South African fire protection equipment supplier DoseTech has partnered with Italian company SA Fire Protection to provide African refineries with advanced fire protection systems as the sector modernises to meet new standards and strengthen fuel security.

This partnership combines SA Fire Protection’s engineering expertise with DoseTech’s local support capabilities, ensuring reliable implementation in challenging environments.

DoseTech acts as a local distributor and integrator, ensuring that SA Fire Protection’s monitors, deluge systems and valves are installed, maintained and supported to meet the demanding conditions of the region.

DoseTech offers products designed to protect high-risk zones such as pumpstations, tank farms, loading bays and process units.

“Our systems are engineered for rapid, large-scale water or water-and-foam suppression. They are critical in areas where fast, decisive action is needed to prevent escalation,” says SA Fire Protection business development manager Sharé Mason.

An important focus is the company’s firefighting monitors, available in bronze or stainless steel. They are also offered in manual, electric and electrohydraulic versions, and deliver long throw ranges and precise flow control.

“They allow operators to cool critical equipment, put out spill fires or shield nearby structures,  [thereby preventing them] from catching fire — all from a safe distance,” she explains.

Refinery upgrades increase fire risk because of mixed infrastructure, new process flows and construction activity.

“Temporary layouts can create bottlenecks or ignition points. That is why we deploy modular deluge skids and strategically placed monitors that can be integrated into existing systems as work progresses.”

This approach keeps vulnerable areas protected during transitional phases, reducing downtime and improving safety, adds Mason.

Common hazards in refineries include jet fires from pressurised leaks, spray fires from joints and pool fires caused by spills. Deluge systems deliver immediate, wide-area cooling and extinguishing to prevent equipment failure, while monitors provide targeted suppression to stop a fire from spreading.

“Deluge valves are triggered automatically or manually to cover fixed zones, while monitors allow [for] flexible response to changing fire patterns. Together, they provide a strong layer of protection,” she says.

Further, SA Fire Protection designs its systems to meet strict international safety standards. These include those stipulated by the National Fire Protection Association, the American Petroleum Institute, European Standards, Safety Integrity Level standards, and NORSOK standards for offshore structures. The company also boasts certifications from Underwriters Laboratories and approvals from accreditation organisations Det Norske Veritas and Lloyd’s Register.

“Materials and components are tested for corrosion resistance, flow performance and operational reliability, which is critical in harsh African environments,” Mason notes.

The company also works closely with refinery safety teams on design, installation and maintenance. Its manufacturing base, in Italy, ensures strict quality control, while local service teams provide inspection and compliance support to maintain system readiness.

Mason says African refineries often struggle with outdated suppression systems, limited spares and inconsistent maintenance: “We address these challenges with modular solutions for faster installation and locally supported maintenance programmes. Our aim is to keep systems operational and compliant, even in difficult conditions”.

As refineries upgrade to produce cleaner fuels, fire safety remains a priority.

“We are constantly improving actuation systems, corrosion resistance and monitor ergonomics.”

Mason concludes that SA Fire Protection’s goal is to provide reliable, innovative fire protection so that clients can operate with confidence during and after modernisation.