INSIGHTS
Focussed on the most important practical challenges faced by industry.
Latest Articles
Outlets and Applications for Natural Gas
By Jurie Steyn Introduction South Africa’s energy sector has been in a state of insecurity for many years, and this will probably continue into the foreseeable future. Carbon emissions are high due to an over-reliance on coal as feedstock. This sets the scene for a...
Learning from All Projects
Any organisation should strive for continual improvement in the way they execute projects. A good way to do this is to ensure that mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Comparison of inland NG,LNG and imported LNG
By Anton Putter, Freek van Heerden and Herman van Heerden. Introduction The question often arises on the best way to start a natural gas (NG) industry or grow the NG industry in a country. South Africa is a good case in point where the NG industry has stagnated over...
Overview of LNG Technologies
By Christine Render (OTC) and Bill Howe (Gasconsult). This article explores the most commonly used technologies for the different LNG plant capacity ranges.Introduction Natural gas (NG) has become an increasingly important energy resource and is an important feedstock...
Beneficial Utilisation of Carbon Dioxide
In this article, we take a brief look at the thermodynamics of CO2 and present an overview of some of the more interesting and promising applications for CO2, based on public domain information. Introduction Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major cause of climate change,...
Alternative Modes of Natural Gas Transport
In this article we explore how energy from natural gas can be transported in other forms rather than directly as gas or liquefied gas. Some of these methods are more speculative than others and research and development is at an early stage. Introduction The transport...
Other Articles
Health Considerations for a New Project
This article attempts to introduce a perspective that, hopefully, clarifies the involvement, role and responsibilities of occupational health practitioners in projects and uncertainty about the scope of such involvement. Introduction There is often uncertainty about...
Fit-for-Purpose Specifications for Project Development and Implementation
This article will focus on industries where owner organisations own, maintain and customise in-house specifications for use in capital projects, procurement and manufacturing. Introduction Stephen Covey states that “beginning with the end in mind” is based on the...
Value Chain Optimisation
The methodology followed during Value Chain Optimisation (VCO) is a rigorous and pro-active approach, across the full project value chain, during each development and design stage of a project. It ensures that only the required functionalities are incorporated into...
Planning for a Safe Project
Safety on megaprojects does not come easily, or cheaply. It requires intensive preparation, dedicated focus from all parties involved, a willingness to learn and a good portion of luck. Introduction Safety on megaprojects does not come easily, or cheaply. It...
Introduction to Product Logistics
In a general business sense, product logistics can be described as the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet the product requirements of customers. Introduction In a general business sense, product...
An Introduction to Project Logistics Management
Most people in the project and business environment are familiar with the terms ‘logistics management’ and ‘supply chain management’, until they’re asked to explain the difference. In this article, we discuss these terms and then focus on the unique aspects of...
Site Selection for Process Plants
In this article, we’ll discuss the site selection process, we’ll see how facility objectives influence site selection, we’ll spend time on site selection criteria and discuss the site selection decision matrix. Introduction Selecting a site for a process plant is far...
Developing Business Information Systems during Capital Projects
In this article, I describe a generic process for defining and implementing the core business systems during a capital project. Introduction Modern businesses rely on good information systems to support decision making, manage routine processes and operate...
Knowledge Management In Projects-Based Organisations: Part 2 – Exploiting knowledge capital
This is the second part of a two-part series of articles on knowledge management in a projects-based organisation. These articles are based on a recently completed master’s degree in engineering. The two parts are as follows: Part 1 – Building and transferring...
Knowledge Management In a Projects-Based Organisation: Part 1 – Building and transferring knowledge
This is the first part of a two-part series of articles on knowledge management in a projects-based organisation. These articles are based on a recently completed master’s degree in engineering. The two parts are as follows: Part 1 – Building and transferring...
Develop and Analyse Project Schedules for Realism: Part 2 – Assessing schedules for realism
This is the second part of a 2-part series of articles covering the development and control of robust, but realistic, project schedules. The focus of the articles is as follows: Part 1 – A composite scheduling process (published November 2016); and Part 2 –...
Develop and Analyse Project Schedules for Realism: Part 1 – A Composite Scheduling Process
This is the first of a 2-part series of articles covering the development and control of robust, but realistic, project schedules. The focus of the articles is as follows: Part 1 – A composite scheduling process; and Part 2 – Assessing schedules for realism. The...
Design, Construct and Operate your Plant with Closure in Mind
How many business cases are presented for approval, and then filed away once the project is underway, never to see the light of day again? If this is the situation in your company then please reconsider your approach - in this article we explain why. Introduction...
Technology Selection
This paper explores the factors to be considered in selecting competitive technology from a number of available technologies. It also touches on the use of new, unproven, technologies and in-house technology development. Introduction One of the basic accountabilities...