with the skills they need to succeed.

‘In line with National Apprenticeship Week in February, City & Guilds launched Million Extra – our mission to help ensure one million people start an Apprenticeship by summer 2013. As part of Million Extra, we want to celebrate those employers who are already helping us achieve this. They set an exceptional example to other businesses and we hope they will inspire others to take on apprentices and put themselves forward for next year’s Top 100’.

Laura Snape,(HR & Training Coordinator) and Zayanah Mansor,(Engineering Apprentice) with the Awards

Located at the Estuary Business and Technology Park in Kilnagleary, Carrigaline, workshop and support facility has the latest in diagnostic, test and repair equipment required for the demands of industry particularly in a challenging economic environment.

Founded in 1980, Induchem has been at the forefront of engineering supply to the then burgeoning Pharmaceutical industry and over time, has developed and enhanced its capabilities to support the current Bio Processing and Bio Pharmaceutical industries in the successful completion of major industrial development and expansion in the country. In recent years the Induchem Group has extended its activities into the UK and Spanish markets where its knowledge and expertise in core areas has been brought to the fore in terms of new markets, job creation and another Irish success story. Most recently a division of the organisation is
involved in the specification and supply of engineered equipment under the banner of IGP (Induchem Global Projects) to markets in the Middle East.

With nearly 50 employees in the group, Induchem now has an unequalled pedigree in the engineering sector with clients across the complete spectrum of business. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, ESB, GSK, Bord
Gais, Irish Distillers, Bulmers, as well as huge experience of working with the likes of Jacobs International, Project Management Group, Prochem, Jones Engineering, and H.A.O’ Neills, to name a few. These organisations from consultant to contractor and including end users, all recognise that the commitment to quality and excellent service from Induchem is assured and guaranteed. Seeking to continue to improve on this commitment sees Induchem partner with Score Group plc in order to offer clients more opportunity for performance, efficiency and cost competitiveness in valve supply, repair and certification.

The Score organisation has always recognised that its people are its future, and one of the fundamental tenets as laid down by the founder Charles Richie, is that a commitment to training will always be maintained. As such the organisation embarked on an apprentice training scheme twenty five years ago, that continues to produce the managers and directors of the company today. Currently in the UK over 250 young people are enrolled in this apprenticeship scheme. Youth development is a major focus, with every person in the organisation encouraged to learn and develop themselves to fulfil their own potential. This philosophy transfers to Carrigaline also with the Score Induchem alliance, and apprenticeship schemes will be made available to local youth as the business progresses.

Score takes industry compliance standards very seriously and consequently has invested heavily in designing and implementing the very best systems to meet, and exceed industry standards. The company was first in its field to achieve compliance with the industry standards for: Quality Assurance Management, Health and Safety Management, Environmental Management, Investors in People, the European Pressure Equipment Regulations, Test Laboratory Accreditation and Training Provision. Score Group continues to invest in research and development and emerging technology to continuously improve the performance of engineered products throughout their life.

Combining respective expertise in the Induchem Score Alliance for Ireland, sees an opportunity from two of the leaders in their fields, for clients across a myriad of industries to enjoy the benefits of large stockholdings, engineering expertise, and the latest in diagnostic and repair equipment which can identify areas of concern on site or in the workshop setting. Investment in equipment, technology and personnel
means that job creation is assured.

Products are both supplied and repaired/certified to site specifications and meet all the international industry standards and qualifications. Modifications can be made to reflect specific process needs and full training is available on site if required. A full back up service and troubleshooting support is available from Induchem Score and whether it is in the field of supply, maintenance or servicing, the highest quality is assured and total client satisfaction is guaranteed.

Acknowledging the investment required to offer and indeed the value of such a service to clients, industry sectors across process, maintenance, and design were represented at the Open Day in Carrigaline, where
demonstrations of test equipment as well as the operation of the latest test cells were performed for the assembled visitors.

“Customer care is our top priority, and the success of our business is largely due to us recognising this fact” said Induchem Managing Director David Carroll in his welcome address. “Identifying a client need such as repair and recertification and partnering with the world leader in Score Group to satisfy this need is quite simply being attuned to our clients.”

Speaking on behalf of Score Europe, Managing Director Richard Sadler said that he was proud of the contribution our organisation made to the success of industry in Scotland and in other locations around the world, and he was confident that the Induchem Score alliance in Ireland would also offer great benefits for industry in Ireland. “Essential to the success of any business” said Mr Sadler “is drive, determination, business acumen, and total attention to customer needs, and in recognising and ensuring we at Score subscribe to these attributes in ourselves and recognising them in Induchem, – we can be assured of success”.

Guests from the pharmaceutical industry as well as the power and refining sectors enjoyed the Induchem Score hospitality and were able to witness testing and demonstrations on a variety of equipment.

In conclusion to the day’s events, Mr. Carroll said that the investment from Induchem and Score reinforces the message to all companies and groups involved in the Pharmaceutical, Power, Food & Beverage, Refining and manufacturing sectors, that Ireland Inc is still viable, innovative, and without doubt – fully open for business.

