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Sasol and Synfuels

Welding safety extends to petrochem industry

By: Theresa Bhowan 22nd November 2019 Welding fumes are known to be particularly poisonous and a contaminant to the surrounding air, which is why welding solutions provider Unique Welding focuses on advanced welding safety, particularly in the petrochemicals industry for companies such as integrated chemicals and petrochemicals... →

Remediation announced following LCCP review

22nd November 2019 With the capital cost of the Lake Charles Chemicals Project (LCCP) in May forecasted as $12.9-billion, as opposed to the initial $12.6-billion forecast in February, Petrochemical producer Sasol’s board of directors commissioned an independent review to track the reasons behind the change in costs. →

WHAT A VIEW In May, Sasol re-evaluated and set out the principal factors that had resulted in an increase in the Lake Charles Chemical Project capital cost guidance

Internship programme taking off without limitations

22nd November 2019 The second edition of integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol and national administrative governing body South African Football Association’s (Safa’s) #Limitless internship programme is underway. →

Petrochemicals industry demand forecast to slow down by 2030

22nd November 2019 Management consulting firm McKinsey predicts that by 2030, global petrochemicals demand growth may slow from 3.6% to between 2% and 3%, says data management consultants Gabsten Technologies MD Hemant Harie. →

HEMANT HARIE Without effective data management and protection, organisations within the petrochemical industry may fall victim to data loss

Optimising processes for consumer convenience

22nd November 2019 With the intent of growing and expanding its retail business footprint, integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol is adapting its processes to best suit consumer needs. →

Photo by Sasol
BEACON OF LIGHT Sasol retailers aim to create a personalised and digitally connected platform for the consumer

Company continues to aim for balanced debt maturity profile

22nd November 2019 Integrated chemicals and petrochemicals major Sasol continues to actively manage its balance sheet with the objective of maintaining a robust liquidity position and a balanced debt maturity profile. →

FLEETWOOD GROBLER The new Sasol president, chief executive officer and executive director as effective November 1, 2019

Rope access ensures optimal maintenance of petrochem tanks

By: Theresa Bhowan 22nd November 2019 The highly explosive nature of the petrochemicals environment requires trained personnel, and often the scope of the work involves a work-at-height and or confined space element, which puts rope-access specialist Skyriders in the frame with its capabilities in performing maintenance and repair... →

UP, UP AND AWAY Skyriders’ projects and safety team assesses the task at hand and determines the type of equipment needed to carry out the task safely

Retail expansion an attainable goal

By: Theresa Bhowan 22nd November 2019 Listed as an overarching strategic focus, Sasol’s Retail division forms an integral part of the Sasol Groups’ investment strategy. Sasol Energy Retail and Corporate Affairs VP Mohamed Carrim, says that the organisation aims to substantially grow its market share in the foreseeable future as it... →

Photo by Sasol
FILL ‘ER UP Sasol has 409 Sasol Convenience Centres nationally each consisting of a forecourt, a convenience store, and a bakery

The New Force in Gas & Welding

22nd November 2019 Unique Welding is the largest independent, black-owned, black-managed gas and welding distributor in South Africa, as well as the largest importer of welding machines and welding wire in Southern Africa. As a fully integrated gas and welding solutions provider, Unique Welding is at the forefront... →

Sasol donates equipment to technical high schools

26th October 2018 Chemical and petrochemicals giant Sasol’s, Sasol Inzalo Foundation (SaIF) earlier this month contributed valuable equipment to technical high schools in Parys and Iketsetseng in the Free State. The donation formed part of the foundation’s Technical Schools of Excellence Network programme, which... →

INVESTMENT IN EXCELLENCE Sasol Inzalo Foundation has invested in equipment for technical high schools to build a pipeline of future artisans, technicians and technologists

Sasol, Indian companies join EP100 global energy-saving initiative

26th October 2018 Petrochemicals giant Sasol and Indian companies UltraTech Cement, Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers, Mahindra Heavy Engines and Godrej Industries and Associate Companies (Gilac) last month pledged to put energy efficiency at the heart of their business growth strategies by joining EP100. EP100 is a... →

HELEN CLARKSON Lowering energy use in sectors such as auto manufacturing, cement and chemicals production is an ambitious task

South Africa prepares for an electrified future

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Amid the conclusion of this year’s Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC), founder and director Winstone Jordaan tells Engineering News that South Africa is poised to adopt electrified transport. “Without any doubt in my mind, we are heading for an electric future. This means we must find better, cleaner... →

INSPIRING STUDENTS The Sasol Solar Challenge aims to inspire students to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects

Study examines impact of strikes on South African economy

26th October 2018 Amid continued protest action at chemical and petrochemicals heavyweight Sasol, university-led research foundation the Mandela Initiative has released conclusions on its research into the topic of local strikes and labour unrest. Sasol employees and members of trade union Solidarity have been on... →

