Independent, Versatile and Constantly Evolving

Independent advice, in-depth technical expertise and an expanding role in digitalisation.

That is what ODS Analyser Systems, one of the business units of ODS Energy Solutions, stands for. From an independent position, the team supports customers with complex analytical applications across a wide range of industries, from chemicals and petrochemicals to water treatment, steel, oil & gas and sustainable aviation. Business Unit Manager Walter Van den Broeck explains how this independent approach helps customers, which innovations are currently under development and where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth.

Forty Years of Experience in Process Analysis

Walter Van den Broeck has been active in the world of process analysis for more than forty years. Even before joining ODS Energy Solutions in January 2024, he already knew the company well.

“At my previous employer, ODS was our partner for the system integration of analysers. So I already knew what expertise was available here.”

He started as Business Development Manager and became Business Unit Manager of Analyser Systems a year later. Since then, the business unit has continued to grow.

“The team has expanded significantly over the past period. We have recruited several engineers, and our workshop is also being further expanded. This increases our capacity to execute even larger and more complex projects.”

Independent Advice as Our Greatest Strength

As an independent system integrator, Analyser Systems is not tied to a single manufacturer or technology. This means that the best solution for the customer is always at the centre of its approach.

“We help customers address their analytical challenges. Because we are independent, we can work with all suppliers and select the solution that is technically the best fit in each case.”

This approach allows the business unit to operate across a wide range of industries. In addition to chemicals and petrochemicals, Analyser Systems also works with customers in the water sector, steel industry, renewable energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Alongside projects for external customers, the business unit also supports other ODS Energy Solutions locations worldwide with oil & gas projects.

“Our collaboration with our international business units is now firmly established. Colleagues from, among others, Singapore and Brazil involve us in major analysis projects. This highlights the growing international role our team plays.”

From Engineering to Complete Analyser Systems

The activities of Analyser Systems range from engineering studies to the complete integration of analyser systems.

An important part of this work involves analyser shelters: specially designed buildings that house analysers and all their supporting systems. Just as important as the analysers themselves is the sample conditioning system, which ensures that the process sample reaches the measuring equipment under the correct conditions.

“We are often involved at a very early stage of a project. Together with the customer, we map out the process streams, advise on the most suitable analytical technology and support the selection of the right equipment and the associated sample preparation.”

It is precisely the independent position that makes the difference. Because Analyser Systems is not tied to a single supplier, the team can recommend the most suitable solution for each application.

The business unit also works closely with manufacturers of analytical equipment, who engage ODS to integrate their analysers into complete systems, including the full sample conditioning system.

Digitalisation Is Transforming Process Analysis

Digitalisation is also becoming increasingly important within process analysis. Whereas analysers used to be primarily standalone measuring instruments, they are increasingly evolving into integrated systems that provide real-time insight into plant performance.

To respond to this development, Analyser Systems is currently developing an Analyser Management System (AMS), based on its own MOMS platform for Metering Systems, for a major customer.

“The system continuously collects information about process conditions such as pressure and temperature, as well as information about the sample conditioning and safeguarding of the analyser shelter. Through a dashboard, users can monitor key parameters, remotely verify analysers and automate various functions via a Human Machine Interface.”

The ambition is to make this approach more widely available to other customers and projects in the future.

Practical Knowledge Across Different Industries

According to Walter, the greatest added value of Analyser Systems lies in the combination of broad technical knowledge and practical experience.

Because the business unit operates across a wide range of sectors, the team works with virtually all commonly used analytical technologies and suppliers. This expertise has been further strengthened in recent years by recruiting new colleagues with experience on the customer side.

“They know from their own experience which challenges customers face on a daily basis. This means we can not only provide technical advice, but also genuinely think along with the customer to find the best solution for a specific measurement challenge.”

Ready for New Markets

Looking ahead, Walter sees several interesting opportunities for growth. For example, Analyser Systems is exploring further opportunities in the FPSO market together with colleagues in Brazil and Singapore. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel market also offers significant potential. In addition, we expect projects focused on the energy transition to regain importance in the future.

“We are currently working with a supplier of analytical equipment on a very promising new project.”

He also sees the chemical and petrochemical industries cautiously starting to invest again after a challenging period.

“New projects are coming back onto the market, and some projects that had been put on hold are being revisited. Although financing can still be a challenge in some cases, we can clearly see that investment appetite is increasing and that new opportunities are emerging.”

Investing in Growth and Service

The ambitions of Analyser Systems go beyond simply increasing the number of projects. In the coming years, the business unit also wants to invest in services and knowledge sharing.

“We want to continue expanding our team and broadening our customer portfolio. This spread across different industries makes us less dependent on developments in any one specific market.”

Service will also take on a more prominent role within the organisation. Analyser Systems is working on establishing its own analyser service department, enabling the team to provide customers with optimal support after installations have been delivered.

In addition, on 8 October 2026, ODS Analyser Systems will organise a dedicated User Day, bringing together customers, suppliers and specialists to exchange knowledge about the latest developments in process analysis.

A Strong Reputation in a Specialised Market

According to Walter, it is ultimately the combination of experience, flexibility and customer focus that sets Analyser Systems apart.

“The world of analysis is a relatively small niche market where everyone knows each other. We have built up a strong reputation in this market, and we are proud of that.”

By combining technical expertise with practical experience and vendor-independent advice, the business unit will continue to support customers with increasingly complex analytical applications – today and in the future.