Scott Will, Richard Sadler Score Europe Directors with Guests

More than 30 people attended a pre-competition dinner held at the Tufted Duck Hotel in St Combs. The night started off with a welcome speech given by Paul Sherrington, Principal of Banff and Buchan College. The competitors and their chaperones then enjoyed a pre-dinner presentation from David Moir, Customer Support Engineer at Score Energy Limited.

After the meal, Charles Ritchie, Score Group plc Chairman, shared some words of wisdom and gave some advice to the apprentices. He also congratulated them on their achievements on being put forward for the competition. At the end of his talk Charles also took a question and answer session from the group. The night was enjoyed by all and set the stage for the following day’s competition.

On the following day, the competitors were set the competition task at the college. Score apprentices Steven
Smith and Stephen Gray were representing Peterhead Engineers Development Limited this year at the competition. Meanwhile, the chaperones were given a guided tour of the college by Duncan Abernethy, Project Sponsor. The college is undergoing a major multimillion pound redevelopment therefore the group was given a tour to show the advancements to date.

Whilst the competitors were working hard their chaperones enjoyed themselves firstly with a tour of the Boddam Power Station, then a visit to Maggie’s Hoosie (historic fishing cottage in Inverallochy), followed by lunch, then a game of 10 pin bowling. Chaperones and competitors then departed home, anxious to hear the final results.

Following the anxious wait, the results were received and announced. Overall quality exceeded previous years and all competitors should be proud of what they achieved on the day. The two Score representatives finished a very respectable 3rd and 4th place. Conrad Ritchie, Deputy Managing Director of Score Europe noted that the Score apprentices were ‘excellent role models’ and that all Score ever asks for, is for its people
to try their best. In this occasion, they did not disappoint.

Score Group will continue to support this annual Scottish event for the foreseeable future.

All Candidates, Chaperones and Score Reps

The workshop contains state of the art PSV repair and test facilities which include automated shot blasting, a dry grit blasting enclosure, dry filter spray booth, overhead crane and a total of 6 individually enclosed PSV test cells with hydraulic clamp test stands suitable for both gas and liquid testing. One PSV test cell contains
acoustic and pressure sensing which provides a graphical printout of the test results. Storage is also provided with an attached warehouse and Cardex automated storage unit. Furthermore the facility also comprises a clean room and a training workshop. Machining facilities which include a horizontal boring machine and centre
lathes are also located within the workshop providing a stand alone business unit.

The investment into the new PSV facility and the recent acquisition of “cutting edge” PSV insitu testing equipment, along with the continued improvements to the PSV training and competence programmes for our PSV team, underlines Score Europe’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to our clients.

The redesigned PSV offices

Online Stock Valve Enquiry System gives the option to add multiple items to an online shopping basket where the quantity can be edited and updated before proceeding to a confirmation page. The online user is then asked for a few simple contact details, and any additional information such as service or modifications required to the items, in order to confirm these details before submitting the enquiry. They will then be notified through email of their enquiry with a copy being processed by the Score Online Enquiry Team with quick and personal response guaranteed.

Over the last few years Score (Europe) Limited has been increasing its online sales through the web using online forms making this online stock system a major step change in e-commerce activities. Within the first hour of launch, users were interrogating and sending enquiries and have already been processed much to the satisfaction of the end user. Extremely positive feedback on the system was also received during the first day of launch delighting us in the knowledge that we are providing a service that has been lacking previously for the online market in this field.

Score (Europe) Limited continues to operate its highly successful traditional sales system available through telephone and email for all types of supply, service, design, modification or repair providing Total Valve Management worldwide. This new venture ensures the user gains increased flexibility and reliability whilst retaining personal customer service.

Valve Enquiry Stock

Visit the Online Enquiry System at http://valveenquiries.com or email us customersupport@score-group.com or telephone +44 (0)1779 480000

The Technology Gallery gives companies the use of poster boards, stands and plasma screen televisions for the display of promotional material from a Monday morning until the Thursday of that week.

A Tea & Teach session is normally scheduled for the Thursday afternoon to allow Chevron staff the chance to visit the gallery to meet the service provider face to face and ask any questions they may have on what has been showcased in the gallery during the week.

On Monday 9th May, Score arrived at Chevron House to set up promotional material in the Technology Gallery which included pop up banners, product, service and training literature along with a looping presentation which was displayed on the two available 42” plasma televisions.

The Score team re-visited Chevron on Thursday 12th May armed with the Midas Meter® and V-Scan demonstration kits which were showcased at the afternoon tea and teach session. The presentation given by Score during this session was well attended by a wide cross section of Chevron employees covering
disciplines from the Subsea Division, Onshore Support Engineers, Supply Chain Management and the QA Team.

Subsequent feedback from the event has been very positive and Score is the first external company to be asked to promote their products and services in an offshore environment when the Technology Gallery arrives on the Alba platform later in 2011.

Michael Buchan - Score Europe Focal Point

The students were given a short tour of the Wellbank facility before returning to the lecture theatre.

Nigel Cordiner gave a short presentation on Score’s structure and activities and Dave Matson followed with a short discussion on Score’s role in relation to the energy market. A lively question and answer followed. The students, many from overseas, were particularly impressed with the Turbine Test Facility and the comprehensiveness of the Apprentice programme.

