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www.spec-pro.com
 CONTENT

3 - chairman's foreword

4 - FOX Oil REFORMING on

completion stage

6 - spec selects multiple

honeywell uop for srl

8 - spec showcase at the

2022 otc in houston tx

10 - new projects - san

refinery, SRL

13 - ASK THE EXPERT:

MATT yeknian

Editorial & Production Team Contact Info

Laurice Mendoza - Editor-in-Chief, MarCom Manager news@specenergy.com
Manuela Henao - Correspondent, Mktg. Executive 33 Floor, Fortune Tower, Cluster C
Syed Abbas - Correspondent, Mktg. Executive Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE
+971 4 445 6901

SPEC Newsletter - Issue 1, July 2022 www.spec-pro.com

2
FOREWORD

Amidst the challenges of

the past few years, SPEC
has managed to weather
the storm and expand into
new markets...

Welcome to our first e-newsletter issue!

This will be a periodic way for us to stay
connected with news and updates,
wherever you are in the world!

We are halfway in 2022 and a lot of

valuable undertakings were triumphed
here at SPEC. Amidst the challenges of the
past few years, SPEC has managed to
weather the storm and expand into new
markets for our stakeholders. From Middle
East to Africa, we are in great spirits with
our newly contracted projects in the
Americas - manifesting our commitment
for continued growth across continents.

Let us look ahead towards ending the year

with greater hopes and achievements.

Thank you for your kind attention. In

behalf of everyone at SPEC, we are
wishing you and your loved ones a blessed
and joyful Eid!

ZAFAR SHEIKH
Group CEO & Chairman

3
 FOX OIL REFINERY : AT THE
FINAL STAGE OF COMPLETION
by Syed Abbas
USAMA ASLAM
Project Manager
SPEC Energy DMCC
Honeywell UOP to produce premium grade
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical
Engineering, Prairie View A&M
University, Texas, USA
4
SPEC is at the final stages of yet another
major milestone in its oil refining expertise
with its state-of-the-art Fox Reforming project
of naphtha to gasoline production facility in
Slemani, Iraq. This is an EPCC with O&M
project facility where SPEC is having 33%
ownership. Production capacity is at 6,500
BPSD with Naphtha hydrotreating unit and
fixed bed platforming unit with all associated
utilities built under the process license of
gasoline and LPG.
The senior management of Fox Oil Company
has highly praised the efforts put in by SPEC
from the engineering, design, procurement,
manufacturing, and the hardworking
personnel, with special commendation to
the Project Execution team whose
technical knowledge, foresightedness and
due diligence has brought this project to
realization.

‘’I feel honored to be a part of this great

project, I am thankful to SPEC’s
management and my fellow team
members who had showed their optimism
in my competence and supported me in
achieving this milestone. SPEC has been
doing gas processing facilities for the past
22 years and this project is the first of many
achievements in the refining sector," says
Usama Aslam, SPEC's Project Manager.

Surpassing the challenges of this

remarkable project, he added, "it is relevant
to mention here that there have been
many challenges throughout the project
including the global pandemic which in
turn had a knock-on effect and caused
shipment backlogs all around the world,
but our experienced and efficient team
stay committed and work day and night to
bring the facility online.’’

Commissioning will start in the next few

months and the refinery's commercial
production is well expected by the end of
the year.

5
 SPEC SELECTS MULTIPLE
HONEYWELL UOP TECHNOLOGIES
FOR GRASSROOTS REFINERY
Source: Honeywell UOP

SPEC Energy DMCC had signed-up to use a range of

Honeywell UOP process technologies to maximize
high octane gasoline blending feed stock and
minimize the production of fuel oil at its Grass Roots
Refinery in Hub, Pakistan.

Phase one of the project includes the installation of a

new UOP Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (RFCC)
unit that is tailored to improve gasoline yield, a
UOP/Wood Solvent Deasphalting process Unit (SDA)
which will improve the feed quality to the RFCC.

WHAT IS HONEYWELL UOP

RFCC TECHNOLOGY?

