August 2001
Special Report: Fluid Flow
Kinetic energy criteria have many limitations
The method is more accurate than the traditional 'separate' phase approach
Using a high-pressure water jet with abrasive grit met the requirements
A near-field sound pressure level screening method can predict problems
Understand these factors for reliable, optimal operation
The potential for process improvements using these methods is not yet fully realized
In an innovative effort, this refiner improved operations and reduced acid losses by installing an online analyzer to measure HF compositions
Engineering Case Histories
Calculate B10 life to ensure reliable operation
Process Technology/Refining
Process engineers troubleshoot unstable process circuits
Columns
Virtually all cryogenic turboexpander seals are either close-fitting labyrinth or noncontacting (dry) gas types. Conventional mechanical seals are not generally used; high velocities prohibit use of c..
Several operating companies know about relatively new functional safety standards like ANSI/ISA 84.01 and IEC61508. Many are convinced that the economic benefits of safety life cycle implementation ar..
"Supply chain management" considers optimizing refinery operations, which includes supply and distribution. The diversity of upgrading and treating units, and the variety of processed products has sig..
Proper pH measurement is critical to control corrosion and deposition in water systems. The parameter pH is defined as the opposite of the logarithm (base 10) of the concentration of hy..
Trends and Resources
The worldwide process automation systems (PAS) market is forecast to reach $9.5 billion by the end of 2005, a 3.9%/yr growth rate, according to a recently updated study from ARC Advisory Group, Dedham..
The latest Oil Market Report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) summarizes mid-year data on oil and gas supply, demand and pricing. Like other analysts, the IEA predicts a late-2001 turnaround..
Channel Polymers, Norwalk, Connecticut, has signed an agreement with the Ethylene Elastomers Business unit of ExxonMobil Chemical Co. to become the distributor for Vistalon (R) Ethylene Propylene Dien..
Multivariable predictive controllersUpgraded GMAXC-multivariable predictive control (MVPC) softwarepackage with an OLE interface for AEA Hyprotech's HYSYS.PlantDynamic Simulation package-has been fiel..
AgipPetroli awards contract to Foster Wheeler AgipPetroli S.p.A. has awarded a contract for remediation of a former Rho refinery site to Foster Wheeler Environmental, an Italian subsidi..
Hydrocarbon-type analysis of gasoline and blending feedstocksAC Analytical Controls' (AC) new brochure describes how AC Reformulyzer application identifies all hydrocarbon types (PONA) and oxygenates,..
Dialogue with the trade union movement must focus on business sustainability, says the UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA), which has a membership of 200 companies. "International dialogue betwee..
Significant near-term trends in U.S. energy pricing, supply and demand are identified in a recent outlook from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The following are highlights of the report's..
The slowing output growth in 2001 is forecast to give way to improved activity for 2002, according to a recent economic outlook from the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). It estimates that o..
What actions can be taken to identify and reduce infrastructure vulnerabilities within the HPI? The National Petroleum Council (NPC), a U.S. federal advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy, has ..
 Fig. 1     A projection of global LNG consumption by region in 2011 The world trade market for LNG is an important part..
A consortium has recently been established to encourage the use of "sound motor management and planning as a tool for cutting motor energy costs and conserving energy." Campaign members include U.S. m..
The popular image of the heroic and solitary entrepreneur is a myth, according to a new study by Accenture (www.accenture.com). True entrepreneurship is not a lone pursuit but highly collaborative beh..
Misc
BILL CROWLEY, Contributing Editor Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com As drivers, we are all worried about high gasoline prices. Some o..
This refinery used advanced coalescer techniques to separate very stable emulsions and dispersions by mechanical means
Kim M. Jackson, Process Editor Comments? Write: KJ@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Accenture and Aspen Technolo..
In the June issue "HP In Control," I discussed some interesting process control / instrumentation sites that I had found using the Google search engine (www.google.com). Some readers responded to my r..
Kinetic energy criteria have many limitations
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