Photo by Bloomberg
PROLONGED INDUSTRIAL ACTION Sasol employees and members of trade union Solidarity have been on a go-slow since September of this year

Sasol poised to improve operational performance in 2019

26th October 2018 Integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol reported that it is well positioned to continue improved operational performance in the 2019 financial year despite electricity supply interruptions, as its sales volumes increased by 1% for its performance chemicals business owing to robust market... →

LOWER VOLUMES Liquid fuels sales volumes for Sasol were down 2% as a result of lower production volumes and a challenging local retail liquid fuels market

Automatic shut-off valves improve plant safety

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Valves, steam and combustion system solution provider Heaton Valves Africa (HVA), states that its extensive range of German-made Albrecht-Automatik safety shut-off systems and components, significantly improve combustion system operational safety in the industries it serves. HVA combustion... →

SAFETY SHUT-OFF Albrecht-Automatik safety shut-off systems have a closing time of between one and five seconds during control function

Industries must address legacy contamination – firm

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Despite a significant improvement in the parameters outlined by current environmental policy – often diligently upheld by the local chemicals and petrochemicals industries – multidisciplinary engineering consultant SRK Consulting states that historic practices caused by lack of knowledge have... →

CONTAMINATED SITE Significant harm has arisen from a legacy of poor waste management, particularly within the chemicals industry

Progress made to deliver value-based company strategy

By: Paige Müller 26th October 2018 Integrated chemical and energy company Sasol’s 2018 financial year – which came to a close in June of this year – has proven positive in terms of realising the company’s strategy. “The company has made significant strides in bettering its organisational culture and advancing opportunities in its... →

REMAIN COMPETITIVE Sasol is looking to further enhance its performance by ensuring it is able to remain competitive at an oil price of $40/bl

Refinery receives new fire protection trailer system

By: Melissa Zisengwe 26th October 2018 For three consecutive years, fire protection equipment supplier DoseTech and Germany-based dosing technology company FireDos have supplied the latest portable foam fire-protection system to integrated chemicals and energy chemicals company Sasol, states Dosetech MD Mike Feldon. The latest system... →

FUTURE FIRE PROJECTION FireDos will offer the local market water-driven fire protection foam dosing systems with a maximum flow rate of 25 000 ℓ/min

Layher (Pty) Ltd

26th October 2018 Established in 1945 as a family company, Layher is a pioneer in advanced scaffolding systems and is consistently at the forefront of innovation, safety and quality. Layher is the world’s largest producer of high-quality system scaffolding, with all its material manufactured at the company’s... →

Welding Alloys South Africa

26th October 2018 As a Welding Alloys Group subsidiary, Welding Alloys South Africa (WASA) has access to a vast source of knowledge and technology, bringing world-class products and solutions to African countries. WASA’s market-leading chromium carbide wear-resistant plate material is well-known throughout various... →

Euro Steel

23rd October 2018 Part of AFMETCO Group of Companies, Euro Steel has evolved into one of South Africa’s largest stainless steel, special steels, aluminium and other corrosion-resistant materials distributors and exporters. The company operates predominantly in all major cities in South Africa, but also has... →

Financial results exhibit value-based growth

27th October 2017 In the 2017 financial year, energy and chemicals company Sasol’s results portrayed value-based growth on a robust foundation owing to a strong business performance across most of the value chain. →

STRONG PERFORMANCE The company’s strong cost performance was achieved by the sustainable delivery of its Business Performance Enhancement Programme and Response Plan

Company mitigates refinery industry challenges

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th October 2017 Amid the weak demand and low prices that have hampered strategic decision-making and stalled planning for the oil and gas industry globally, specialised engineering company RTS Africa Engineering says improved technologies facilitating the understanding of process variables allow for cautious... →

MEASURING HYDROGEN The Hy-Optima 2700 series hydrogen analysers uses a solid-state, non-consumable sensor that is configured to operate in process gas streams

Pressure equipment for petrochem industry

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th October 2017 Gas equipment supplier Energas Technologies says it will be beneficial being a local distributor and service provider for Italy-based specialised equipment manufacturer VRV, to local refineries and petrochemicals companies in particular. →

UNDER PRESSURE Energas' core focus is supplying systems and equipment for natural gas and petrochemical industries

Continued volatility impacts on energy and chemicals company

27th October 2017 Continued volatility in the macroeconomic environment, particularly the stronger rand and low oil price, has adversely impacted energy and chemicals company Sasol’s financial performance, says Sasol CFO Paul Victor. →

Photo by Bloomberg
RECORD PRODUCTION Sasol showed great resilience and character through delivering record production volumes at Secunda Synfuels

CTL beneficial as a synfuel

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th October 2017 Depending on market forces and subsequent regulations, coal-to-liquids (CTL) as a fuel alternative could be beneficial for the synfuels industry, especially for companies that diversify outside of conversion processes to include other capabilities, says synfuel company Synfuels Americas. →

JUDD SWIFT The cost of cleaner resources and technology makes conversion unreasonable for developing economies

