February 2002

Refiners will use more tools other than technology to process clean fuels and be profitable

With new catalyst systems, hydroprocessing efforts more efficiently reduce complex sulfur compounds and lower blended fuels’ sulfur content

Modeling approach involves a short-cut simulation of a column section

Retrofit projects involve defining the limits on existing equipment, understanding the costs for replacement and optimizing unit design parameters

The effects of storage capacity and interaction losses must be considered simultaneously with unit size

A small Brazilian refiner uses an oxidation process to treat caustic from gasoline-sweetening efforts

A new analytical method can increase process optimization and regulation compliance

Analytical modeling can help identify the root cause

Apparently it is extremely difficult to change the belief of peoplewho have emotionally invested into a position. This is caused bythe complexity of interactions between belief and interest: Somepeopl..

When process designs use API 610 centrifugal pumps for dual-service applications, use of the Split Flow feature provides unique benefits: Permits use of two pumps instead of four – capital savi..

Flint Hills Resources, LP, formerly Koch Petroleum Group, L.P., isa new independent refining and chemicals company that is a whollyowned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc. Headquarters are locatedin ..

Foster Wheeler expanding plantFoster Wheeler Energy Ltd. (FWEL) has a front-end engineering anddesign (FEED), feasibility study and management contract (PMC) withSociete Anonyme Marocaine de L'Industr..

Growth is forecast in safety systems despite a generalslowdown in the process automation market. An increased awarenessof safety standards and environmental concerns is fueling theupswing, says a new ..

The EU oil refining industry is being presented with majorchallenges due to a new revision to the original 1988 LargeCombustion Plant Directive (88/609/EEC), which limits certainemissions. It will sig..

Demand for process catalysts (which exclude environmentalapplications) is forecast to increase 4.4%/year to $3.3 billion in2005. This increase is being driven by accelerating growth in thepetroleum re..

Annual results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's(EPA's) Natural Gas STAR Program show that its industry partnersreduced methane emissions from unit operations and equipment leaksby 34 bi..

New analysis of three decades of U.S. government data finds thatAmericans don't have to choose between healthier air and energyconsumption. A recent study of data collected since 1970 reveals "drama..

Sales of NOx control equipment in the U.S. in 2002 willexceed $4 billion. This is a significant jump from $2.7 billionlast year. According to a recent forecast by the McIlvaine Company,"despite the ra..

Not long ago, the California energy crisis was reachingcatastrophic proportions. All eyes were on the states withderegulation looming on the horizon, wondering if the nextderegulated state would follo..

The U.S. load-leveling market is estimated at $11 million in 2001as companies began to bring products to market. By 2006, explosivegrowth of over 150% per year on average is expected, resulting in ama..

The U.S. Justice Department announced in mid-January its conclusionthat the Environmental Protection Agency's "new source review"(NSR) enforcement actions against certain facilities - such as oilrefin..

Why would a site like a ministry of economic affairs be of interestto us in the downstream industry? As a federal public institution,under the supervision of the Minister of Economy and the Ministerin..

Processing methods enable using 'stranded' MTBE facilities and feedstocks for high-octane applications

A number of requirements in the International Functional Safety Standard IEC 61508 sound as if an operating company must set up a safety instrumented system (SIS) to automatically trip the process whe..

        Jerry Thompson will step down as the Chairman of the Executive Committee next month. He has been inst..