Al Fahhad Zegwaard Co Catalyst Handling Division was formed in 1986 and continues to provide a specialised service to the petrochemical and refining industries.

Services include isolation/blinding of equipment; removal/installation of internals; vacuum unloading of support and catalyst material; catalyst skimming; pre-loading and screening of support and catalyst materials; reactor neutralisation; dense/sock loading; video inspection and pressure drop test.

Using technology from Technivac of the UK, Al Fahhad Zegwaard keeps up to date with improvements in catalyst technology and related handling equipment.

The Technivac system has a number of advantages over conventional systems, according to Al Fahhad Zegwaard.

For instance, it reduces the entry time needed for operator entry to the reactor; dust emission is zero; there is an attrition level even with extruded pellets of less than 0.1 per cent; and an automatic de-dusting of catalyst during unloading and reloading.

In addition, loading can be carried out during adverse weather conditions, the system has an unloading/loading rate of one drum per minute without needing a crane; and, in drumming mode, the system provides total control of pyrophoric materials.

The Technivac system has been tested and approved by several catalyst/molecular sieve manufacturers as a suitable catalyst handling method for their products.

Al Fahhad Zegwaard has performed catalyst change-outs operating under normal and inert atmospheres on a wide variety of reactors such as converters; reformers, platforming reactors; tubular reactors; molecular-sieve absorbers and deaerator and packing columns.

Clients who have benefitted from the company's services include Saudi Aramco, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) in Bahrain, General Fertilizer Company (Syria) and Adnoc/Fertil/Gasco facilities in Ruwais, UAE.

Since most catalyst work takes place in a nitrogen atmosphere - where a closed loop nitrogen recirculation system provides for safe unloading of pyrophoric catalysts - breathing apparatus is necessary in these inert conditions.

Al Fahhad Zegwaard's air conditioned Life Support Units comprise air and communication consoles; primary and secondary air supply systems; clam shell helmets; umbilical lines comprising double air supply, communication cable and lifeline; harness assembly fitted with egress cylinder; and a Scott Airpack, emergency resuscitator, First Aid kit and oxygen analyser.

Certified by Lloyds of London, each unit can, according to Al Fahhad Zegwaard, support up to three reactor entry technicians, and an unlimited number of people can be connected on line to the communication system.