ALFRAN becomes part of the Aceros Inoxidables Olarra family thanks to the concession of the maintenance contract for the steel plant that the entity has in Vizcaya, País Vasco (Spain). With this agreement, ALFRAN will carry out all the tasks related to refractory materials in the main operating units of the plant, such as ladles, AOD equipment, electric furnace, tundish, etc. Achieving better performance both in plant productivity and in worker’s health and safety.
In 2024, Alfran Saudi Arabia took an important step in its expansion and consolidation in the region with its first repair and maintenance project at Jubail Energy Services Company (JESCO), a key player in Saudi Arabia’s energy industry. This project not only marked a milestone in terms of our presence in a strategic market but also demonstrated the technical capabilities and excellence of our refractory materials in highly demanding industrial environments, such as reheating furnaces.
At Alfran, we share all the details of Alfran Saudi Arabia’s project for JESCO, from the technical challenges encountered to the innovative solutions implemented. We also analyze the crucial role of the collaboration between Alfran and JESCO, which proved to be a model of success in project execution, and how this achievement strengthens Alfran’s position in the energy sector and other key industrial sectors. This project reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation in the installation of refractory materials for the most demanding industries.
Thanks to our expertise in the design, manufacturing, and installation of refractory materials, we were able to deliver an effective solution, optimizing performance and ensuring the durability of the equipment. The success of this project has been a key factor in driving our expansion and building long-term relationships with major industrial players in the Middle East.
The Alfran Saudi Arabia project for JESCO was developed in a context of high demand for efficient and durable industrial solutions. JESCO, one of the leading companies in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, continuously faces the challenge of maintaining its infrastructure in optimal conditions to ensure the stability of its energy production. The reheating furnace at this plant plays a critical role in this process, as it ensures the quality of treated materials and optimizes operational efficiency.
The choice of Alfran for this project highlights our reputation as a reliable supplier of refractory materials in the energy sector. Our experience in highly complex projects and the trust JESCO placed in us to carry out the maintenance of its reheating furnace reflect the level of quality and specialization we offer to our clients. This project not only showcases our technical capabilities but also our ability to adapt to the specific needs of each client, a hallmark of Alfran across all areas of operation.
The main objective of the project was to ensure the efficient and safe operation of JESCO’s reheating furnace. These furnaces are vital for the material heating process, and their proper functioning is crucial for maintaining quality standards and energy efficiency at the plant.
By installing high-performance refractory materials, the furnace could operate at higher temperatures, extend the lifespan of the installations, and reduce the need for frequent maintenance. This resulted in a significant improvement in production times and optimization of operating costs, both key factors for any company in the energy sector.
For this project, specially designed refractory materials were used to withstand the high temperatures and abrasion conditions typical of reheating furnaces. Among the most notable solutions were Alfran Tix 85 AS (dense castable) and Alfran Lite 10-14 (insulating castable), applied in the areas most exposed to extreme thermal conditions. These refractory materials are known for their high resistance to thermal shock, ensuring efficient furnace performance over extended periods while minimizing the risk of failures and the need for frequent maintenance.
One of the challenges was ensuring compatibility between the applied refractory materials and the specific operating conditions of the furnace. Thanks to Alfran’s extensive experience and technical expertise, solutions were adapted to ensure that the selected refractory materials were the most suitable for the industrial process. Continuous supervision and adjustments made throughout the project enabled us to successfully overcome these challenges.
For the development of the works, a total of 45 workers were mobilized. The tasks were developed in 2 shifts, completing more than 10,000 hours of work and reaching the goal of “zero accidents”.
As highlighted works it should be noted that the demolition and replacement of 80% of the refractory (insulator + dense) inside the incinerator SR3-H-001-B was carried out; the coating of Sulfur Pit SR3-TK-0001-B by applying 16,000 kg of our Alfran Gun Ak-42; and, finally, the supply of 126,000 kg of Alfran Lite 10-14, which were installed in various pipelines, furnaces and preheaters.
The completion of this stop at the Petronor Refinery, reaffirms the confidence that the Repsol group is placing in Refractarios Alfran as a regular supplier of materials and labor for refractory and fireproofing work, in the face of future stops at the Muskiz refinery in Petronor.