Score Group will have an ongoing working relationship with Score Pacific.

Following the sale, Score Group has established an office in Perth to focus on the supply of its turbine related services to the Australasian market place and the provision of valve services to the oil and gas industry including the sale of valve condition monitoring systems and equipment.

If you require further information please contact Score Group plc.

In addition to Score (Europe) Limited maintaining their status, Score Energy Limited, Score Subsea and Wellhead Limited, and Score Training and Multimedia Productions Limited were also reviewed at this time. All companies successfully met the selection criteria and are now in a position to move towards full accreditation in the next review which is another major achievement for these companies.

At around the same time Peterhead Engineers Development Limited also successfully maintained their accreditation with IIP. Well done to the dedicated staff at the training centre.

Investors In People’s mission statement states that it is;
“The UK’s leading people management standard, Investors In People provides a simple and flexible framework helping thousands of organisations of all sizes and sectors to improve their business performance.”
Their vision is;
To increase the productivity of the UK economy by improving the way in which organisations manage and develop their people, leading to business improvement and better public services.
To find out more about Score and IIP, view module MTM-810 on the VITAL Skills system.

Peterhead Engineers Development Limited receive their award

An audience of selective representatives from North Sea Oil & Gas Companies, Power Generation Groups, Owners and Operators from throughout Europe were given the opportunity to meet and discuss the latest maintenance strategies, overhaul procedures and repair technologies as well as listening to presentations from guest speakers covering a full spectrum of the gas turbine industry.

The day started with an engaging overview of the past, present and possible future of the gas turbine industry from Tony Brough followed by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) represented by Parker Hannifin and Woodward Governor. MTU presented their repair and overhaul capabilities as a leading Service Centre, Electrobel presented on their best practices for operating and maintaining gas turbines and finally Statoil gave their insight on owning and operating one of the world’s largest fleets.

Between morning and afternoon presentations and before an excellent buffet lunch all attendees were given a tour of our facility to see Parker and Woodward equipment at first hand. Score staff guided groups through Fuel Systems and Accessories and Woodward Overhaul departments followed by both the new Woodward Test Stand and the Glen Test Facility. Tech Reps provided a detailed overview of each area, going over our capabilities and services as well as more direct responses to issues which our guests had encountered. Attendees were also given the opportunity to direct any questions they had after each presentation and throughout the day to presenters, Score staff and of course other guests.

Through immediate feed back on the day and our survey carried out at the event closure, the day proved to be very informative and popular with our guests. Their general agreement was that we had filled a very large gap and all encouraged us to continue on with Tech Day 2012.

Score Energy Tech Day

Score was awarded the IMechE MPDS (Monitored Professional Development Scheme) certificate from IMechE Business Development Manager, Sandra Mulligan. The company plans to roll the MPDS out to other parts of the company in the near future.

Mr. Conrad Ritchie, Deputy MD /Training Director commented on how very proud the company is to have been awarded this certification. This provides the evidence of the best professional training programme for the Mechanical Engineering graduates employed by Score whereby the professional engineering staff can aspire to the status of Chartered Engineer. This satisfies a key part of the company strategy to being the preferred place to work in the industry, whilst providing clients with the total commitment of high standards obtained from the best professional engineering training programme.

The Peterhead site of the Score Group of companies applied for the MPDS accreditation to allow its trainee engineers to attain an international professional qualification as a Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer status as part of their training. The MPDS is the IMechE’s approved route for graduate engineers to complete their initial professional development to become professional engineers, registered by the Engineering Council. For the last three years the IMechE has registered more professional Chartered Engineers than any other engineering institution across the UK. The company was also one of the first companies in the UK to gain approval from the Institution for its apprentice training scheme.

Score currently has six developing engineers in the scheme with the view of all graduates being enrolled. This will help staff gain a higher profile within the industry and company, while enabling them to reach their full potential. The company also hopes it will help attract new top engineers to the company.

Sandra Mulligan added: “As a leader in their field, Score wants to ensure their staff achieves the highest standard of training and professional development. The company places great importance on the competence of its engineering community, so the MPDS scheme ensures that the professional engineers of tomorrow are equipped with the best training and support.”

Receiving the Institution of Mechanical Engineers MPDS Accreditation Certificate

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is the UK’s qualifying body for Chartered and Incorporated mechanical engineers and supports its members with training, library services, networking opportunities and a member’s magazine with up to date information, as well as holding hundreds of events all year round. IMechE also welcomes Engineering Technicians which can include anyone working in an engineering field without formal qualifications, although typically EngTechs have an NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or similar.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It currently has around 90,000 members in 120 countries representing mechanical engineers involved in a diversity of fields such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries to name a few. Visit www.imeche.org for more information.

The Group took this opportunity to launch its new ultra-portable, wireless, Valve Leak Detection Equipment – the Midas Meter ^® in the American market. The organisation recorded high interest levels in the new product at the show, which uses acoustic emission sensors, (AE Sensors) to quickly and accurately find leaking valves.

