SILICON AOSCO, a joint venture between SILICON and Al Otaishan, completed its first project for one of the world's largest integrated refining and petrochemical complexes.
Located on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, the facility supplies fuels, chemicals, and polymers to industries worldwide.
The project also marked a return to a familiar unit. SpeedCell® 2G anchors, the predecessors of SpeedHex® 3, installed by SILICON during a refabrication project in the early 2000s were still in service when the unit was inspected ahead of the turnaround. More than two decades after supplying the original anchoring system, the team returned to the same repair site as SILICON AOSCO to support the next phase of its service life.
During inspections for the planned turnaround, new repair work was identified in the HOFCC’s fourth-stage separator and regenerator plenum. These areas became the main focus of the project. This time, SpeedHex® and SpeedCell® anchoring systems were selected for the repair.
To complete the work within the available shutdown window, two RAW Operating Supervisors were mobilised to site. Working alternating day and night shifts with two D20 machines, they installed the anchoring systems and completed the repair within a few shifts.
SpeedCell® 2G and SpeedCell® 4G anchors were selected in accordance with the project specifications.
SpeedHex® was selected for its combination of fast installation and reliable lining performance. Beyond installation efficiency, its continuous anchoring structure supports a more monolithic refractory lining, limits potential bypass routes and reduces the risk of premature lining failure.
“The RAW technology and the specialized anchoring solutions were well received on site. The speed and efficiency of the installation led to practical discussions about the products and their potential use in future maintenance projects.”
Kai van Steijn, RAW Operating Supervisor
“As SILICON AOSCO’s first project, this repair was an important opportunity to put our regional capabilities into practice. By mobilising quickly and coordinating closely with the refinery's team, we completed the installation safely and efficiently within the available shutdown window.”
Mohamed Rashed, SILICON AOSCO Executive Director
The project showed how SILICON AOSCO can serve customers directly from the region. This capability took a further step forward on 14 September 2026 with the opening of the region’s first refractory anchoring production facility, bringing specialised production and technical expertise closer to industrial sites across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
With local production and technical support, customers can now benefit from closer coordination and shorter response times for planned turnarounds and urgent repairs. As a total solution provider, SILICON AOSCO manages the complete process, from selecting the right alloy and anchor design to coordinating installation on site.
Contact the sales and technical teams to discuss the requirements of your project.
