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Oil Refineries

Long-term demand structure for petroleum unclear

By: Darren Parker 4th September 2020 It is expected that the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to negatively affect liquid fuels demand in the short term, but whether this represents a long-term structural shift is not yet clear, says South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) executive director Avhapfani Tshifularo. Before... →

Heavy equipment demobilised after project completion

4th September 2020 Heavy equipment lifting and transporting company Mammoet recently began demobilising equipment it had deployed at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical complex in Lekki Free Zone, in Nigeria. The demobilising of the equipment began in July. →

BIG DELIVERIES The components for the refinery project consisted of multiple shipments delivered to the purpose-built Dangote Quay Lekki in Lagos

New proportioning system ideal for refineries

By: Darren Parker 4th September 2020 Fire-suppression systems developer FireDos launched the third generation (Gen III) of its foam proportioners for fire extinguishing systems globally at the end of last year. The technology has since been made available in South Africa through local partner and distributor DoseTech. The Gen III... →

A NEW GENERATION The Gen III foam proportioner can handle all types of foam agents, even highly viscous, alcohol-resistant and fluorine-free foam agents

Wieland SA

26th June 2020 Wieland SA celebrates 45 years of supplying high-quality, semi-finished copper and copper alloy products to the local and export markets. Based in Edenvale, Johannesburg, Wieland SA specialises in producing high-performance low- and high-finned mono- and bi-metal tubes. →

Company committed to youth empowerment

6th September 2019 Young chemical engineer Nokubonga Ngqulunga is one of many whose horizons have broadened thanks to oil company Engen. →

NOKUBONGA NGQULUNGA Anything and everything is possible if you put in the hard work and believe in yourself

Company to use virtual reality to enhance offering for refineries

By: Mamaili Mamaila 6th September 2019 Spray technology distributor Monitor Engineering is currently ordering a virtual reality system that will enable the company to show clients how its spray nozzles and spray systems operate in their applications. →

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY While 4IR may bring about the reality of job losses, it could also present added benefits that the country may not be aware of as yet

Foundation celebrates 25 years of success in used oil recycling

6th September 2019 More than 1.5-billion litres of hazardous used motor oil has been kept out of the environment. →

COLLABORATION It is imperative that ROSE works alongside government to ensure we help shape legislation which will benefit all stakeholders in the oil industry

IMO regulation a hurdle for local oil refineries

By: Mamaili Mamaila 6th September 2019 The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2020 regulation has prescribed for a large reduction in the maximum sulphur content of bunker fuels which presents a challenge for South African oil refineries. →

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Oil refineries have to comply with the minimum emission standards as stipulated in the national Air Quality Act

Beneficial operation at facility reached

6th September 2019 Oil company Sasol, a leading integrated energy company which jointly runs the Natref refinery located in the Free State, reached beneficial operation of its new alkoxylation plant in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China on April 18, 2019. →

Cleaner-fuels upgrades a top priority for African refineries

By: Mamaili Mamaila 6th September 2019 With the January 2020 International Marine Organization deadline for further reductions in sulphur in marine fuels looming, continued advances in emissions monitoring in new vehicles and the ever-present pressure on refining margins, South Africa’s aging coastal refineries have a renewed focus on... →

PREDICTABLE OUTCOMES The predictability of the project’s outcome has always been a critical and constant issue for oil refineries

Company launches management solution

6th September 2019 Petroleum products and solutions provider Masana Petroleum Solutions has extended its long-standing strategic partnership with oil industry company BP Southern Africa (BPSA) – which jointly runs the Sapref refinery located in KwaZulu-Natal – to deliver an innovative fleet management solution, BP... →

Significant growth expected in flame arrestor market

7th September 2018 The global flame arrestors market is estimated to be $713.8-million in 2018 and is projected to reach $924.7-million by 2023, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.31%, according to research company Research and Markets. In their report titled ‘Flame Arrestors Market by Type (In-Line and... →

New flowmeter from Instrotech introduced

7th September 2018 Control instrumentation distributor and manufacturer Instrotech is offering the latest Kobold Model VKP flowmeter that works on the Variable Area principle, still one of the most-used measurement principles in flow engineering. Instead of the conical measuring pipe generally used, a conical... →

VARIABLE FLOW The Kobold Model VKP flowmeter is able to monitor variable liquid flows

New partnership offers turnkey STO solutions

7th September 2018 At Marcus Evans' tenth annual Chemical/Petrochemical and Refinery Shutdowns and Turnarounds Event in San Antonio, Texas, in May, US-based business management consultant KAP Project Services and US-based industrial workforce management company Mobideo Technologies announced a strategic partnership... →

