January 2002

The data are useful but only the first step toward improving failure analysis

A proactive approach will provide significant returns through better utilization of existing staff

Consider this technology for difficult bolting applications

Substantial benefits are realized from increased diagnostics and process data

Consider using an acoustic monitor to supervise pilot status for your flare

This approach can increase productivity and reduce errors to optimize output

Use these proven techniques throughout all job phases as you manage your teams

The overwhelming majority of small turbine overspeed trip devices are mechanical; they incorporate a spring-activated trip bolt that moves out and contacts a trip lever whenever a pres..

Yes, we can actually dream of the next Golden Age for the refining industry. This will definitely be change, considering the pain and agony of the last decade. The '90s were not "golde..

Recovering and recycling steam condensate does offer economic incentives. Proper management of recovered condensate quality is crucial when protecting major equipment such as boilers. ..

Each year I spend a little time reflecting on the past year and planning strategic activities for the next. I think about my personal, business and professional goals. The year 2001 wa..

Conoco starts cogen unit Conoco Energy Solutions, a division of Conoco, has started operation of the SRW Cogeneration Ltd. Partnership facility. The 420-MW natural gas-fired plant is located..

Projections from China Petrochemical Consulting Corp. show that even with maximum crude oil output, the shortage in China's oil supply will be about 0.09 billion tons (Bton) in 2005. T..

Whatever environmental benefits an oxygenate requirement in the U.S. had in the early 1990s, they have since "weakened considerably" as a more decisive role is played by improved auto ..

Volatile oil price cycles and increasing competition will make astute application of technology a key determinant of success for the oil industry, according to Global Oil Trends 2002, ..

Energy industry executives foresee economic recovery and lower energy prices, but have a high concern for the security of oil and natural gas supplies, according to a survey conducted ..

Companies that ignore nonfinancial performance risk lower valuations, warns a study from Ernst & Young (E&Y). Energy industries take note: The greater the uncertainty and volatility in..

An initiative called In Your Face Computing for Construction, Operations and Maintenance (IYFCCOM) has recently selected three pilot projects for further development. The selected pilo..

An international three-day Congress on Process Technologies is to be held in Mexico City, March 18-20, 2002. It is jointly organized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, In..

Main fractionators I recently read the article, "Do we need relief valves on FCC main fractionators?" (Hydrocarbon Processing, Oct., pp. 53 - 56). Although Mr. Elliot did a good job ..

Bill Crowley, Contributing Editor You have probably heard about gas hydrates. You know, frozen natural gas and CO2. Some folks think these hydrates may hold the promise of cheap and very ..

Gems Sensors Inc., Plainville, Connecticut, a manufacturer of fluid sensors, is acquiring Setra Systems, Inc., Boxborough, Massachusetts. Setra designs and manufactures capacitance pressure transducer..

Asset management is one of the hottest topics in the HPI today. As mentioned in previous columns, it means different things to different people. But for engineers, the primary focus is..

Fig. 1. "Road map" displays by project phase which technique is most effective to produce desired results. ..