UOP Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking

(RFCC) technology significantly improves
gasoline yield. The process utilizes state-of-
the-art proprietary reactor technologies that
are proven to minimize byproducts, maximize
gasoline yield, provide high feed flexibility and
high reliability for processing residue
feedstocks in the most economical manner.

The catalyst regeneration will be done by

using UOP’s high efficiency combustor style
regenerator which uses a fast-fluidized
combustion zone to achieve the best coke
burning and full combustion of CO to CO2. A
catalyst cooler will be added to remove
variable heat from the regenerator, providing
feed processing flexibility and the ability to
adjust the catalyst-to-oil ratio for higher
conversion and production of valuable steam
from the RFCC unit.

6
A UOP Merox™ unit will also be installed that will
reduce the level of mercaptans in the Liquefied
Petroleum Gas (LPG) streams, in addition to a UOP
InAlk™ process unit which will process the mixed
C4 olefinic rich stream from the Merox unit to
produce alkylate, which is a high-octane blending
feedstock for the gasoline pool. A UOP
SelectFining™ Process unit will be used to process
the RFCC naphtha stream to meet the desired
sulfur content.

“We are pleased to have selected UOP’s RFCC

complex for our Grass Roots Refinery,” said Zafar
Sheikh, Group CEO, of SPEC Energy DMCC. “We
chose UOP’s RFCC complex over other RFCC
complexes due to key technology advantages.
Another key factor in the decision was the excellent
technical support from UOP in identifying and
selecting the most profitable configuration. This
project will enable SPEC to increase gasoline yield
and maintain high margin, in line with our financial
goals.”

UOP will provide technology licensing, design

services, key equipment and state-of-the-art
catalysts and adsorbents for this project at the
refinery in Pakistan. When completed, the total
conversion capacity of the complex is expected to
be 45,000 BPSD (or 6898 MT/d), being a
combination of vacuum gasoil and vacuum residue.

“These UOP technologies will allow SPEC Energy

DMCC to boost production of high-octane gasoline
blending feedstock at a Grass Roots refinery in
Pakistan while benefiting from low capital and This project will
operating costs,” said Laura Leonard, vice president
and general manager, UOP Process Technologies.
enable SPEC to
"I’m proud, that SPEC Energy DMCC elected to increase
continue its success story with UOP RFCC
technology.” gasoline yield
and maintain
high margin, in
line with our
financial goals.
- ZAFAR SHEIKH

7
 SPEC AT THE 2022 OFFSHORE
TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE IN
HOUSTON, TX

SPEC convened with energy professionals from around 2022 OTC

the world at the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference IN NUMBERS
(OTC) at NRG Center in Houston TX from 2nd to 5th of
May. From its 400sqft island booth stand, SPEC’s key
experts provided insights on its latest technologies,
24k Attendees for
3.5 days
innovative projects, and worldwide capabilities in
securing affordable and efficient energy while advancing 7k Attendees from
outside US
climate goals.
1k+ Companies who
participated
“It was exciting to be back at OTC after the pandemic and
visiting face to face with our fellow colleagues from the 93 Countries
Oil and Gas Industry. While the past few years have been represented
challenging for everyone, SPEC has managed to weather
the storm and expand into new markets. As we are
44 Technical
sessions
gearing up for new projects in the Americas, OTC is a
great opportunity for us to engage, discuss and 20 Million USD in
economic impact
collaborate with energy professionals and

8
 We look forward to the
opportunity to share our
experience and build new
partnerships here in the
Americas” added Zafar on
its company’s expertise and
expansion goals in the
Americas.

OTC 2022 welcomed more

than 24,000 attendees, a
number that has more than
doubled since last year’s
conference in August 2021.

The total estimated

economic impact of OTC
2022 amounted to more
than USD 20 million, which
industry thought leaders in the region about their
includes business-to-
energy needs and technology requirements,” said Zafar
business transactions and
Sheikh, Group CEO & Chairman of SPEC.
direct economic impact of
attendees.
With its new building headquarters protruding along the
South West Highway in Houston, the group is
positioning itself to support and meet regional clients’
requirements. “Our continued success in our traditional
upstream and midstream EPCC and OEM business units
have opened the doors for us to expand further into the
downstream business.