TURNING AROUND A new partnership will make Special Technical Operations easier

S African refineries pulled in two

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 7th September 2018 Local oil refineries will find it difficult to adjust to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) new sulphur cap of 0.5% by 2020 for residual marine fuels, and the Clean Fuels Two Programme in South Africa, says South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) head of strategic... →

Photo by Bloomberg
LOCAL REFINERIES South African oil refineries face two main challenges

Two new refineries in the works for Nigeria

7th September 2018 As part of its refinery collocation initiative designed to boost local refining capacity to end the era of petroleum products importation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has hinted of plans to establish a 100 000 bbl/d brownfield refinery in both Port Harcourt and Warri in... →

Investment affected by environmental impact compliance

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 7th September 2018 South African oil refineries need to be aware of their impact on the environment to comply with changing legislation and to further investment opportunities, states Norton Rose Fulbright insurance litigation director Caroline Theodosiou. “Oil refineries need to ensure that if they are increasing... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Oil refineries need to take steps to reduce their environmental impact to pacify investors

Sasol develops new IT solution for head office

7th September 2018 In partnership with integrated energy and chemical company Sasol’s Information Management Services (IMS) to develop and deliver an integrated information technology (IT) solution for its new head office, professional services company Turner & Townsend has helped Sasol – which is involved in... →

FLEXIBLE TECHNOLOGY The use of flexible technology will make future refurbishments less complicated

New oil refinery for Uzbekistan

7th September 2018 Jizzakh Petroleum, a joint venture of Uzbekistan’s State-owned Uzbekneftegaz and Russian oil exploration company Gazprom International’s subsidiary Gas Project Development Central Asia will use American multinational conglomerate Honeywell Universal Oil Products (UOP) technologies to build a new... →

Photo by Bloomberg
NEW OIL Uzbekistan is getting a new five-million tons a year oil refinery

Cost-effective workforce housing supports oil refinery shutdown

8th September 2017 Prefabricated buildings manufacturer Kwikspace Modular Buildings helped to facilitate a smooth turnaround process during a three-month shutdown at one of Southern Africa’s largest crude oil refineries this year, through the supply of modular housing for critical staff. →

SHORT-TERM SOLUTION Nearly 100 workers from various international locations needed to be trained and housed for the duration of the three-month project

High-quality weld preparation for oil and gas industry

8th September 2017 Orbital cutting and bevelling machines for high-purity piping from international weld preparation products supplier EH Wachs are now available in South Africa from industrial equipment supplier Dowson & Dobson Industrial, a division of Actum Industrial, to serve the unique needs of the oil and... →

SAFETY AND PRECISION The cold cutting process eliminates the risks associated with torch cutting and produces a stronger weld joint

Infrastructure expansion will boost oil rig traffic

8th September 2017 South African ports are projected to receive an injection of almost R44.4-billion over the coming five years from State-owned logistics operator Transnet, which will increase the number of oil rigs docking for maintenance and repairs in South Africa, says defence and security solutions supplier... →

Photo by Bloomberg
INCREASED CAPABILITY Expansions of South Africa’s port infrastructure will increase the number of oil rigs docking for maintenance and repairs in the country

Mobile units ensure flexible fire protection at oil refineries

By: Robyn Wilkinson 8th September 2017 Fire protection equipment supplier DoseTech commissioned a second firefighting trailer-mounted (FTM) unit for a South Africa-based crude oil storage depot last month, providing a highly portable and flexible solution to complement the depot’s existing large-scale foam and water cannon system. →

SAFETY MADE EASY DoseTech has seen eager demand from South African oil refineries for its mobile fire-protection equipment

Retractable spray injectors important cost savers

By: Robyn Wilkinson 8th September 2017 Retractable spray injectors not only increase the ease and safety of performing inspection and maintenance activities at oil refineries but can also potentially reduce operational downtime and contribute to significant cost savings, says spraying systems provider Monitor Engineering MD Grant... →

KEY COOLING Spray injectors inject liquids or gases into process streams, providing critical cooling, mixing, quenching, washing, humidifying, gas cooling or chemical reactions

Thermal spray coatings provide protection for refineries

8th September 2017 Thermal spray coatings can produce significant cost savings for refineries by reducing the amount of piping maintenance required to guard against the consequences of corrosion under insulation (CUI), says wear solutions provider Weartech director Adam Wintle. →

PROTECTIVE LAYER Coatings produced with thermal spraying are formed when millions of particles are deposited on top of each other and are bonded to the substrate

Well-managed upgrades essential at African refineries

By: Robyn Wilkinson 8th September 2017 With demand for cleaner fuel products driving refinery upgrades in Africa, turnaround planning must be carefully managed to eliminate the risks of costly overruns and production losses, which can threaten the economic viability of the projects, says project management consultancy Turner &... →

Photo by Bloomberg
KEEPING UP Refineries are under pressure to become more environment-friendly in respect of their direct impact on the environment and the impact of the fuels they produce