MIDAS Meter being used on demonstration kit

Using a small demonstration kit, exhibition delegates were challenged to find a leaking valve on a 5 valve compact manifold, after just 30 seconds of training. All who took up the challenge were able to quickly and correctly identify the “leaking” valve, highlighting just how reliable and easy to use the equipment really is. As a result of their own experience of using the kit at the show, many delegates requested follow-up on-site demonstrations and formal quotations. Several delegates went as far as committing to purchase multiple kits, for delivery later this year.

Stan Hale, President of Score Atlanta Inc. who make the AE Sensors at the heart of the MIDAS Meter® Kit, was also invited to present in plenary sessions to the main conference and one of the user groups.  This presentation was on the in-line version of the Score Dunegan® AE Sensors products, which are commonly used in continuous monitoring applications (such as Score Group’s V-Map^TMsystem) on pipeline valves. These permanently attached acoustic emission sensors are remotely monitored to ensure that valves are functioning correctly and will operate as and when required, especially in safety critical applications.

Conference presenter Mike Pruitt being introduced to the MIDAS Meter®

The event was hailed as a major success by Score Group plc Chairman, Charles Ritchie, who attended to underline his support for these exciting new product lines, in this market.

For further information on Score Group plc or any of its products / services, contact us at e-mail address

MIDAS Meter Website Launch

The site contains some in-depth informative information of the actual Midas Meter®, but it also has pages on Acoustic Emissions and the history of these techniques and technology. A user-friendly interface has been designed for easy search as well as case studies, contact forms, location details, downloadable media and video pages showing this advanced leak detection equipment in full operation.

MIDAS Meter® team would like to thank Score Training And Multimedia Productions (S.T.A.M.P.) Limited for the design and implementation of the website as requested. We are enthusiastic about the future of the site and will continue to cooperate with S.T.A.M.P. to further develop the MIDAS Meter® website

On opening the new facility, Score Group plc Chairman, Charles Ritchie, remarked that this represented a major investment in the North American market and demonstrated our unwavering commitment to our customers in this area. He went on to add that this investment provided a significant platform from which we can further grow and develop our business relationships and customer support in this region.

With its growing inventory of valves and valve related products, Score Valve Services are able to provide a unique suite of valve related services such as valve and actuator supply, engineering services, enhanced valve testing, valve automation and control, valve condition monitoring, field services and after market support.

The new Houston workshop areas are extensively equipped with the latest technology and are designed to carry out valve repair and testing activities on all valve types, sizes and pressure classes up to 48” 600#. Enhanced valve testing capabilities now include cryogenic testing to –196° C, elevated temperature testing to +450° C, nitrogen gas testing, hydrostatic testing, cyclic testing and API 6A “PR2” type testing, thus allowing independent verification of valve products’ performance at actual operating service conditions.

The company also used this opportunity to launch its new Valve Leak Detection equipment in the Houston / North American market. The MIDAS Meter® uses acoustic emissions technology to detect and quantify leakage from valves in-line, helping reduce the potential negative effects of leaking valves in processes. The high sensitivity of the MIDAS Meter® allows maintenance and management personnel to focus their efforts and budgets on delivering the highest possible valve performance through condition based maintenance and predictive maintenance.

Robert Murdoch, President of Score Valve Services inc., added that this was a great day for the Score Group and its customers here in Houston as well as the wider North American market and that he looked forward to working with his local team and growing the business from these new premises.

Additional information on the Score Group of Companies can be found at www.score-group.com, or by contacting customersupport@score-group.com

Houston Location

V-Scan Valve Diagnostics

The V-Scan Diagnostic training course is now complete and has been successfully delivered to all relevant personnel in Brighouse, Peterhead and Qualtec Control Limited. A

documentation pack has been compiled to accompany every V-Scan machine to provide support to users. The pack includes: operation manual, risk assessment, method statement, test observation sheet, pass/fail criteria, toolbox talk, sample complete report and inventory.

Alex Lorgen has now completed the final part of his six month control valve technical training programme in Brighouse. He is now back in the engineering office in Peterhead and is available for local control valve technical support as and when required. Scott McBey is now back down in Brighouse to complete his final 3 months of control valve technical training after which he will rejoin the engineering team in Peterhead. Going forwards, Alex and Scott will be providing control valve technical support for Peterhead along with their usual engineering duties.

Local firm Score Group plc has donated the use of a tract of woodland to create a valuable community asset on the outskirts of town.

For around 25 years, the 40-acre area of land, near the town’s Kinmundy Road, will be used to provide woodland walks, a nature trail, and wildlife reserve for the people of Peterhead.

Ian Davidson, managing director of Score (Europe) Ltd, handed over the land to Peterhead Projects last week.

Score Group donates Buchan woodland to Peterhead Projects

He said: “We at Score Group are very conscious of our position in the community of Peterhead and our environmental obligations. We are committed to making our environment a greener and better place for the future.

“This is also our opportunity to put something back into the community of Peterhead from which we draw a large part of our workforce.”

John Brownlee, managing director of Peterhead Projects, told the Buchanie that the generous donation marked an “exciting time” for the group.

He said: “We are very pleased to receive the woodland, and it is an exciting example of the community response, and so many thanks to Score for their donation.

