Skyriders makes short work of storage tank maintenance project
September 2019
News
Rope access made quick work of a major tank inspection and cleaning project for a large South African petrochemical producer when Skyriders Access Specialists deployed a team to the tank, which measures 46 m in diameter and stands 15 m high.
Completed in 18 days in May, the project formed part of the petrochemical producer’s ongoing maintenance cycle, which sees its storage tanks emptied, cleaned and inspected, where after any necessary maintenance is carried out. In this instance, the tank in question was shut down for statutory inspection and maintenance, according to Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn.
Rope access was the ideal solution, as it allowed technicians with confined space experience to move along the roof beams and girders in order to clean the beams themselves, as well as the sidewalls, as quickly and as safely as possible. “The storage tank was found to be in good condition, so fortunately not much work beyond the cleaning itself was required,” explains Zinn.
Skyriders’ safety department provided a risk assessment and detailed methodology for the project. “We understand the dangers inherent in the petrochemical industry and plan carefully around these, from the correct personal protective equipment to the expertise of our highly trained staff,” concludes Zinn.
For more information contact Mike Zinn, Skyriders, +27 11 312 1418, [email protected], www.ropeaccess.co.za
Further reading:
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
Inspiration for times of change
Endress+Hauser South Africa
News
More than 2000 customers, partners and experts gathered in Basel, Switzerland, for the Endress+Hauser Global Forum in April 2026. Under the theme of driving sustainable transformation together, the event combined keynote sessions on strategy, technology and the future of work with practical case studies from across the process industry.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
The gender gap in SA’s engineering sector
News
South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical gender imbalance, with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men.
Read more...
Safe removal of the historic US 181
News
Mammoet provided the heavy-lift expertise that helped remove the 2300 ton centre span of the historic US 181 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas, using a precision lift-and-lower method that protected nearby marine environments and reopened navigation channels swiftly.
Read more...
Going Green initiative sees African Group Lubricants adopt electric forklift fleet
News
African Group Lubricants is transitioning most of its forklift fleet to electric power, a move expected to cut diesel consumption by around 85% and improve conditions across its manufacturing facility while delivering a positive return on investment in the near term.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 aims to ignite the power revolution
News
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 takes place from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, utilities, investors and developers to accelerate energy generation, unlock investment and drive the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...
Major bearing tender for SKF
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has secured a major bearing supply tender from an Algerian steelmaker, reinforcing its position in the metals segment across North Africa.
Read more...
Mining’s decarbonisation journey requires putting ESG commitments into action
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric specialists explain how mining and heavy industry can turn environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable decarbonisation results.
Read more...
printer friendly version