June 2002

The main advantages are simpler models and reduced computation time

Applying the same ROI requirement for every dollar spent on IT that is used on non-IT spending, management can dramatically turn potentially huge capital drains into great gains

Machines have a memory of overstressed conditions

To reduce facility-wide air emission, a refinery retrofitted the flare system and reuses waste gas as fuel gas

The technology can increase production by 1 - 3% and reduce unplanned maintenance costs by 10 - 30%

With performance real-time field data, designers can devise process retrofits at the conceptual stage that control project scope and minimize engineering revisions during FEED and detailed engineering

Using a proactive approach can reap significant benefits

Follow this methodology to improve problem diagnosis and communication

Process optimization is one of the fastest growing technologies in the automation industry because of its ability to tightly link a company's business and economic objectives to its ope..

You're probably familiar with texts such as Machinery Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting (ISBN 0-88415-662-1) that explore competing approaches to machinery troubleshooting. One of these is the "Mr...

This month's column is different. We had so many responses to our March Downstream Challenge that I feel we need to review them all. As I have said before, the Internet is the world's l..

Manufacturing cost-reduction efforts increase during weak markets. Utility systems are typical candidates for cost savings. In general, these projects involve some amount of capital inv..

As companies gain experience implementing the ISA 84.01 and IEC 61511 standards, several have gotten toward the end of the safety life cycle with real projects. The final phase of the s..

New propylene source developed Lurgi and Süd-Chemie have introduced a new propylene technology - Propylur. This process can use various feedstocks such as light naphtha or gasoline from..

Plant design software has added features Version 16 of AutoPLANT Process and Instrumentation Workgroup (P&IW) software features a totally new instrumentation and wiring module, support ..

CB&I building GOSP plant in Qatif Chicago Bridge&Iron Co. (CB&I) has a lump sum turnkey contract with Saudi Aramco for the Qatif 2 GOSP facility. Project scope includes turnkey engineer..

Scalable open-automation platform Free brochure from The Foxboro Co. describes its I/A series system as a complete, scalable automation platform that is easily and continuously updated. It..

HPI executives again testify that gasoline prices reflect market conditions. In a recent hearing before a U.S. Senate committee, representatives from ExxonMobil, Marathon Ashland, BP, ..

The state of the industry and near-term strategic issues were the focus of DeWitt & Company Inc.'s annual petrochemical conference. Principal economic drivers for an anticipated industr..

During 2002, technology leaders should focus on six emerging developments that improve competitiveness and business results. So says a recent forecast from technology industry consulta..

Australia has declining crude production and rising demand. By 2005/6 the country will no longer be self-sufficient in transporting fuels, according to a recent analysis from Industrial..

The International Energy Agency has released an in-depth review of U.S. energy policies. In the assessment, the Paris-based organization stresses the importance of a coherent policy em..

Most HPI plants are built to the best standards available to the respective project managers and design engineers. Most are highly varied in design, equipment fabrication, construction..

Correction In the article, "Improve benzene production from refinery sources," (April 2002) Fig. 1 had errors in the process lines going from the reformate splitter and depentanizer. The correct figur..

Marathon Oil Co. signed an agreement with XTO Energy Inc. to exchange certain oil and gas properties in east Texas and north Louisiana for XTO coalbed methane assets in the Powder River..

This month's issue is totally devoted to the multifaceted issues surrounding process and plant optimization. Without exception, all operating facilities are very conscious about their p..