Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Crude oil

Case history: Optimization of FCCU with multivariate statistical modeling

BASF Corp.: Keeley, C.  |  Mayol, J.  |  Riva, S.  |  Komvokis, V.  |  Bozukov, V.  |  Challis, S.
Lukoil Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez Refinery: Karpov, N. V.

Process models and simulation methods can be used to simulate the fluidized-bed catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process.a,b Likewise, kinetic or multivariate statistical models have been used. Rigorous..

Processing shale oils in FCC: Challenges and opportunities

Grace Catalysts Technologies: Bryden, K. J.  |  Habib Jr., E. T.  |  Topete, O. A.

Detailed feed analysis and cracking studies aid refiners in understanding how best to optimize operations and maximize FCC value when processing shale oils.

Reduce salt corrosion rates with stronger base amines

Baker Hughes: Lack, J.  |  Harrell, B.

When processing discounted crude oils, one of the primary challenges refiners face is under-salt corrosion in crude unit distillation overhead systems.

Mitigate fouling in crude unit overhead—Part 1

CH2M Hill: Sloley, A. W.

In a refinery crude distillation column, up to 40% of the total heat removal may be found in the tower overhead condenser. The quantity of duty available makes heat integration (HI) between the column..

Use modeling to evaluate processing solutions for heavy oils

Invensys: McMullen, J.

To optimize processing and reduce design and operating costs, refiners should consider using accurate simulation models that are specifically tailored for heavy crudes.

Catalyst systems offer flexibility for hydroprocessing applications

Advanced Refining Technologies: Olsen, C. W.  |  Torchia, D.
Advanced Refining Technologies, LP: Shiflett, W. K.
Chevron Lummus Global: Brossard, D.

Refinersa re strongly motivated to evaluate and select premier catalyst systems for the production of both diesel products from their hydrocracking and diesel treating units.

Improved oxidation process increases sulfur recovery with Claus unit

GTC Technology US, LLC: Vazquez, R. G.  |  Seeger, D.  |  Thundyil, M.

Since its development in 1936, the “modified Claus” technology has been the preferred process used by refineries and gas processing plants for the recovery of sulfur from acid-gas streams. M..

Update: Russia’s capacity and modernization program

RAS, A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas: Levinbuk, M.
Gazprom Neft: Galkin, V. V.  |  Makhiyanov, V.

Since 2008, Russian regulations regarding the crude oil and refining industry have changed substantially. At present, Russia has 22 large refineries, each with an individual throughput capacity exceed..

Novel use of sulfiding agent prevents refinery shutdown

Lubrizol: Frank, T.
Coastal Chemical Co.: Bridges, W.

When an insufficient supply of acid gas threatened to shut down operations at a US refinery, quick thinking, along with the novel use of a sulfiding agent and a strong supply chain made all the difference.

Consider accurate feed characterization with improved simulation methods

Fluor Canada Ltd.: Ha, H. Z.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.: Tiwary, D.

Assay definition is crucial for accurate process simulations. The performance of process simulators depends on the feed definition to the processing unit. Modern analytical laboratories can offer comp..