“It is a major project, we have been given 40 acres of fairly young woodland which we hope to open up for walks in the community. It is completely com

munity-led and the local people will be given the chance to choose how they want to use this piece of land.

“We are now looking for additional volunteers to help us manage it and to come up with new ideas as to how we can best utilise it.”

This year Score was delighted to award 16 Engineering time served certifi cates to young people from our local community. Among the other awards were Administration Trainee of the year, hardest workers, top VITAL training performers as well as the Apprentice Golden Spanner Award. Charles made a special mention of
David Moir’s achievements regarding the IMechE award which you can read more of later in this newsletter.
Charles Ritchie, chairman of Score Group plc gave a presentation at the event which included a look back
over the year highlighting Score’s excellent safety record, new location openings, new technologies and
initiatives.

In addition to the apprentice lunch, on each day during the week 13th through to 17th December the various
departments of Score Group based in Peterhead were invited to a local hotel for Christmas lunch hosted by
Charles. As with the apprentice lunch, a presentation was given by the chairman highlighting Score’s
excellent safety record for the year and some other key developments. A special thanks to Lynne
Macfarlan Financial Director Score (Europe) Limited for standing in for Charles on one of the days due to
another engagement.

After each lunch, the Chairman as always concluded by offering all his best wishes for the season.

The work to achieve this was done through Score Atlanta Inc which is located in Kennesaw Georgia and is responsible for the continual development in the acoustic sensors which are then incorporated into the Midas Meter® . Further approvals for the Midas Meter® are ongoing and will be announced as they are granted.

MIDAS Meter Registered Trademark

Mr Christopher Barrington, Test Cell/Avon Build Team Leader in Score Energy nominated David for the award in the form of a short report providing written evidence supporting the nomination. Within the report Christopher praised David’s work promoting the Score companies apprenticeship schemes in schools, colleges and careers fairs, as well as his work within Score Energy which has demonstrated his ability to take on responsibilities including running his department in Christopher’s absence. This included using his great communications skills, interacting with clients, suppliers and other departments within Score. David has also shown great initiative revolving around quality, safety and environmental issues some of which have been adopted company wide.

David completed his HNC in Mechanical Engineering achieving a grade ‘A’ in his final exam and will be continuing with his HND with a view to progress to University. He is due to complete his apprenticeship in the first half of 2012 having started on this journey back in 2006. David is a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual with a very positive attitude, making him a great role model for any apprentice to emulate within Score. Into the bargain, he is a genuinely nice guy and a hard worker and again we congratulate him for this achievement and wish him all the best in the future within the Score Group of Companies.

David Moir pictured with John Wood IMechE President

On the 17^th November, Score held a “Training and Technology” Lunch and Learn session at the VITAL Training and Conference Centre at Wellbank, in Peterhead, Scotland.

We were encouraged that the products and services we showcased and provided information on were of interest and value to our visitors. We were also delighted to see that 100% of attendees that completed feedback forms rated the event “good” or “excellent” overall.

To give a flavour of what was showcased at this event, we have summarised the product and services demonstrations below :-

V-Scan

1 Score’s Stock Valve Sales and New Web-Based Sales Service.
2 In-Line Testing of Pressure Safety Valves (PSV’s) using PSV Benchmarking Technology.
3 Valve Leak Detection & Measurement : Using Score’s new MIDAS Meter^TM.
4 In-line Valve Performance Monitoring : Using Score’s V-Map^TM system.
5 Control Valve Diagnostics : Using Score’s V-Scan^TM system.
6 Technical Training Services : Highlighting Score’s Instructor-led Practical Training Courses and Score’s E-Learning / Assessment system VITAL^TM (Full course listings available).
7 Turbines Training : Using Score’s Instructor-led Practical Training.
8 Subsea and Wellhead : Score’s unique Services and Support and new Welbuk^TM Wellhead Management Device.
9 Valve Automation : Score’s unique Engineering Design, Manufacture, Repair and Servicing capabilities for Valve Actuation, Control and Instrumentation.
10 Non Destructive Testing : Score’s in-house capabilites on Non-Destructive Testing techniques / Customer Support.

The event highlighted to Score’s customers and potential customers the broad scope of services Score can provide and the cutting edge technologies employed by the Group and the company’s commitment to excellence and quality.

Overall, the event was a major success with a large number of enquiries logged, which will all be followed up over the coming days. Such was the success of the event that another is already being planned. Watch this space!!

If you would like further information on any of the above products or services, our technical specialists and their support teams are always available to meet your needs. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss any specific opportunities in further detail or would like any further information on any of our products and services forwarded to you electronically, please do not hesitate to contact us at : customersupport@score-group.com

Score Group plc

Lunch & Learn Team

The assessors were very impressed with what we have set up with the support of the company and commitment of the mentors and the developing engineers. In particular they commented on the enthusiasm of the developing engineers and the company’s overall training from the apprenticeships right through to chartered engineer.

The assessors will be making a positive recommendation to the IMechE for accreditation and we expect formal notification within soon. The accreditation will be valid for three years. This will be a great benefit in recruiting and retaining engineers for the future growth of the company. The accreditation will cover Score Europe, Energy and Marine.

