Diesel
Troubleshoot operation of a steam ejector vacuum system
A crude vacuum unit operating properly generates high gasoil yield vs. low-value vacuum residue.
Utilize APC solutions to resolve hydrocracker conversion optimization challenges
Improving profits and reducing costs remain priorities for owner/operators and management.
Industry Metrics
US product markets weakened despite unseasonably strong gasoline demand, and the gasoil crack spread hit the lowest level seen in more than five years, under pressure from increasing supplies amid thin demand due to warmer winter weather.
China’s diesel use falls as gas, gasoline post gains
The 3.7% decline in diesel demand in 2015 is greater than the 1.5% drop in diesel usage in 2014. Meanwhile, gasoline and natural gas consumption rose by 7% and 5.7%, respectively.
US gasoline inventories rise more than expected, but distillate fuels fall
Crude inventories rose by 4 million bbl for the week, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 2.8 million bbl. Oil inventories climbed to the highest level since 1990.
Fueling Alberta oil sands fleets with natural gas
Natural gas for diesel replacement is an excellent opportunity for mineable oil sands operations to realize considerable fuel savings.
Industry Metrics
Asian margins showed a strong recovery due to higher winter heating fuel demand, supporting middle distillate crack spreads.
HP Global: Forthcoming tax hike could hamper Russian refining
Russia plans to increase the volume of oil it refined this year, despite Western sanctions and the ever-deteriorating business environment, according to an official spokesperson for Alexander Novak, Russia’s minister of energy.
HP Viewpoint: Interesting times to continue for refiners in 2016
A year ago in this publication, John England and Ashnu Mittal were prescient in their article titled “US shale revolution set to spill over into downstream.”
HP Industry Metrics
Global refinery margins fell due to the expectations of a mild winter and an oversupply environment.

- China's Wanhua Chemical starts operation at new east China cracker 4/4
- Brookfield Infrastructure announces the acquisition of Colonial Enterprises for $9 B 4/4
- PBF restarts some units at Martinez refinery after February fire; fire-damaged units remain shut 4/4
- Japan to curb gasoline prices from June to cushion U.S. tariff blow 4/4
- Evonik presents innovative "Debonding on Demand" concept for more sustainable bonding 4/3
- Oil, gas and refined product imports exempted from Trump’s sweeping tariffs 4/3