Steloy supports local furnace replacement project

Natref, reportedly the largest inland crude oil refinery in South Africa jointly owned by Sasol and Total, required a long-term solution to replace two furnaces in their crude distillation unit which, after 40 years in operation, were becoming worn and out of date with new fuel legislation. As a key supplier to Natref, Heurtey Petrochem was chosen as the primary contractor for the project and, following feasibility studies, instruction to proceed with engineering was awarded in April 2011.

With Natref's local content requirement in mind, Heurtey Petrochem commissioned supplier of quality cast components, Steloy Castings, based on their close proximity, intrinsic technical ability and on-going track record with Heurtey Petrochem.

Steloy supplied the main structural components, including tube sheets, supports and brackets, for the heart of the refinery, the interior of the two furnaces that were to be replaced. Although these components form only a small part of the whole furnace structure, they were critical to the overall construction, without which the upgraded distillation heaters would not work. It stands to reason that only the best quality components which not only met but exceeded strict client stipulations would be satisfactory on this immense and challenging project which involved a complete refinery shut down while the furnaces were being installed.

The new crude furnaces, which were commissioned on 30 November 2012, met Natref's specifications while conforming to new government regulations for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly approach to refining, which forms the backbone of Natref's operations.