At GS Caltex Refinery, one of the world’s largest oil refining sites, DOAN ENG INC. and SILICON Asia led the first SpeedHex® and SpeedVee® System repair during a turnaround in South Korea by providing Rapid Arc Welding, automated stud welding technology, and experienced operators. The scope gave the refinery team an opportunity to observe how RAW and SpeedSerie® Systems could perform under field conditions before considering wider use in future shutdowns.
“In South Korea, customers are careful with new technology and want to see it perform under real- site conditions before they fully trust it. This project gave GS Caltex the chance to observe the process, check the weld quality, and see the benefits firsthand, which led the technical services team to expand the SpeedHex® 3 scope during the turnaround, as the system was seen as a high-value solution.”
- Kyungsik Yoo, CEO of DOAN Engineering INC
Kyungsik shared, that in South Korea, hex mesh installation is the least favourite job during turnarounds and usually it is pushed to the end of the repair schedule. The closer the installation gets to the end of the project, the more the team is under pressure. With many experienced welders nearing retirement and fewer young people choosing this type of demanding manual work, refineries are facing a growing problem: the work still has to be done, but finding people who are willing and available to do it is becoming increasingly difficult.
This is where the RAW-weldable SpeedHex® System can support a more efficient and consistent installation process.
The project focused on 10 different areas connected to refractory lining support in the refinery with work carried out on an FCC cyclone section and related shell areas. The Japanese team handled welding and training, while the Korean workers focused on grinding and surface preparation. The installation also showed how quickly local operators could understand the RAW process.
For the refinery, this was a chance to compare an automated stud welding method with traditional hand welding, which remains common in the Korean refinery market. The technology was new to the site, so the team’s priority was not only to complete the repair, but to demonstrate weld quality, installation speed, and a controlled working method. During the work, refinery management observed the SpeedSerie® Systems installation process and witnessed the schedule benefits and the improved consistency compared with hand welding.
“What made an impression on site was how visible the difference became. The team could see the speed, the consistency of the welds, and how the process reduced the pressure on manual welding.”
- Tomomi Yashima, Director SILICON Asia
A key factor behind the smooth execution was the cooperation between DOAN ENG INC., SILICON Asia, and the site teams. Kyungsik’s background in the Korean refractory and petrochemical market helped create a strong foundation for the project. His understanding of refinery expectations made it easier to align with local working practices and build confidence around a new technology. DOAN ENG INC. handled the refractory side of the work and the site's coordination, while SILICON Asia brought experience with RAW equipment, SpeedHex® installation, and operator training. This combination made the partnership effective: each party added a specific area of expertise, turning the project into a practical field reference for future refinery repairs.
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