Thanks to J Bruce Buchan, Bill Buchan, Ronald Simpson, Alex Lorgen and Scott McBey for their work during the last year and their contributions on the day, and also to Graham Smith, Steve Jenkins and Craig Clavin at Brighouse.

Mike Billington, Technical Director Score (Europe) Limited

The first campaign that was done was to get the word spread about Constant Systems so no better way of getting the word out was by sending out mass mail. These email campaigns were sent world wide and as the
word spread it started to have an affect on the sales. Due to the mass mail being sent world wide it was decided that the website should be multi lingual. The first language to be translated professionally was Italian and was launched on the 18th November 2010. The next was Spanish which went live on the 20th December 2010. Over the next few months the focus is still on languages which will include the translation into French & German. Also in production is a new Brochure to coincide with the website which will give all the information on our products and why you should choose a Constant Systems Cell Disrupter.

CSL Website Italian

Focusing on the facilities and services provided by SSWL, Score Training created a user friendly environment with a new style menu layout and banner system. Alongside these and other features the website has an interactive map to include details of their facility features, and will be further developed and expanded as the business grows.

Subsea-Wellhead Goes Live

The show gave the Group the opportunity to introduce Score to pupils from various schools. The Score team set the pupils a challenge to achieve in three minutes which turned out to be a great hit with the pupils. The challange was to assemble a 1” floating ball valve following a work instruction. Cherie Cameron and Stuart Cowie from Score Training along with J Bruce Buchan Training Engineer of Score Europe represented Score Group plc giving the pupils an opportunity to learn more on engineering and what Score does as a Group. The whole event was a great success and the feedback we received from all who attended was very encouraging.

Our stand graphics and display equipment mainly focused on our Fuel Systems and Accessory capabilities however we did have a Midas Meter on view which created great interest. We took the opportunity to promote our full service support of Woodward Governor products and our Proactive Accessory Program which will be officially launched at the Western Turbine Users Conference in March 2011. The display exchange box proved very popular drawing in large numbers of visitors to our stand who in turn provided us with enquiries for both Score Asia and Score Indonesia to follow up on. A large amount of contact details were obtained for our database and very fruitful discussions were held with a number of local power generation facilities.

PowerGen Asia

There was a really good turn out with approximately 60 key personnel in the oil and gas industry in Indonesia attending. Bob Bain is managing this operation along with his Indonesian team (pictured below). They will be supported by our other group locations with selected sales and engineering personnel being stationed on-site as required.

The Score Group of companies wishes Bob and his team all the best for this exciting new venture.

“Thanks to all of you for your assistance in making this possible.” Charles Ritchie (Chairman)

Jakarta Opening

Conrad Ritchie, Training Director, said, “These young adults are the backbone of our organisation and represent the rewards available to those that are prepared to put in the effort, they are all winners and first rate role models”.

Score operates the largest award winning apprenticeship scheme in Scotland, and is immensely proud of all its apprentices past and present, some of whom are now Directors of Score Group companies worldwide.

Score Group Apprentices

Congratulations to James Smart for completing his six year Apprenticeship at Score Brighouse. James was presented with his time served papers from Neil Jackson. The apprentice team and workshop team leaders look a time out to congratulate James and have this photo opportunity.

Brighouse Presentation

Find leaking valves with Midas Meter® long before detection by conventional methods or instrumentation. Avoid product losses to the flare and fugitive emissions, confidently prepare for maintenance outages and avoid excessive valve damage due to prolonged leakage.

Give your operators and technicians the MIDAS TOUCH to help them :-

MIDAS Meter Launches during ONS

• Improve Safety
• Improve Plant Efficiency
• Find Damaged Valves
• Decrease Emissions
• Avoid valuable product escapes to flare

Use Midas Meter® Acoustic Emission Leak Detector for Valves to:

• Quickly find leaking valves and quantify the leak rate
• Detect product loss to the flare, vents and drains
• Find leaking isolation valves, relief valves, control valves,
• check valves and steam traps
• Detect leaks as low as 0.1 litre per minute
• Prioritize valves for maintenance
• Benchmark valve performance during commissioning
• Provide leakage quantification in all pressurised media:
• Oil, Gas, Condensate, Water, Steam, Compressed Air

Score Group companies have employed acoustic emission technology to find leaking valves for oil & gas customers around the globe for the past 15 years. Midas Meter® employs Score developed signal processing & electronics, Score proprietary leakage algorithms and a Score proprietary Acoustic Emission sensor. Midas Meter™ was developed and is manufactured by Score Group ISO 9001:2008 certified companies.

Compliance certification (pending):
CE/ATEX certified Zone 1 (Sensor & PDA)
Intrinsic Safety Classification II 1G Ex ia IIC T4
EMC Class A (Industrial).
IP66

Download MIDAS Meter Flyer

View the MIDAS Meter website

For further information or to request a quotation, please contact us at

In a letter to the municipality of Alstahaug, Score AS applied for exemption from the maximum construction height of eight meters, and the letter states that they plan to build a service facility in Øyvind Lambes Vei. The site, which is approximately six or seven acres, is located north of Brønnøy Blikk’s facility across Sandnessjøen Verkstedsenter, along the road to Horvnes.

