Sonatrach – Algeria

SONATRACH- ALGERIA

CONSEILLER TECHNIQUE

1968-1974

1. Skikda Refinery Project (1971-1974)

This was a major chemical Refinery which included BT Extraction, Para-Xylene separation and bitumen.

Performed the following tasks:

• Established what products to be manufactured and their quantities, and elaborated all products specifications.
• Economic evaluation of various possible processing schemes.
• Profitability studies.
• Refinery Scheme optimization.
• Size process units and offsite facilities.
• Technical and economic evaluation of available processes and licensors selection.
• Defined codes and effluents specifications.
• Elaborated general specifications and engineering standards.
• Wrote tender document for above mentioned parts. Advised and assisted others on remaining parts.

2. “Direction Petrochimie” (1968-1971)

Worked mainly during this period on the following two projects:

2.1      The Arzew Refinery: A Hydroskimming Refinery, a lube Oil Plant and a Bitumen Section. (Refinery Crude thruput 60 MBSD).

2.2      Skikda Petrochemical Complex: For the production of ethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene (L.D.).

Activities on these projects related to the critical examination of offers and negotiations with bidders. Both projects were turn-key lumpsum which required complete plant definition prior to contract signature.

Performed the following functions:

I/ Critical Examination of Offers:

–         For Omissions and incompletions in process and mechanical specifications.

–         Conformity to inquiry and codes.

–         Scope of equipment supply.

–         Material selection and erosion allowances.

–         Conceptual engineering solutions.

–         Final licensor selection.

–         Overall lay-out and Units’ plot plans.

–         Engineering and fabrication standards.

–         Adequacy of equipment sizing or oversizing.

–         P & I diagrams: conception, operability, flexibility and instrumentation.

–         Safety in design (relief) and lay-out; completion of safety and firefighting facilities.

–         Process dependent auxiliary facilities such as storage (products and intermediate), cooling water system, flare and blowdown systems, effluents and waste treatment.

–         Examination of plot plan, equipment design, and standardization for convenience in maintenance.

–         Utilities, Catalysts and Chemicals consumptions.

–         Compared degree of economic optimization for best overall material balance (materials processed and products and by-products produced).

–         Inspected suppliers lists.

–         Products qualities and conformity to specifications.

II/ Negotiations:

Negotiations with licensors and bidders:

–         Negotiated guarantees.

–         Negotiated for completion and quality of engineering and materials (items under I)

–         Negotiated penalties.

–         Negotiated acceptance procedure and execution schedule and technical assistance during and after start-up.

–         Aided contractor in preparing technical annexes and inspected the latters for completion and fitness for approval.