Catalyst handling solutions

Nigeria's first indigenous catalyst handling company — operational since 2002. Over two decades of hands-on experience across refineries, LNG plants, petrochemical facilities, and fertilizer plants.

Since 2002
50+ projects
Zero LTI · Zero fatalities
24–48hr mobilization
Multi-site capable
Our legacy

Nigeria's pioneer in indigenous catalyst handling

CMSL's Catalyst Handling unit has been operational since 2002, making us the first indigenous company to execute catalyst handling services in Nigeria. What started as a strategic partnership with Technivac UK has evolved into a fully independent, locally-driven capability backed by over two decades of hands-on experience.

CMSL's Catalyst Handling unit has been operational since 2002, making us the first indigenous company to execute catalyst handling services in Nigeria. What started as a strategic partnership with Technivac UK has evolved into a fully independent, locally-driven capability backed by over two decades of hands-on experience.

Technivac UK partnership
Petroval DENSICAT®
S-LOAD® technology
Edelhoff Germany
International operations

2002

Operational since

50+

Projects completed

Zero

LTI & fatalities

28t/hr

Max loading rate

Our legacy

Nigeria's pioneer in indigenous catalyst handling

CMSL's Catalyst Handling unit has been operational since 2002, making us the first indigenous company to execute catalyst handling services in Nigeria. What started as a strategic partnership with Technivac UK has evolved into a fully independent, locally-driven capability backed by over two decades of hands-on experience.

Unloading

Catalyst unloading

We remove spent catalyst safely and efficiently using gravity dumping systems and high-speed vacuum technology. Our vacuum systems handle both dry and wet catalyst over extended distances, reducing shutdown duration and minimising personnel exposure to hazardous materials.

Safety critical

Confined space management & rescue

Our confined space teams operate with NIOSH and OSHA-compliant Life Support Systems (LSS), including multi-air supply, lock-on helmet systems, hardline communications, fall arrest, emergency egress, and real-time video monitoring. LSS available for third-party contractors operated by our trained personnel.

Catalyst loading

Three loading technologies deployed based on reactor configuration — sock loading for controlled placement, DENSICAT® for dense uniform loading up to 28t/hr, and S-LOAD® for reduced breakage and improved distribution.

Catalyst screening & segregation

We screen and separate reusable catalyst from spent material, reducing waste and supporting clients' catalyst management strategies to maximize asset value.

Reactor & vessel maintenance

Full blind-to-blind reactor maintenance — including tray removal and installation, internal cleaning, water flooding and dewatering, dust suppression, and video inspection.

Catalyst waste management

Packaging, documentation, and disposal support for spent catalyst in compliance with environmental regulations — fully documented and audit-ready.

See our catalyst projects in action

From Chevron Escravos to Dangote Refinery and Total E&P's Moho Nord FPU in D.R. Congo — explore our full track record.

Explore project portfolio
Technology

Our catalyst loading technologies

We deploy three distinct loading technologies — selected based on reactor configuration, catalyst type, and client operational requirements.

01

Sock loading

Safe, controlled loading using specially designed hoppers that enhance operator safety and improve catalyst placement accuracy inside the reactor bed.

02

Dense loading — Petroval DENSICAT®

Safe, controlled loading using specially designed hoppers that enhance operator safety and improve catalyst placement accuracy inside the reactor bed.

Up to 28–32 metric tons per hour

 

03

S-LOAD® technology

Reduces catalyst breakage, improves distribution uniformity, removes dust during loading, and enhances visibility inside the reactor for safer, more precise operations.

Mobilization

We move when your turnaround clock starts ticking

Our mobilisation timeline by location — because in catalyst handling, every hour of downtime is a cost.

24–48hrs

Niger Delta

Our fastest response zone — equipment pre-positioned for rapid deployment

72hrs

Lagos

Full team and equipment deployment within three days of contract award

~4 days

Northern Nigeria

Logistics-adjusted timeline for upcountry locations

By agreement

International

Subject to client's schedule and shipping arrangements — D.R. Congo, West Africa and beyond

FAQ

1What is your typical mobilisation time for an emergency catalyst change-out?
Mobilisation is subject to the client's shutdown periods. In Nigeria, we can mobilise in 48 hours for the Niger-Delta locations, 72 hours for Lagos locations and approx. 4 days for Northern Locations. Shipments outside the country are subject to our client's agreement.
2Can you execute catalyst operations in both inert and non-inert environments?
Typically, yes; we have a state-of-the-art command centre that supports both environments
3What is the maximum loading rate you can achieve with dense loading? 
28 to 32 Metric tons/hr. The loading rate depends on the specific catalyst type and reactor size
4Do you provide Life Support Systems for third-party contractors, or only for your own operations? 
Do you provide Life Support Systems for third-party contractors, or only for your own operations? We can provide Life Support Systems for third parties on the condition that our trained operators use them.
5Can you handle multiple reactor change-outs simultaneously during a plant turnaround?
Our fleet of vacuum units and trained personnel can handle multiple reactor changeouts.

Ready to plan your next turnaround?

Whether it's a single reactor change-out or a full plant shutdown — we're ready to mobilize

Talk to our catalyst handling team about your turnaround schedule, reactor configuration, and site requirements. We'll respond within 24 hours.

Request a quote