“We consider the start-up in Sandnessjøen to be an exciting and challenging task which will have major effects locally and regionally. Strategically, this is an important choice for us”, it says in the letter.

We think that we, as one of the major market participants in Norway in valve maintenance and supply, with our international anchorage and portfolio, have much to offer Sandnessjøen and the surrounding areas. We bring technology, ripple effects to the local community, jobs and synergy from other parts of the company, says Scores Works Director Knut-Leif Forland to Helgelands Blad.

“It was obvious that the choice was between Kristiansund and Sandnessjøen”, it is said in the letter, which refers to previous meetings with the municipality of Alstahaug’s planning committee. According to the letter, the choice fell on Sandnessjøen as local businesses and the municipality in general seemed positive to the plan.

Sandnessjøen goes well with our conscious strategy of being a global company with a strong local anchoring. This is also the case with our department on Randaberg outside of Stavanger, and other locations where we operate from internationally. Score AS is planning to hire 15–20 skilled workers in Sandnessjøen. The company will take on an active role in the vocational courses in the local schools, and are considering “recruiting directly from the
classroom” says the letter.

Training and developing skilled workers is an important part of the company’s global profile. This is of great importance to the company, as we are making long-term plans and are here to stay. The facility Score is planning for in Sandnessjøen needs a 12 meter high ceiling, because the business of performing maintenance on valves, sub-sea equipment and turbines requires much lifting height in the workshop, according to the letter dated July 30 2010.

Score AS in Randaberg outside of Stavanger is a Norwegian subsidiary company of the Score Group of Companies, with head office in Peterhead in Scotland. Score AS, the Norwegian branch of the company employs 60 people in the Stavanger region. In their annual report for 2009, Score states that they expect to provide the Norwegian offshore market with new possibilities with their own specialised products for the oil and gas industries.

Score AS has made an agreement with the corporate merger Helgeland V&M in Sandnessjøen led by Olav Botn, about “supplying services that do not enter into the core business of Score AS, to strengthen our position locally, nationally and internationally”, it says
in the letter.

Forland underlines to Helgelands Blad that the startup in Sandnessjøen depended on the fact that they would gain work for example on Skarv, and that the work amount is important in order to establish a solid department with continuity.

Helgeland V&M has over time worked together with Aker Solutions to achieve the position of bidding on maintenance contracts related to the Skarv area. The contracts are being distributed later this autumn. We envision working outside the region and maybe even in other countries, through our cooperation with Score, says Olav Botn.

Like Ossnor in Kristiansund told Helgelands Blad last week, the service market participants are dependent on a certain amount of work from the oil companies before they can enter into large financial investments in Sandnessjøen. Score has been working on the start-up in Sandnessjøen for about a year.

Skarv is a milestone and a fantastic opportunity for achieving safe and solid local jobs. However, it is important that the amount of work that is given can justify heavy and long term investments. We are preparing and making plans for building, so that we can simply push the button when everything is ready, says Knut-Leif Forland. He says that the company is already in contact with people who might become their new employees.

DECI has been a leading manufacturer of high quality acoustic sensors and data acquisition technology used for acoustic monitoring of structures, pressure vessels, piping and valves since 1986. Score Atlanta, a wholly owned subsidiary of Score Group plc supplies monitoring systems and services for valves used in power, oil and gas and other process industries. This acquisition compliments the current valve monitoring product lines of Score Atlanta and along with ongoing product development activities will help lower the cost of Score’s existing monitoring systems that employ AE technology. Score Atlanta is also well positioned to offer DECI customers a high level of product technical support for general acoustic emissions applications.

Contact: Stan Hale at +1 770-428-4874

“On the Record…”

RB211

“The expansion of our gas turbine pool is just the latest investment Score Energy has made in response to our customer needs. All of our gas turbines have undergone stringent overhaul and testing before being packaged and made available for both planned and unplanned outages.”
Richard Brown – Customer Support Manager

Score Valves Services

These contracts will ensure the provision of top class valve maintenance services for the next seven years for BHP and, form an excellent platform of optimism for a successful and continuous partnership with BHP Billiton Trinidad Limited.

Gilbert Whyte manning the Score Eastern Canada Stand

The DEFSEC show was a fi rst for Eastern Canada and was a great success with new contacts and opportunities arising from both a Naval and Shipbuilding perspective.

The theoretical sessions were followed by hands-on instruction in the use of Score’s own V-Scan diagnostic system. V-Scan can be used to diagnose control valve problems without removal from the process line providing significant cost savings. It can also be used to verify correct set-up and calibration of control valves prior to delivery to the customer. All control valves entering Score Valves in Trinidad will now be checked using V-Scan before and after overhaul. The customer will be provided with a V-Scan technical report to verify the health of each control valve and to provide a benchmark to assist with future predictive maintenance. The V-Scan equipment used in the workshop has been installed into a tool chest for protection and ease of movement. The unit has been lovingly named CINDI which stands for Control Intelligent Numerical Diagnostic Instrument. The V-Scan reports will be downloaded to the server via wireless connection. The connectivity of the V-Scan laptop provides remote login access allowing the technical support engineers in Brighouse to observe a test running live in Trinidad. This will prove invaluable in providing advanced training and technical support.

