Catalyst Handling Solutions

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 (established 1985) has evolved into a fully independent, locally-driven capability backed by over two decades of hands-on experience.

We've completed 50+ catalyst change-out projects across refineries, LNG plants, petrochemical facilities, and fertiliser plants, with zero lost-time incidents and zero fatalities.

Today, we deliver catalyst handling services across Nigeria and internationally, with the capacity to mobilise within 24-48 hours and execute multi-site simultaneous operations when turnaround schedules demand it.

What We Deliver

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.

Catalyst Loading We deploy multiple loading technologies depending on reactor configuration and client requirements:

  • Sock Loading — safe, controlled loading using specially designed hoppers that enhance operator safety and catalyst placement
  • Dense Loading (Petroval DENSICAT®) — delivers uniform catalyst distribution, increased bed density, improved flow characteristics, and loading rates up to 28 tons per hour
  • S-LOAD® Technology — reduces catalyst breakage, improves distribution, removes dust during loading, and enhances visibility inside the reactor

Catalyst Screening & Segregation We screen and separate reusable catalyst from spent material, reducing waste and supporting clients' catalyst management strategies.

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.

Reactor & Vessel Maintenance Beyond catalyst work, we provide 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 We handle the packaging, documentation, and disposal support for spent catalyst in compliance with environmental regulations.

Explore Our Project Portfolio

Why Choose CMSL for Catalyst Handling Services?

First indigenous company to execute catalyst handling in Nigeria (since 2002)

50+ projects delivered with zero LTI and zero fatalities

24-48 hour mobilisation — we move when your turnaround clock starts ticking

Multi-site simultaneous capability — we can be in two places at once

Own equipment fleet — no third-party dependencies or rental delays

International experience — including Total E&P's Moho Nord FPU in D.R. Congo

Technology partnerships — Petroval DENSICAT®, S-LOAD®, Technivac UK, Edelhoff Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

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, our team is ready to mobilise.
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