Transnet Project Will Carry Diesel, Petrol and Jet Fuel for Inland Markets
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -- April 28, 2009 -- Transnet Limited of Johannesburg, the owner and operator of South Africa's strategic petroleum and gas pipeline infrastructure, has selected GE Oil & Gas to supply electric motor-driven pump packages for a new, multi-product pipeline that will play a key role in supporting the country's economic growth.
The new pipeline will stretch from Durban harbor to Johannesburg and will supply diesel, petrol and jet fuel for inland markets that currently have limited refining capacity. To meet the country's immediate and future demands, this will be a fast-track project; commissioning of the first sections of the pipeline is scheduled to begin in mid 2010.
"The new multi-product pipeline project will increase both the capacity and flexibility of Transnet's existing pipeline network to the Gauteng Province. By investing in this asset, Transnet will fulfill its strategic role of ensuring the security of critical energy supplies (in the form of refined petroleum products) to the Gauteng Province," said Carlos Galego, NMPP Project Director of Transnet.
Marking its largest project in South Africa to date, GE Oil & Gas will supply 19 pumps with variable frequency drives, chillers and lube oil systems to be installed at five stations along the route of the pipeline. GE will utilize a consolidated high efficiency pump design to maximize reliability. In addition, only two types of hydraulic systems will be used for the 19 pumps, for greater interchangeability of spare parts.
"This is a significant project for both Transnet and the government of South Africa, supporting Transnet's strategy to revitalize and extend the country's infrastructure," said Joe Mastrangelo, Vice President -- Turbomachinery for GE Oil & Gas. "GE's experience with pipeline projects around the world and strong synergies with key sub-vendors has enabled us to build a proven track record when it comes to supplying complete pump package solutions for some of the world's largest pipelines."
"We were able to secure this contract by committing to meet the project's key challenges: tight delivery deadlines, energy efficiency and cost constraints," said Daniele Scenarelli, GE Oil & Gas Region Sales Executive for Sub Saharan Africa, based in Cape Town.
The pumps for the Transnet project will be centrifugal pumps designed for high efficiency and a high degree of fluid dynamic optimization. They will be capable of meeting a broad range of operating requirements for the pipeline over the estimated next 20 to 30 year operating life of the pipeline.
More than 17,000 GE centrifugal pumps are installed around the world for process, refinery, water injection, oil pipeline, boiler feed and water cooling applications. These pumps are fully compliant with API 610-ISO 13709 industry standards and meet the most severe service requirements, including continuous service with high mean time before failure (MTBF).
GE Oil & Gas high efficiency pumps are produced in Bari, Italy, using advanced design criteria and manufacturing technologies. They have been installed with virtually every type of industrial driver including electric motors, gas and steam turbines and diesel and gas engines; and have reached significant performance milestones such as 14,500 KW/stage and 7,500 rpm.
Transnet Pipelines, the pipeline operating division of Transnet Limited, owns and operates 3,000 kilometers of strategic petroleum and gas pipelines in South Africa, traversing five provinces. Pipelines play an important role in ensuring the secure supply of refined petroleum products to the inland industrial hub of South Africa, which has limited refining capacity.
Ken Darling
Masto Public Relations
[email protected]
1-518-786-6488
Sara Hassett
GE Oil & Gas
[email protected]
+39-055-423-3361