"Working in emerging markets has been in line with our

Company’s vision and a key driver for growth while
simultaneously uplifting the local communities.

We look forward to the opportunities to

share our experience and build new
partnerships here in the Americas.
- ZAFAR SHEIKH

9
 NEW PROJECTS

SAN REFINERY

LOCATION: 6,500 BBL NAPHTHA TO

NAJAF, IRAQ
GASOLINE PRODUCTION
COMPLETION:
Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and
2024
Commissioning with Operations & Maintenance of a
6,500 BBL Naphtha to Gasoline production facility.

Units will include Naphtha Hydrotreating, Fixed Bed

Platforming, and Par Isom Unit - all licensed by UOP.

10
 NEW PROJECTS

SPEC REFINERY LTD. (SRL)

LOCATION:
HUB, PAKISTAN
100,000 BPSD GRASSROOTS
REFINERY FOR EURO V
COMPLETION:
SPEC will be using multiple Honeywell UOP
Q4 2023 Technologies to increase gasoline yield at this grassroots
refinery of 100,000 BPSD in Pakistan. It will be producing
premium quality Euro V products and will consist of the
following units:
Crude Distillation Unit
Naphtha Hydrotreating Unit
Fixed Bed Platforming Unit
Parlsom Unit
Diesel Hydrotreating Unit
LPG Merox Unit
Kerosene Merox Unit

The refinery will also consists of a 45,000 BBL FCC

Complex:
Vacuum Distillation Unit
RFCC Unit
Solvent Dehydration Unit
Indirect Alkylation Unit
Indirect Fining Unit

