Gavin Deas Email & Phone Number

Sasolburg

Sasol Group Technology - FT Process Engineering and Modelling group: - Assisted with model updates with various team members - Off-site arc furnace test work conducted for piloting purposed for the productions of HTFT catalyst. Proposed onsite changes to improve feed rates and obtain more reliable data. Evaluated gathered data and gave inputs as part of the team. - Evaluated the current in-house pilot scale direct current (DC) arc furnace and proposed various modifications to the unit and its operating philosophy. Commissioned, did trouble-shooting and updated the operational philosophy on the unit. Reduced the start-up time from 90 minutes to less than 15 minutes, and reduced energy consumption per unit catalyst produced by 45%. - Significant reduction in catalyst variability (Previously less that 16% in aim specification, to more than 80% currently within specification). - Significant reduction in electrode usage per unit of catalyst produced (at least 50% reduction). - Ongoing inputs to operation of the DC arc furnace, especially when new feed materials are tested. - Evaluating and trouble shooting of the current HTFT commercial catalyst production units. - Developed with the R&T Industrial Statistics team online monitoring tools to assist in quicker trouble shooting of the current HTFT commercial catalyst production units. - Proposed modifications to an available skid for testing of FT hydrolysis reactions. Commissioned the unit, completed trouble shooting and delivered good data from the unit. Ongoing work still continuing on the unit. - On a short timeline project, assisted the team with obtaining the correct iron salts for testing on piloting scale for the removal of HCN. Proposed modifications with the team, commissioning, trouble shooting and optimized run conditions. Project completed within the limited time given. - SHE Rep responsibilities within the team - Trainer first aider.

Sasolburg

Coordinator of start-up modifications (SUM's) for Fischer Tropsch Wax Expansion Procject - Work Pack 1 (Catalyst manufacturing). Duties included: - Logging, tracking and proper numbering of each of the various SUM's. - Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams. - Ensure proper and timeous sign-off on each SUM, including, MC, IC, EC, RFC, RFO and BO. - Log and tracking of all the outstanding punch items from the various SUM's. - Audit and recommend corrective actions on all SUM's. - Coordinating of external contractors and ensure timeous request for permits. - Track and correct billed hours from various contractors on work completed on site. - Track training and sign-off on each SUM for every shift worker from the commissioning team. - Give formal feedback on a weekly basis to the entire group including the various engineering and commissioning managers on the progress of each of the registered SUM's.

Sasolburg

Technical Support Group: - Worked with multi-disciplinary teams - Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP's) - Failure mode and effect analyses (FMEA's) - Laboratory modification forms (LUMF's) - Pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR's) - Management of change procedures (MOC's) - Equipment sizing. - P&ID & PFD verification and updating, review and redlining for various projects. - Assisted in relocation of a number of various laboratories and laboratory equipment into newly constructed buildings. - Assisted in decommissioning and mothballing of older laboratory infrastructure. - Piping and RV sizing. - AFT Fathom and Arrow. - Assisted in the outlay, design and commissioning of a multi-gas distribution header system for a new research building (MC, IC, RFC and RFO).

Sasolburg

Fixed bed coal gasification.Assisted with the test gasification run for Project Mafutha and collection of samples.Evaluation of alternative operating conditions for fixed bed gasification to reduce operating costs, improve efficiency and reduce gas liquor production.Constructed, commissioned and operated a pilot scale, cold model, fixed bed gasification unit: - Part of the team to evaluate various plough designs for ash removal on the existing commercial plant. - Part of the team to disclose the invention of an alternative plough design for ash extraction from a fixed bed gasifier.Commissioned, optimised and operated a cold model fixed bed pressure drop pilot scale unit.Evaluated the infrastructure requirements for a pilot scale and bench scale fixed bed gasification units.Part of the design team for a bench scale fixed bed gasification unit under pressure (Gasification Development Reactor).Proposed and designed a modular upgradable atmospheric laboratory scale fixed bed gasification (ALSG) unit to reduce the requirement for a single high capital expenditure for laboratory scale gasification units.Investigation into alternatives to the high pressure steam header replacement: - Temperature reduction on lifespan of header vs. gasification impact and gas productionCompleted the study of high temperature gasification options for the excess fine coal options to the commercial plant.Optimised change over into new offices: - Optimised outlay of offices in the limited available space.

Sasolburg

Rotation to wax work-up: - Start-up of hydrolysis reactor for hard wax production. - Fire incident investigation and proposed solutions. - Mass balance closure issues identified and solutions implemented. - Commercial operations of hard wax, medium wax and specialised wax production units

Sasolburg

Coal pyrolysis and product work-up technology evaluations.Coal beneficiation via density separation for laboratory and pilot scale.High Temperature Fischer Tropsch catalyst pilot scale operations.Fixed bed coal gasification.

Bachelor Of Engineering (B.Eng.), Chemical Engineering

Matric