V-Scan Unit in Trinidad & Tobago Workshop Area

The second week of Steve and Glynn’s visit was spent delivering Lunch & Learn presentations. Clients visited the Score Valves facility over a four day period to receive presentations on; Control Valve Design & Technology, V-Scan Diagnostics and Intelligent Valve Management. Each set of presentations was followed by a workshop tour and a hands-on demonstration of V-Scan. All of the customers visiting which included representatives from PCS Nitrogen, Point Lisas Nitrogen, Phoenix Gas Processor, BG, Atlantic LNG, Air Liquide, BP and BHP were very impressed with the facility and the services offered. The trip was considered to be a huge success and very worthwhile. Steve and Glynn would like to pass on their thanks to Graeme and his staff for their attention and hospitality.

As its title infers, the conference was originally set up as a discussion group for owners and users of the GE range of LM (Land & Marine) Gas Turbine Engines based in the United States.

Over the years, the conference has grown and now attracts world wide operators and convening members of their supply chain, manufacturers and repair & overhaul facilities including all the major engine Service Centres such as GE, MTU, TCT, Air New Zealand, Avio & IHI.

Having such a large portion of Fuel Systems & Accessories customers all under one roof ensured we had a busy stand. It was an ideal opportunity to update stakeholders on our expanding capabilities, including the Woodward product range.

Wildlife Showcase

The event organiser and photography club member Peter Lewis decided to arrange this event to raise money to help buy a new dialysis machine for the Peterhead unit. To attract members from the Buchan area to the event, Peter invited Wildlife photographer Philip Newman to share his passion for photography and display some of the photos that he and his team have taken. Most of Philip Newman’s photography is wildlife which involves him travelling around the world to capture these stunning shots. The event was a great success with over 100 people attending which raised a sum of £850. Due to this success, a similar event may be held in the future.

Peter later added, “Thank you and your (Score) staff for making the night a night to remember.”

The oil refinery at Fawley is just one of the drivers behind Score setting up the local workshop in this area. There are many other opportunities in the power generation, naval, marine, pharmaceutical, chemical and other markets in this region.

The opening day was a well run and organised event, where a number of clients and potential clients were invited to come and see the newly resourced facilities and to talk to some of the Score representatives that were in attendance from the various facets of the Group. One of the clients had even flown in from the Czech Republic to attend the event.

Rather than extending an open ended “all-day” invitation, a decision was taken to compress the visiting time into to a fixed period between 1.00pm and 4.00pm and this worked very well,
making the premises look busy at all times.

The attending guests appeared impressed with what the company is offering in terms of facilities, products, services, experience, intelligence, engineering, testing, product management and training opportunities. It was agreed by all at the event that the hard work in setting up the business, the facility and the opening day itself, had given Southampton a great start. Some new business contacts were established, existing contacts were advanced and some real new opportunities to chase were identified, moving forward.

We would like to wish the Southampton team all the best and may it grow from strength to strength.

The one day audit went very well and S.T.A.M.P. Limited gained their ISO 9001 accreditation with no non conformances. Our thanks go to the whole team based in Wellbank who have worked hard to achieve this accreditation. Special thanks go to Andy Buchan Quality Manager for his advice and guidance leading up to and on the day of the audit and to Nigel Cordiner, who took the lead from the S.T.A.M.P. side.

The ISO 9001:2008 accreditation is good news for S.T.A.M.P. as a company as it will enable us to market our extensive knowledge in training and training delivery to a greater customer base showing our clients that as a company, we are committed to quality and continual improvement. We are constantly reviewing and improving our systems and procedures to ensure that we retain our accreditation and as a company remain focused on continually improving all the services we provide.

As well as creating and delivering training requested by personnel within the Score Group through VITAL Skills and presenter-led sessions, S.T.A.M.P. have also delivered training to third party customers including Petrofac, Nexen and Chevron since April 2009.

Through the design and production of printed and electronic publications and control of the Group’s corporate image, as well as the development of web-based sales and marketing strategies and campaigns, the company has continued to expand their services which are available to all Group companies, upon request.

On the 24th of January, three members of the Score Energy Team, Martin Kelman, Gregory Smedley and Stuart Lawrence travelled to the Woodward headquarters in Fort Collins Colorado.  

The main purpose of the visit was to receive training on some of Woodward’s key products and gain knowledge of the test stands and subsequently duplicate back in our Peterhead Facility. After an introduction with John Emery (Woodward Marketing Director), they were introduced to the Woodward Technical Team and following that, worked closely with Randy Bell and Neil Lewis in the repair workshop focusing on strip, inspection, assembly and testing of Woodward products. At the end of the three week trip all objectives were met and a strong working relationship was established between both teams.

Stuart Lawrence

The test bed, which is the forerunner of all subsequent second generation engine test beds now in operation around the world, was brought to Peterhead in 2003 by Ian Cheyne from it’s original home in RAF Farnborough, which is where Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine, created and developed it.