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10 Jan 2012INDUSTRY: Cosira: a Key Player in SasolÂ’s Wax Expansion Project
Recent Gauteng Business News
The global petrochemicals group is a leading producer of synthetic and petroleum derived waxes. The project is as a result of high demand from the sectorÂ’s customer base, according to Floris Brand, Project Manager at Cosira.
“The project will be implemented in phases in line with the projected growth in key markets for hard wax. It is expected to double production of hard wax, as well as significantly increasing the medium wax and liquid paraffin production,” Brand says.
He continues: “Cosira is thrilled to be involved in such a project which will have a positive impact both on the production of a basic commodity, as well as job creation in the area.”
The Cosira Group was awarded the contract for the fabrication, supply and erection of steel for the project in February 2011 through global engineering, design and construction group Foster Wheeler.
“Cosira’s scope for the project entails the supply of approximately 1 500 tons of structural steel and floor grating,” he continues.
The Role of Cosira in the Wax Plant Construction
Brand describes Cosira’s role: “We are involved in the shop detailing, manufacturing and fabrication of the structural steel at our Vulcania facility. After fabrication, the steel is sent to painting sub-contractors, and then transported to site for erection.”
The steel structures will be used to house the mechanical components of the wax plant, including, piping and reactors.
The site of the project, the former Sasol 1 coal gasification plant, has presented some challenges to Cosira. Brand explains: “Sasol 1 is a fully operational, highly complex site and the space allocated to the expansion project is extremely limited.”
Challenges for Cosira
Another challenge, according to Brand, is the fact that the project necessitates the various stakeholders and sub-contractors working in tandem.
“The challenge comes, not only in space constraints, but also in the co-ordination between the various disciplines, including the civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical and piping engineers – it is a matter of very careful timing and close communication,” he says.
These are challenges that there is no doubt Cosira can meet. “We are more than ready to meet the challenges of the project and deliver to our client, Sasol. Our extensive experience in providing turnkey solution, site construction and project management stand Cosira in good stead,” concludes Brand.
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