Adopting best lab practices in modern refineries will ensure quality control and compatibility with regulatory oil export requirements, while contributing to clean environment, a top minister said.

Finance Minister and Minister in Charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, was speaking after opening the third International Laboratory Technology Conference and Exhibition (Labtech 2014) at the Gulf Convention Centre under the theme "Towards Excellence in Laboratory Management,” said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The event was organised by the Saudi Arabian International Chemical Sciences Chapter of the American Chemical Society in collaboration with Bahrain University and the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) and the support of a number of Gulf and global oil companies and extensive participation of interested parties from the GCC, the region and the world over.

The minister said that the conference would be a catalyst for knowledge-sharing and idea exchange on a variety of regional and global oil industry and petrochemical issues.

He said the event would boost human resources development, quality management, as well as health, safety and environmental programmes.

He stressed the importance of adopting best lab practices and said it entailed all oil industry labs be equipped with latest equipment that operates under the supervision of highly qualified technicians capable of handling complex technology, and have quick response to emergencies.

He pointed out the importance of oil-producing countries to develop a strong "environment, health and safety culture".

Shaikh Ahmed said that Noga and Bapco have modernised the Bahrain Refinery, employing the latest technologies in petroleum industry, and upgrading the machinery used in testing crude and petroleum products to comply with international standards of safety, quality and environment protection.

All Noga holding companies employed latest laboratory technologies and had achieved occupational safety, environmental safeguards and quality objectives, winning a number of international awards in appreciation, he added.

Shaikh Ahmed also opened an accompanying exhibition, where many local, Gulf and international oil companies showcased various innovations and the latest technology.

Participants from the region included Bapco, GPIC, Banagas, Saudi Aramco and Yasref.

Renewable energy companies showcased modern high-end devices used in petrochemical labs, while some exhibitors shared tips on best practices, experiences and success stories in the field of refining and technology transfer in laboratories and chemical industries.

Meanwhile, Bapco is currently taking part as a Platinum sponsor at Labtech 2014. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Bapco's chairman Adel Khalil Almoayyed.

Bapco has a company stand, jointly with GPIC, Banagas and Noga. Bapco's general manager - refining Hafedh Al Qassab received a trophy on behalf of Bapco, in recognition of its platinum sponsorship of the event. - TradeArabia News Service