First synthetic Blue Crude plant to start operation in 2020

27th October 2017 The mass production of the environment-friendly synthetic crude oil substitute Blue Crude will become a reality from 2020, says research and development company Sunfire. →

GOING BLUE Refineries can use Blue Crude as a raw material for waxes, and petrol, diesel, kerosene and even rocket fuel

Initiatives aim to reduce carbon footprint and production costs

By: Simone Liedtke 27th October 2017 Current initiatives in the global synthetic fuels (synfuels) industry are focussing on using coal feedstock more efficiently to reduce operational and capital costs of production, states chemicals process engineering company Holland and Hausberger CEO Dr Brendon Hausberger. →

GENERAL PUBLIC PERCEPTION The general public perception is that coal is a dirty and undesirable environment-costly option

Monitoring system assists with continuous safety and product quality

By: Simone Liedtke 27th October 2017 Industrial equipment supplier SICK Automation says its LMS511 Pro object detection system assists in decreasing the number of collisions and injuries for the chemicals, petrochemicals and automated bulk handling industries, where continuous process and proximity monitoring plays a critical role... →

OBJECT DETECTION The LMS511 Pro object detection system will detect any objects or humans in the reclaimer path

Sasol mitigates material matters issues in 2017

27th October 2017 To mitigate material matters that could substantially affect its ability to create value in the short, medium or long term, as a result of not being able to execute its strategy and the impact thereof on its ability to stay competitive, petrochemicals giant Sasol has outlined a five-step process... →

MANAGING MATTERS Sasol reviews and monitors material matters through stakeholder inclusiveness always keeping a sustainability context in mind

Supplier prepares for maintenance shutdown

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th October 2017 Specialist valve, overpressure, combustion, pipeline, and product storage equipment supplier Heaton Valves Africa (HVA) is gearing up for petrochemicals giant Sasol’s major plant maintenance shutdown, planned for September next year in Secunda, Mpumalanga, which will also affect Sasol’s Sasolburg... →

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Sasol’s Secunda plant shutdown every eight years gives many suppliers the opportunity to do maintenance and replacements

Euro Steel

By: Creamer Media Reporter 27th October 2017 Part of AFMETCO Group of Companies, Euro Steel has evolved into one of South Africa’s largest stainless steel, special steels, aluminium and other corrosion-resistant materials distributors and exporters. The company operates predominantly in all major cities in South Africa, but also has... →

Positive prospects for synfuels sector with focus on efficient maintenance

By: Simone Liedtke 27th October 2017 Welding and construction equipment-related supplier Renttech South Africa (SA) sees prospects for the synfuels industry improving, as the recent depressed period - owing to the decline globally in hydrocarbon fuel prices - has seen the petrochemicals industry focusing on efficient maintenance,... →

TO GROW AND PROSPER The country needs to have an efficient, cost-competitive local petrochemicals industry

Process Pipes

By: Zandile Mavuso 18th July 2017 With 47 years’ expertise in the pipes industry, wholesale carbon and mild steel pipes, fittings and flanges wholesaler Process Pipe has established a national footprint in South Africa, with branches in Gauteng (Alrode), KwaZulu-Natal (Jacobs) and two branches in the Western Cape (Belville and... →

Valuable partnership continued with new projects

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st October 2016 Pressure vessels and piping fabrication specialists and construction fabrication consortium the Hydra Arc group of companies is continuing its long-term partnership with energy and chemicals company Sasol by assisting it with the construction of an air separation unit, as well as developing... →

FURTHER EXPANSION (lead pic) A 17th air separation train will supply oxygen and nitrogen to Sasol’s synthetic fuels and chemicals manufacturing process at its Secunda complex

Company assists in making way for new plants

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st October 2016 Demolition specialist Jet Demolition is assisting energy and chemicals company Sasol with the demolition of redundant equipment at its Sasolburg operations, in the Free State, to create space for new plant systems. →

SAFETY IS KEY Cold-cutting equipment and high-reach excavators reduce the safety risks to personnel involved in the demolition of large plants

Robotic tank floor eliminates risks

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st October 2016 Oil, gas and petrochemicals services provider A.Hak Industrial Services (A.Hak) will introduce a Robotic online storage tank floor inspection service in South Africa before the end of this year. This new technology eliminates the need for storage tanks to be decommissioned for lengthy periods for... →

PRODUCT MODIFICATION A.Hak can now inspect furnace tubes as small as 3” in diameter

Conveyor belt delivers coal from new shaft at Middelbult operation

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st October 2016 Global conveying and industrial solutions provider Dunlop Industrial Products manufactured and supplied conveyor belting that has been fitted on to one of the longest belt conveyor systems in the world – a 20-km-long system – at energy and chemicals company Sasol’s Middelbult coal mine in Secunda. →

CONVEYING COAL The overland belt conveyor is transporting coal mined at the Shondoni shaft to Sasol’s coal supply operations, about 20 km apart

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