Economics
Rethinking the risk mitigation process and revitalizing operational safety
For the past 2 yr, oil prices have been in free-fall. At the time of writing, the WTI price is around $50/bbl, up slightly since OPEC’s May 2017 announcement to extend its September 2016 production cut of 2.2%.
Plug the metering skills gap to ensure measurement accuracy and safety
In all sectors of industry, the measurement of flow is of vital importance. However, in an industry that is cutting costs, what impact will a growing skills gap have on meter management and accuracy of measurement?
Boxscore Construction Analysis: The state of the global downstream construction sector
In May, Lee Nichols, Editor and Associate Publisher of <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> and <i>Gas Processing</i>, presented a detailed, year-to-date trend analysis and review on new and active downstream construction projects around the world.
Global Project Data
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database is tracking nearly 350 downstream projects with capital expenditures (CAPEX) of $1 B or greater.
Industry Metrics
High refinery runs contributed to high inventories, pressuring US product markets despite healthy summer driving season demand.
Business Trends: Ethylene production economics from optional feedstocks
The petrochemicals industry is witnessing enormous growth worldwide. Ethylene is produced by cracking a range of hydrocarbons. Naphtha is the main raw material used in European and Japanese crackers, while the US utilizes ethane as its primary feedstock.
Supply Chain: Rail’s speed of change is all about efficiency
Railroads have long played a major role in safely and efficiently moving freight from origin to destination. However, for more than a decade, they have faced declines and slow growth in coal and other bulk commodities transported by carload service.
Reliability: Identify top ways to weather weak market conditions
New Jersey-based Carmagen Engineering Inc., a member of Mistras Group Inc., is a highly respected consulting engineering and project management firm comprising experienced subject matter experts (SMEs).
Editorial Comment: Is the industry ready for IMO 2020?
In mid-July, hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) professionals from around the world met in Houston, Texas for Hydrocarbon Processing’s International Petrochemical and Refining Conference (IRPC).
S.Korea's SK Innovation sees favorable refining margins in H2
SEOUL (Reuters) — SK Innovation Co Ltd, the owner of South Korea's top refiner, said on Thursday that it expects solid demand to keep refining margins healthy in the second half of this year.

- Alpek will cease operations at its PET facility in North Carolina (U.S.) 6/6
- ANDRITZ to acquire Diamond Power Intl. businesses 6/6
- ABB launches AMXE Marine Motor to enhance vessel efficiency 6/6
- Private refiners tap India's drivers as export markets tighten 6/6
- Irving Oil invests $100 MM in Saint John refinery upgrade 6/6
- IEA: Global energy investment set to hit record $3.3 T in 2025 6/6