Integrated Global Services (IGS), a provider of asset integrity and energy efficiency solutions for the energy, power and heavy industry sectors, has introduced Rovex, the latest evolution of its proven robotic cleaning technology for fired heater convection sections.
Building on the TubeTech robotic cleaning system, which has been successfully deployed across industrial facilities worldwide for many years, Rovex combines proven cleaning performance with advances in robotic mobility, access capability and digital performance verification, the company said.
The introduction of Rovex brings together years of operational learning under a single technology platform, reflecting IGS' continued investment in robotics, digitalisation and performance-driven maintenance solutions.
Designed to navigate complex tube geometries, the compact remotely operated vehicle (ROV) uses patented cleaning lance technology and integrated inspection capabilities to remove stubborn fouling while eliminating the need for confined-space entry.
Fired heater fouling remains one of the largest contributors to lost thermal efficiency across refining and petrochemical operations. Even a 1% loss in steam cracker efficiency can cost operators several million dollars annually, making effective convection section cleaning critical to plant performance.
Unlike conventional manual cleaning or water jetting, Rovex is designed to clean more than 90% of accessible tube surface area, helping operators recover efficiency while reducing the risk of damage associated with traditional methods.
Each deployment is supported by thermal performance analysis before and after cleaning, enabling IGS engineers to target fouled areas and verify operational improvements. Recent projects have demonstrated fuel efficiency improvements of up to 2.9%, stack temperature reductions of up to 60°C (108°F), annual CO₂ emissions reductions exceeding 1,600 tonnes, and payback periods of less than three months, depending on furnace design and operating conditions.
Recent field applications further demonstrate the platform's impact. At Oman Methanol Company, Rovex restored convection section performance, reducing stack temperature by 34°C (93.2°F) and improving fuel efficiency by 1.8%, enabling a return to full production capacity while lowering fuel consumption and associated emissions.
"Rovex represents the next stage in the evolution of our robotic cleaning technology," said Eric Duvekot, Vice President of Engineering at IGS. "We've built on years of successful field deployment with the TubeTech platform, incorporating customer feedback and continued engineering development to create a more capable system. Rovex helps operators recover lost efficiency more safely, access more of the convection section, and verify performance improvements with greater confidence."
As industries seek safer, more efficient and lower-emission maintenance solutions, Rovex combines a proven operational track record with the latest advances in robotics and digital performance analysis to help operators improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and make more informed maintenance decisions. -TradeArabia News Service
