Maintenance & Reliability
HP Reliability: Four-stage, low-flow process centrifugal compressor can fill important industry gaps
In the 1970s and 1980s, multistage centrifugal compressors in the 3,000 acfm (about 5,000m3/hr) and lower flow ranges were largely confined to instrument and plant air duties. Three stages with interc..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 74: How to determine impact forces when troubleshooting
When troubleshooting failures, it is not unusual for the metallurgical report to indicate that the failure was the result of an impact type of force. The investigator who receives this information mus..
HP Brief
Train accident raises concerns on safetyThe train derailment that killed at least 38 people in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, has heightened safety concerns about crude oil shipments by rail. It has been ..
HP Impact: Dilbit poses no extra pipeline risk
Diluted bitumen (dilbit) has no greater likelihood of accidental pipeline release than other crude oils, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report found that diluted bitumen has..
Optimize amine units and improve refinery profitability
The alkanolamine system in a refinery, better known as the amine unit, is used to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2) and mercaptans (collectively referred to as acid gases) from proce..
Consider catalytic dewaxing as a tool to improve diesel cold-flow properties
Diesel engines rely on effective dispersion of fuel to ensure efficient combustion. In cold weather regions, maintaining the fluidity flow of fuels can be difficult. Catalytic dewaxing is a selectiv..
HP Reliability: Expect adversity, but plan for success
Consider that a major oil refinery was planning a substantial modernization project in 2008. Energy efficiency gains and the ability to process a more readily available crude slate were key motivating..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 73: Useful troubleshooting tools to keep at hand
Over the past 45 years, the author has pursued troubleshooting machinery and pressure vessels. It has also been the subject of this column. The troubleshooting tools used in this endeavor have been an..
HP Innovations
Training simulator to aid ethylene operatorsHyperion Systems Engineering has delivered to the Linde Group an operator training simulator (OTS) for ONGC Petro-additions Ltd.’s ethylene plant in Da..
HP Reliability: Gain more flexibility with special liners for reciprocating compressor cylinders
By changing only the crank-end head, piston and rod assembly, the same cylinder body can be mounted on any of the common 5-in. to 7-in. stroke compressor frames that have been manufactured in the last five decades.
- Maire signs MoU to explore SAF production in Kazakhstan 6/24
- Air Liquide to supply gases to Silleno's world-scale polyethylene plant 6/24
- Moscow oil refinery hit by drone attacks is unlikely to resume production this year 6/24
- ExxonMobil's Antwerp refinery to stop output from June 29–July 3 due to strike 6/24
- Singapore's Aster plans August maintenance for crude, petchem units 6/24
- TotalEnergies must invest in Gulf pipelines to bypass Hormuz, CEO says 6/24

