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Sasol and Synfuels

Production site acquisition finalised

1st October 2021 Multinational industrial gas company Air Liquide’s acquisition of integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol’s 16 Air Separation Units (ASUs) in Secunda, Mpumalanga has now been finalised. The plan to acquire the ASUs was first announced on July 29 last year, subject to approvals. Engineering... →

New drone tech improves inspection capabilities

By: Darren Parker 1st October 2021 Work-at-height company Skyriders has added the Zenith robotic inspection device –a new vertical inspection technology – to its portfolio of services. The winch-operated pan-tilt-zoom camera drone increases the accuracy and efficiency of repeat inspections in vertical downhole applications such as... →

A photo of the fully assembled Zenith robotic inspection device including camera, controller and tripod

DOWN-HOLE DREAM Skyriders first used the Zenith robotic inspection device in June for internal inspections on large petrochemicals tanks

Carbon tax ineffective against major emitters

By: Darren Parker 1st October 2021 South Africa’s “laughably weak and ineffective” carbon tax regime is no disincentive to carbon-intensive businesses, such as integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol, environmental activist organisation Greenpeace Africa climate and energy campaigner Thandile Chinyavanhu tells Engineering... →

A photo of a Sasol plant emitting pollution into the air while crops and flowers grow in the foreground

Photo by Reuters
PINING FOR CHANGE Greenpeace Africa ponders whether a just transition is possible while major emitters continue to be granted large-scale carbon tax allowances

More equipment donated in the fight against Covid-19

1st October 2021 Integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol has donated mobile clinics, vaccine carriers, laptops, specialised World Health Organisation-approved medical refrigerators and freezers, as well as temperature loggers to the provincial health departments in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State to... →

A photo of a healthworker’s hands filling out a form at a table with Covid-19 vaccinations lined up in the foreground

SPREADING THE CURE Sasol is supporting Government’s vaccination rollout strategy by donating essential equipment and resources

Emissions roadmap launched

2nd October 2020 Chemicals and energy group Sasol has announced the launch of its 2030 emissions roadmap for its South African operations. “This roadmap details our path to at least 10% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, off a 2017 baseline and was developed taking a long-term view. It places us... →

BRIGHTER FUTURE
The need for South Africa to move towards a lower-carbon economy, and to pursue an energy mix that supports this imperative, is of utmost importance

Photo by Adobe Stock
BRIGHTER FUTURE The need for South Africa to move towards a lower-carbon economy, and to pursue an energy mix that supports this imperative, is of utmost importance

Financial response plan implemented

2nd October 2020 In the face of the oil price collapse and unprecedented challenges, chemicals and energy group Sasol took immediate steps to implement a comprehensive response plan to stabilise the business in the short term and raise cash of at least $6-billion by the end of financial year 2021 to repay debt,... →

QUICK RESPONDERS Sasol took immediate steps to implement a comprehensive response plan to stabilise the business in the short term

NDT viable in volatile environments

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 2nd October 2020 Rope access specialist Skyriders provides non-destructive testing (NDT) for a large petrochemicals producer in South Africa. “NDT comprises a number of techniques that enable us to evaluate and test the integrity of a structure, component or system without having to physically damage or take... →

HIGH ROLLER NDT comprises a number of techniques that enables Skyriders to evaluate and test the integrity of a structure, component or system

Producer to mitigate Covid-19 challenges

2nd October 2020 With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, chemicals and energy group Sasol took urgent steps to stabilise the group in the short term. Sasol released its integrated report and 2020 performance for the year ended June 2020, noting revenue at over R190-billion. It was noted that earnings were... →

Safe and certified welding supply

2nd October 2020 With fully certified technology being necessary to improve the quality, quantity and safety in the chemicals and petrochemicals environment, integrated gas and welding distributor Unique Welding works with international suppliers and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure that the... →

BREATHING EASY The PAPR system purifies air by sucking it through a series of specific air filters, subsequently delivering clean, purified air into the helmet for the welder to breathe

Innovative recycling initiative receives funding

2nd October 2020 Recycling company Packa-Ching has seen community residents across South Africa making an income by selling their recyclable packaging, shifting a change in behaviour towards packaging waste and cleaning up the environment. The success of the Packa-Ching recycling business model has resulted in a... →

KEEP IT CLEAN Sasol has committed to fund 25 additional Packa-Ching mobile units across South Africa

Wieland SA

30th September 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. →

Welding safety extends to petrochem industry

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 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... →

BREATHING EASY The powered, air-purifying respirator system not only eliminates welding fumes, but also petrochemical fumes

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-Rajah 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-Rajah 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... →

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

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. →

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

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

Editorial Insight

Urgent solution needed

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Business Leader

Dean Thompson

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Cartoon

DUSTBIN OF HISTORY

South Africa simply cannot afford a repeat of 2021 this year. Further delays in dealing with the country’s big problems of load-shedding, economic and social crime, vaccine hesitancy and, most worryingly, a growth rate that is too low to make a dent into chronic unemployment will set the scene for the type of deadly instability that gripped the country in July last year. Decisive policymaking and diligent implementation are the only ways to confine 2021 to the dustbin of history.

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