Environment & Safety
US achieves new milestones with latest hydrogen, fuel cell technologies
With support from the US Department of Energy, private industry and the DOE’s national laboratories have already achieved significant advances in fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
Key pipeline companies in North America take lead on safety research
North American pipeline industry leaders Enbridge and TransCanada have reaffirmed their commitment to pipeline safety and emergency response by agreeing to research regarding leak detection.
US safety board seeks overhaul of California refinery regulations
After the August 2012 fire at Chevron's Richmond refinery, the CSB says it wants to replace reactive and activity-based regulations with a rigorous, performance-based scheme.
Design a staggered depressurization sequence for flare systems
Emergency depressurization is one of the most important design provisions for safeguarding facilities in case of an emergency. To overcome limitations of flare system capacity during such a scenario, depressurization can be practiced in a sequential manner. Presented here are the criteria and calculation methods for designing sequential depressurization, along with guidelines for the implementation of recommended designs.
Rethink the hazards in your process
In designing process safety systems, “more” is not necessarily better. Advanced technology has created a mindset to over-install hardware to prevent or to reduce the risk of failure in hydro..
Consider process-based failure analysis methods for piping and equipment
Avoiding incident (or accident) recurrences at industrial systems is a long-standing problem, and it involves process safety strategies (PSSs). Incurring zero incidents is the ultimate goal for any st..
HP Editorial Comment: By the numbers
At times, engineers, bankers, scientists and accountants can be obsessed with numbers. Why? Because numbers are vital, especially in the design and operation of process units and equipment. Anniversar..
HP Brief
After a bitter labor battle, INEOS Grangemouth reopensINEOS Grangemouth (UK) has reopened its petrochemicals plant and oil refinery in Scotland. The reopening comes after negotiations with the employe..
HP Impact: Fossil fuels dominate global primary energy consumption
Oil, natural gas and coal accounted for 87% of global primary energy consumption in 2012, according to a new Worldwatch Institute study. The relative weight of these energy sources keeps shifting, alt..
HP Impact: Bipartisan fuel policy recommendations for US Congress
A bipartisan group called the US Energy Security Council, comprising former military, business and political leaders, has issued policy recommendations for the US Congress as it grapples with fuel-rel..
- NAPCOR releases 2024 PET recycling report highlighting system efficiency gains and continued strength of PET circularity 12/12
- OQ courts other partners for petrochemical complex in Oman as SABIC drops out 12/12
- Brazil's BNDES approves $71 MM for carbon storage project 12/12
- Cuba on edge as U.S. seizure of oil tanker puts supply at risk 12/12
- China oil demand to plateau between 2025 and 2030 12/12
- Germany's PCK refinery says no impact from pipeline leak 12/12
