MechChem Africa June 2017

⎪ Petrochemical industries, oil and gas ⎪

The flexibility of rope access was recently put to the test when Skyriders completed an inspection project on a kiln at a major cement producer in the Northern Cape. The project proved itself an excellent example of the customised, total-solutions approach that underpins all the company’s projects,” says Skyriders’ marketing manager, Mike Zinn. All-in-one service from rope access workers

T he inspection project was focused on the mill area, where a small cy- clone in the middle meant that the four-person Skyriders’ team had to gain access to the ducting from the top, at a height of 30m. “Access had to be gained from this approach as there was no manoeuvring spacewithin the cyclone itself,” says Skyriders inspection manager, Gerhard Kemp. Another challenge was that there was no area opening either, which meant a new access hole had to be made just below the cyclone. “The benefit of this is that it provides a future inspection manhole whenever the ducting needs to be inspected again,” Kemp notes. The inspection revealed a small hole in a bendoftheducting.“Wewereabletopinpoint theproblemarea precisely, which allowed the client to open up the cyclone externally at the exact location.” The inspection also revealed a few other minor issues that needed attention. These problem areas could not have been detected externally, because of the presence of clad- ding and lagging. “Using rope access for an internal inspec- tion was the most efficient means possible in terms of manpower and resources,” says Kemp. Skyriders also provided a detailed report on the outcome of the inspection process, in order to guide the client’s planning in terms of maintenance and repairs. “Time is of the essence with such a shutdown, where even a single hour offline has a major impact on the bottomline. Therefore, our reports arecritical to give our clients the clearest view of what is required.” Not only did Skyriders have to deal with confined spaces in this particular project, but the ducting that had to be inspected had a 600 mm OD, which is relatively narrow to access. A magnetic particle inspection technician was also on hand to verify the quality of anyweldingwork if this had proven necessary. In addition, Skyriderswas sufficientlyflex- ible to carry out the inspection work during

the night shift, in order to minimise disruption at the cement producer. “We were able to accommodate our client’s specific requirements, and rearrange our planning as a result,” Zinn concludes. q

The inspection project was focused on the mill area of the cement factory.

The inspection revealed a small hole in a bend of the ducting.

Skyriders: non-destructive testing access specialists South African-based Skyriders has exten- sive experience in providing rope access inspection, non-destructive testing and work-at-height maintenance solutions to a number of high-profile clients. The com- panyhasworked in the international power generation, mining, construction, petro- chemical and industrial sectors and proved itself on an ‘out-of-the-box’ approach to solving work-at-height challenges. that rope access is a dangerous method forworking at height. Highly qualified rope access technicians areused, whohavebeen given intensive training and gained experi- ence serving the diverse client base. ISO9001:2008andOHSAS18001:2007 accreditation supports the Skyriders com- mitment to continual improvement and to implementing best practice standards of businessmanagement. If height or confined working space is an issue and a plant opera- tor is looking for comprehensive, efficient and innovative solutions, Skyriders can of- fer efficient and cost-effective services. q Safety is a strategic Skyriders goal and, as evident from its zero-fatality record since beginning operating in 1998. This record disproves the common perception

June 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 27