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

Loss Prevention

Best practice guidelines for selecting types of compressors

Technip Energies: Kanikar, S.

This article discusses the best practices for selecting compressors for different applications in refining, petrochemical, chemical and carbon capture plants.

Utilize a process simulation digital twin to optimize condensate yield

ADNOC Sour Gas: Kaleem, J.  |  Al Ali, E.  |  Allanaboyina, V.  |  Srinivas, R.
Aspen Technology: E. Gebesy  |  S. Sheikh

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

Chevron Energy Technology Co.: Hatakeyama, E.  |  Das, T.  |  Hoelen, T. P.
Contributing Author: O'Rear, D.

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

Suncor Energy Inc.: Gilbert, F.  |  Jacob, O.

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

Buecker & Associates: Buecker, B.

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

WASCO: M. Khaleel
Aspen Technology: E. Gebesy  |  S. Sheikh

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.