11
 CELEBRATING OUR ENGINEERS!
by Manuela Henao
In March, SPEC celebrated the World
Engineering Day at its Dubai offices to
commend its employees for their continued
commitment and remarkable work in the
company and its industries.
Although World Engineer’s Day is
commemorated in different days and
months along the year in different countries,
UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization) has
12
promulgated 4th March as the UNESCO
World Engineering Day for Sustainable
Development. It's primary goal is to
celebrate Engineer's Day and raise
awareness of their roles in improving
humanity's lives across the globe.
Engineering drives social, economic and
human development and underpins our
knowledge, societies, and
infrastructures. It is a major factor in
innovation and indeed the rise and fall of
civilizations, according to UNESCO's
report.
SPEC employs more than 500 engineers,
and engineering & technology has been
the heart of its business for more than 20
years. The company have the most
qualified manpower inhouse which
makes this celebration a simple token of
appreciation for their hard work, passion,
and endeavor in working and promoting
the development for our future
generations.
 ASK THE EXPERT
WHAT IS AHEAD FOR
OIL & GAS TECH IN AFRICA?
Editor's Note: Matt Yeknian, CEO of SPEC Oil & Gas FZE, is a Bachelor of
Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin TX.
He specializes in the African Oil & Gas market and had led various
successful projects in the continent for over two decades.
Africa is a continent rich in Hydrocarbon and
Mineral Resources that has traditionally
lagged behind in fulfilling its true potential
of becoming a global powerhouse and
taking its place as a reliable partner in the
globalized energy and petrochemical
markets. These shortcomings have come to
the forefront of the global market’s attention
with the rising energy costs associated with
global markets coming back to life after the
COVID pandemic and the current conflict in
Ukraine.
WITH MATT YEKNIAN
Africa is also a continent that has struggled
to fulfill its own Power, Fuel and
Petrochemical requirements and in most
countries, having an energy starved
populace and relying on expensive imports
of finished products both of which adversely
affect GDP growth.
These challenges provide a huge opportunity
to help develop the African market. SPEC
has had a long and successful relationship in
Africa spanning over fourteen years with
operations in Nigeria, Sao Tome and Egypt as
well as exploring new markets in Ghana,
Kenya and South Sudan. SPEC has
numerous Oil and Gas Processing
Operations already on the continent and
looking to expand especially in the area of
Complex Refineries, Fertilizer Plants and Gas
Processing Projects to help meet local
demand and provide export opportunities
for finished products for host countries.
With Africa’s growing young, vibrant and
talented workforce coupled with SPEC’s
knowhow and partners in the region, we see
a very bright future for the African Continent
and are determined to continue to be part of
its growth story.
13
 MEET A SPEC-TACULAR:
OLEG EFIMOV
by Manuela Henao
We have met with Oleg Efimov, our
Business Development Manager at SPEC
Engineering Inc. in Houston TX, to learn
more about his expertise and the exciting
news ahead for SPEC in the Americas!
Q : WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN
THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY?
A: I have been working in the Oil & Gas and
the Energy Sector for over 15 years. I have
been around the world to work for big
energy companies such as Litostroj Hydro,
STE Energy, Power Machines, Promtech, and
Lukoil.
My expertise for the Americas started in 2011,
when I was appointed CEO for the company
Power Machines in Latin America. In which, I
have opened new branch offices and
facilitated signature contracts for renewable
energies and facilities.
Q : WHAT UPCOMING PROJECTS & ENDEAVORS ARE YOU
LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE AMERICAS?
A: Here at SPEC, we are bringing new
strategies bespoke to the needs and
requirements of the Latin American and
North American markets.
We look forward to being a strategic partner
for Sebastopol, the first private refinery in
Colombia with a capacity of 100 K d/b. The
project will have two stages: first will be for
Oil Refinery, and then for Ammonia and
Urea Plant. FEED is expected to begin in July
2022 and the beginning of the construction
14
is targeted in Q1 2023.
Some negotiations are taking place in
Ecuador for Modernization of Esmeraldas
Refinery in Ecuador (110 K b/d). The capacity
of the refinery and the quality of the
gasoline will be increased to Euro V.
SPEC is also gearing projects in Canada and
USA where we could strongly provide expert
solutions for refineries and LNG terminals
Q : ON A LIGHTER NOTE, CAN YOU TELL US SOME
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOU?
A: I was born in Siberia – the capital of
Russian Oil. I graduated from the State
University of Oil & Gas with a Master's degree
in Commercial Engineer in Energy Sector. I
also have a Master's degree from the
International Law Institute for International
Contract Law.
Amidst my serious academic background, I
stay grounded with my love for food
especially from Italian, Brazilian and
Peruvian cuisines. Travelling heightens my
fascination of the world but I still find
engineering and construction as my first
love. Finally, I would like to share my favorite
quote from Albert Einstein which reminds
us about perspectives - “In the middle of
every difficulty lies opportunity.”
Oleg.Efimov@spec-pro.com | +1 615 4249054
MORE NEWS

WELCOMING ATLANTIC &

NMDPRA OF NIGERIA IN DUBAI
Last December, SPEC welcomed Atlantic Refineries
Ltd. and the representative from NMDPRA (Nigerian
Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory
Authority) on their technical inspection of the now
completed and delivered project at Balyesa State in
Nigeria. SPEC provided EPCC & O/M for this Crude
Distillery Unit (CDU) with 2,000 barrels per day
capacity and a naphtha stabilizer refinery.

DID YOU KNOW?...

SPEC's EPCC & O/M
project for AL BARHAM
GROUP in Kirkuk, Iraq will
be the first refinery in the
locality to produce high
octane, premium grade
gasoline which meets EURO
V specifications.

The project is a 12,000 BPSD

Modular Gasoline Production
Complex consisting of
Naphtha Hydrotreating Unit,
Isomerization Unit and Fixed
Bed Platforming Unit, built
under the process license of
Honeywell UOP. It will also VISIT OUR NEW EPC
have the associated utility
packages and tank farm
WEBSITE SPECEPC.COM
storage, while producing LPG,
Hydrogen and high-pressure
Steam for use within the Download our 2022
refinery. [Completion: Q3 2023] EPC Brochure to learn
more about what we do
and our growing network
of clients across the globe!

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15
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