SAPREF, co-owned by Shell SA and BP Southern Africa, is the largest crude oil refinery in South Africa producing 35% of South Africa’s refining capacity. Located in Durban, the refinery recently had their bi-annual maintenance shutdown and assigned Rand-Air, the largest fleet of compressors and generators for hire in South Africa to supply equipment for the project.
The shutdown, which took seven weeks, utilised 83 Rand-Air machines of various sizes. The most prominent of the 83 units on hire were the 12 oil-free compressors which were rented out on a 24 hour basis. “These compressors formed a significant and fundamental role in this shutdown,” explains Michelle Nicolai National Coastal Manger of Rand-Air.
“Safety is a priority at Rand-Air and the joint effort with SAPREF during the shutdown ensured consistent awareness of safety at all times. This was achieved by enforcing toolbox talks each morning and by assessing risks of potential hazards,” she adds.
“The shutdown which commenced on the 1st of May and ended on the 10th of July was a phenomenal success. “Our main objectives were to deliver on service, efficiency and reliability and thanks to our team we accomplished this and are proud to have been a part of the assignment,” Nicolai concludes