Importing refined fuels quicker and more financially viable for Africa

By: Robyn Wilkinson 8th September 2017 Rather than focusing time and finances on establishing new oil refineries, African countries should enhance their focus on a niche market strength that will enable them to become competitive in a global market, accepting that the import and storage of refined fuels is a quicker and more... →

RODRICK NAIDOO Countries that have their own crude resources and established mega-refineries could never be outpriced by a South African refinery

Strategic planning ensures successful turnaround on refinery upgrades

8th September 2017 Creative thinking and sound preparation enabled engineering firm MegChem to assist oil company Chevron with large-scale upgrades at its Cape Town refinery in a turnaround period of ten weeks, says MegChem director Louis Odendaal →

TEAM EFFORT The combined Chevron and MegChem teams worked together closely to complete the upgrades

Newest firefighting technology delivered to South Africa

By: Nadine James 2nd September 2016 Fire protection technology provider DoseTech is promoting the concept of firefighting trailer-mounted (FTM) units to the sub-Saharan Africa oil industry, and has concluded the delivery of the first system to the South African market. Further, the company is in discussions with a South African... →

GERMAN ENGINEERING The FTM units are manufactured by DoseTech partner and German fire-safety product manufacturer FireDos

Industry challenges blunt investment in oil and gas sector

2nd September 2016 Demand for oil and gas from markets in Africa remains high but low crude prices combined with poor physical infrastructure, inadequate logistical solutions and onerous government regulations have blunted investment in oil and gas field development, says independent oil and gas company SacOil... →

THABO KGOGO 57% of Africa’s export earnings are derived from hydrocarbons

Company science and engineering programme celebrates graduates

2nd September 2016 More than 100 science and engineering university graduates and participants in petrochemicals and chemicals company Sasol’s education programmes were recognised on July 7 for successfully completing their respective degree courses from undergraduate to doctorate level. The graduates had... →

Photo by Duane Daws
SASOLBURG PLANT The Sasol Inzalo Foundation has enabled 105 black, and predominantly female students to graduate in the past year

Ghana oil refinery showing signs of profitability

2nd September 2016 Recent reports demonstrate that Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) – Ghana’s only oil refinery – has begun showing signs of profitability after seven years of stagnation. The refinery posted a profit of $800 000 from its operations from February 16 to April 20, a development described by market... →

REFINERY IS FINE AGAIN The Ghanaian refinery has recovered from its seven year stagnation and is showing progress

Egyptian petrochemicals complex expected 2021

2nd September 2016 Egyptian petrochemicals company Carbon Holding's proposed Tahrir Petrochemicals Complex is to be located within the Ain Sokhna industrial zone, near the Gulf of Suez. Major contracts for the project have been awarded, with the construction work expected to start later this year and commissioning... →

SUNRISE INDUSTRY While the oil industry in other parts of the globe is stagnating the World Bank believes there is still potential in Africa's oil industry

Nigeria, Spain to strengthen bilateral trade relationship

2nd September 2016 Nigeria and Spain, last month expressed their readiness to strengthen their bilateral trade relationship for mutual benefit across the spectrum in the oil and gas industry. State-owned oil development corporation Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) group MD Dr Maikanti Kachalla Baru... →

OIL ON TAP Two Nigerian refineries and a pipeline were brought back online to address the country's petrol shortage

Phase 1 of refinery expansion project to be completed this year

2nd September 2016 The Cameroonian government is planning to complete the first phase of the expansion and modernisation works at national refinery company Sonara’s refinery later this year, which will lead to an increase in production. According to local media, the refinery – the only one in the country – has been... →

DOGGED DEVELOPMENT The Sonara refinery has been in the process of expanding and modernising its equipment since 2013

RFO consumption expected to decline significantly by 2020

2nd September 2016 US energy research agency Energy Information Administration (EIA) in May released a report that commented that residual fuel oil (RFO) consumption is expected to decline significantly within the next four years. RFO is one of several residuals that remain after lighter materials, including... →

Opportunities for bitumen producers increased in Africa

2nd September 2016 With there being various commitments to improve infrastructure made by African countries, bitumen producers will be assured of significant work in future, says oil industry company Royal Dutch Shell. According to figures stated in the Roads and Highways overview compiled by international... →

SAPREF The 10/20 bitumen is available for direct pick-up at the Shell and BP South African Petroleum Refineries in Durban

Supplier development programme launched for black businesses

2nd September 2016 Oil refining company Chevron Corporation’s local subsidiary Chevron South Africa (SA) – which markets its fuel under the Caltex brand – last month announced a new enterprise and supplier development (E&SD) programme aimed at improving access to its value chain for black-owned businesses. The... →

CHEVRON OIL REFINERY The refinery produces petrol, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas and other specialty products for South Africa

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