Loss Prevention
Utilize a process simulation digital twin to optimize condensate yield
With the aim to maximize profit, and contribute to sustainability targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ADNOC Sour Gas has optimized condensate hydrotreater operation by adjusting Reid vapor pressure, which resulted in maximizing condensate yield. This article is a case study on using a process digital twin to optimize condensate yield.
Thermal decomposition of particulate mercury sulfides in petroleum—Part 2
Traces of particulate mercury sulfide (HgS) in stabilized crude oils transform to elemental mercury below 400°C in refinery distillation units. The authors evaluated this transformation and measured reaction rates and activation energies in crude oil and Hg-spiked mineral oil, using glass vessels at atmospheric pressure and a microunit at 1,000 psig.
SMR feed effluent hairpin exchanger: Once upon a time—An unusual thermal mix-point failure—Part 1
This article presents a review of a failure that happened in a hairpin heat exchanger type on the shell side in a hydrogen (H2) reformer unit. This mechanism was not identified during the design phase and led to a failure after only two years of operation. This article also reviews the situations encountered during the design stage and how they affected the material selection.
Refinery/petrochemical makeup water treatment: A general guide for technical personnel—Part 3
A very important—and sometimes overlooked—unit operation within hydrocarbon processing facilities is makeup water treatment for steam generators and other processes. Many cases have been documented in which makeup system upsets have led to boiler tube failures that partially or completely shut down unit processes. The three parts of this article (August, September and October 2024) serve as a guide for those employees who may be on a steep learning curve when it comes to makeup system understanding.
Sumitomo Chemical begins study to optimize operations at Keiyo Ethylene
Sumitomo Chemical has made a proposal to Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd., its JV partner in Keiyo Ethylene Co., to reduce offtake quotas for Sumitomo Chemical products at Keiyo Ethylene.
IGS acquires thermal spray business from Liquidmetal Industrial Solutions
Integrated Global Services Inc. (IGS), a leading provider of proprietary asset integrity and environmental and efficiency technologies, has acquired the engineered coatings and materials business of Liquidmetal Industrial Solutions.
BGEN signs five-year contract with INEOS O&P UK
BGEN has announced that it has signed a five-year contract with the petrochemical manufacturer INEOS O&P UK. BGEN will provide a range of services to help INEOS optimize plant efficiency at its site in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire.
Digital Feature: WASCO’s Energy Efficiency Roadmap: Leveraging software and AI for operational excellence
This case study details how WASCO introduced an innovative Energy Efficiency Roadmap that uses proprietary simulation software and artificial intelligence to address the critical challenges of operational costs and carbon emissions in an liquified petroleum gas plant.
Update: Hours-long toxic gas leak at Pemex oil refinery near Houston far exceeded legal limit
Pemex's Deer Park oil refinery near Houston discharged 43,500 pounds (lb) of highly toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas over more than seven hours in a deadly incident earlier this week.
Digital Feature: Delivering the next-generation workforce by harnessing AI to propel chemical engineering into the future
This article details the strategy behind a proprietary AI platform that empowers chemical industry SMEs like process operations, controls, engineering, and economics – a workforce that may not have traditional programming skills – to work with cutting edge AI algorithms.
- Emerson’s ‘Project Beyond’ to modernize and seamlessly integrate the industrial automation technology stack 5/20
- ADNOC and EGA sign $500-MM deal to localize supply of key raw material in aluminum production 5/20
- hte and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate on catalytic ammonia cracking 5/20
- HPCL aims to start crude unit at 9-MMtpy Rajasthan refinery (India) in October 5/20
- Russia in favor of extending partial gasoline export ban 5/20
- Nigeria's fuel traders struggling to secure gasoline from refurbished state refineries 5/20
