Amuay Refinery will modernize chimneys of the Paraguaná Refining Center

The Amuay Refinery begins a new stage in the process of modernization and strengthening of the operations of the Paraguaná Refining Center (CRP) of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) with the replacement of SK-4602 and SK-4601 chimneys in Block 29.

The general manager of the Paraguaná Refining Center, Fernando Padrón, highlighted the quality and innovation in this initiative. “This is a large project, characterized by the use of state-of-the-art technology worldwide, to ensure that processes are executed safely and efficiently,” he said.

With 106 meters high, the chimneys of Amuay represent vital installations in the process of medium and deep conversion of the Paraguaná Refining Center. These giants that have adorned the horizon of the refinery since 1979, will give way to new structures designed to continue guaranteeing the safe dispersion and venting of combustion gases from boilers and flexigas, a unique technology in Venezuela.

The manager of Major Refining Projects, Luis González, stressed that this process will begin with the demolition of the SK-4602 chimney. The maneuver will be executed by the Italian-Venezuelan consortium Demolizioni Especiali and HAFRAN, for which an 800-ton crane with a range of 108 meters is available, and a special spider-type demolition will be suspended in the center of the chimney, removing the sections with precise cuts.

The demolition process will be controlled and in phases, so that the population will not observe a complete collapse, but by sections or sections. The maneuver will be duly covered, in compliance with industrial and environmental safety regulations.

Irwing Hernandez, Project leader for the Management of Major Projects of the Paraguaná Refining Center, indicated that “we have carried out previous activities to remove internal ducts and external stairs to begin the installation of a structure that will confine the entire work area, in the smallest possible perimeter of operation. In addition, the procedure and equipment will ensure that debris is deposited in one place; the interior of the chimney for its subsequent transfer and treatment in a temporary patio.

A team of 40 people will be working for three months on the demolition of this first chimney. Weather conditions, such as wind speed, will be taken into account for reasons of safety of personnel and equipment.

Once the process is completed, the current foundations will be adapted to proceed with the installation of the new chimney.

With the start-up of the SK-4602 fireplace, the replacement of the SK-4601 will begin; an estimated work in 18 months of work and approximately 120 thousand man hours.

The company clarified that the modification of the chimneys of the Amuay refinery does not represent any cause for concern for workers and sectors close to the refining center, since all the factors have been taken into account to carry out a controlled process.

Dear Partners and Friends

One of the thoughts that have marked me and has left traces in my whole life, is to think how to get out of the way of adversity in order to succeed and achieve success. I am very convinced that all the problems and obstacles that have accompanied me throughout it, have strengthened me and given me the tools to reach it.One of the thoughts that have marked me and has left traces in my whole life, is to think how to get out of the way of adversity in order to succeed and achieve success. I am very convinced that all the problems and obstacles that have accompanied me throughout it, have strengthened me and given me the tools to reach it.

I think that to achieve our goals, we must first dream them, believe in them and dare to make them a reality; and see that each day as a new opportunity to achieve it.

I also say that being happy should be our greatest life project, and never confuse it with achieving happiness and I also believe that our iron adversary to achieve our dreams and happiness is ourselves, perhaps because of our limitations and ways of thinking. I dare to ensure, from my point of view, that this is where the overcoming of the human being lies.

In the HAFRAN GROUP we all know how varied we are in the way of thinking, and my greatest achievement has been to find a way for all these thoughts to converge in one direction and under a single objective and as a friend, I confess how difficult it has been It was for me to achieve this goal.

I want to ask all of you, really, from the heart to faithfully believe in my dreams, to voluntarily integrate with them and become my most faithful allies because I want you to know that I see each problem as a great opportunity to find a solution and I also tell you, that we should not wait for opportunities, but that we all have to go out and look for them. That is why I want to sow these seeds of reflections of my life, in all of you, because I know that you can help us achieve our best strategy to develop, to achieve a very promising future for our great HAFRAN family, in this great Venezuela that needs from companies like ours and that makes me more proud of all of you, because you are an integral and fundamental part of my dreams.

Finally, I want to share with you an answer that I want to give to a friend and colleague of the University, who has often asked me when I am going to stop, that if I do not have a bellyache all my problems, and that at the time I do not I knew how to respond as I should, because what I would say today is that I have always liked to work and try my best to achieve my goals and objectives and that for me is fun, and that I have learned that the most satisfying and exciting is not only reach the peak of success, but never stop climbing and as Gandhi said “Our reward is in the effort. Full effort is full victory”.

I have also learned, with humility, that dreams are only to make them come true and that I no longer sleep to rest, now I sleep simply to dream.

To conclude and honor our slogan:

Giving up is the easiest path and strategy for the weak. But to insist with constancy, efficiency and eagerness, is the only strategic alternative we have to succeed.

Ing. Alberto Díaz

   PRESIDENT