http://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com Hydrocarbon Processing Refractory lining reliability challenges in hydrogen-fueled process fired heaters http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/heat-exchangemanagement/refractory-lining-reliability-challenges-in-hydrogen-fueled-process-fired-heaters/ This article provides an overview of the potential impact of H2-rich fuel firing on refractory integrity and suggests safeguards to mitigate challenges. While this article discusses refractory issues in process fired heaters, the information presented can be broadly applicable to fired equipment where a flame is present.  Methods for increasing the heat transfer rate on steam condensation surfaces http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/heat-exchangemanagement/methods-for-increasing-the-heat-transfer-rate-on-steam-condensation-surfaces/ Traditional systems rely on filmwise condensation for heat transfer; however, for large energy consumers, dropwise condensation will help improve heat transfer efficiency and reduce steam consumption and carbon footprint. This can be achieved through water treatment technologies—specifically the dropwise condensation technology—that help facilities increase productivity and reliability while reducing energy consumption. Scaling pyrolysis: A critical step toward plastic circularity http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/trends-and-resources/scaling-pyrolysis-a-critical-step-toward-plastic-circularity/ Pyrolysis has potential to process hard-to-recycle plastics and expand the scope of recycling, but scaling up pyrolysis to meet global demand remains a significant challenge. From technical optimization to creating market confidence, addressing these barriers is essential if pyrolysis is to reduce plastic pollution and advance circularity.  HP People http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/trends-and-resources/hp-people/ Kurita America names Todd Emslander as successor to retiring CEO Greg Becker Optimize direct air carbon capture systems for petrochemical sustainability http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/special-focus-petrochemical-technologies/optimize-direct-air-carbon-capture-systems-for-petrochemical-sustainability/ The advent of direct air carbon capture (DACC) systems presents a groundbreaking opportunity to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and repurpose it as a valuable feedstock for petrochemical products like methanol and synthetic fuels. LLDPE/HDPE swing technology platform http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/special-focus-petrochemical-technologies/lldpehdpe-swing-technology-platform/ This article highlights and compares the various technology platforms available to provide technical insight into the selection of the best LLDPE/HDPE platform for a given facility. A high-level overview of the various technology platforms is provided based on open-source available data and the authors’ years of technical and operating experience.  Minimize risks and unlock profitability with opportunity crudes http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/process-optimization/minimize-risks-and-unlock-profitability-with-opportunity-crudes/ This article focuses on new digital technologies that enable refiners to extract the most profit out of opportunity crudes. Design improved resid hydrotreating catalyst systems for higher RFCC profitability http://admin.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/magazine/2025/march-2025/catalysts/design-improved-resid-hydrotreating-catalyst-systems-for-higher-rfcc-profitability/ This article summarizes the authors’ JV’s recent development of two new improved catalytic materials for the residue desulfurization (RDS) process, and provides a case study showing how these materials can be used in synergy with RFCC technology to improve refinery margins.