October 2016

A methodology was implemented to optimize the operation of a refinery crude distillation unit (CDU) using a combination of process simulation and statistical modeling methods.

Terms such as “model-less,” “small-matrix” and “operational” do not, as yet, evoke the same excitement that accompanied the historic arrival of model-based predictive multivariable control three decades ago.

The amount of stored digital data is doubling every two years, and the rate of data acquisition is close to exceeding our ability to process it and sort out what is valuable.

In the petrochemical industry, process plants often rely on radiation-based level and density detectors.

Many diesel fuel additive companies in North America supply different additive products formulated for diesel-powered equipment.

Adsorption is a well-known and simple separation technique finding application in water treatment, specialty chemicals production, gas separation and removal of trace impurities.

Distillation as a volatilities-based process is used to separate components of a mixture to a liquid phase richer in less volatile components, and a vapor phase richer in more volatile components.

When medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) in a refinery fails, it can force a process unit or even an entire refinery to shut down.

Commercializing a new chemical process can be as simple as installing one or more homogenous batch reactor(s), or as complex as designing a fully integrated chemical complex requiring one or more heterogeneous reaction steps processing gas, liquid and/or solids, with other units required to prepare feeds, recover products/byproducts and recycle streams.

The oil and gas industry has witnessed seismic downward shifts in barrel prices and uplifts in market competitiveness.

It’s that time again! <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> has announced the nominees for its annual Top Project awards.

It was not too long ago that a prospective employee could expect a 30-year career within an oil refinery or a petrochemical plant.

ARC Advisory Group recently conducted a survey on practices and trends in alarm management in the process industries.

Despite low energy prices, energy conservation continues to be an important component of business strategy in the oil refining and chemical industries.

The continued objective of this column series is to increase awareness of code requirements, interpretations and limitations as they stand today, and the options available to engineers for “alternative engineering.”

As the industry works through the most volatile conditions in more than a generation, refiners are facing several challenges that will define the industry in the next decade.

What is the state of downstream processing capacity?

<i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> continues its series on the global refining industry.

US gasoline demand contributed to falling inventories. Operational problems at several refineries and the potential impact of a tropical storm strengthened margins.

New project announcements have hovered in the low teens for several months.

Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.

Dr. Christoph Wegner will become president of BASF’s Information Services and Supply Chain Operations division, effective December 1, 2016.