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

Middle East

Saudi downplays shale boom outside US, Canada

The extra supply is not a competitive threat because it costs more to produce than oil in most of OPEC's member countries, a Saudi official said. "There are many difficulties that face the production activities of shale oil... most importantly, the high production cost which amounts to about $70 to $80/bbl."

EMGC '13: Gas infrastructure development critical for Eastern Mediterranean

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Adrienne Blume

Day 2 of EMGC’s technical program addressed regional infrastructure developments in the morning, while the afternoon speakers focused on resource development in Cyprus and Israel.

Algeria to double refining capacity within five years

Algeria's state-run energy group, Sonatrach, has said it plans to invest $80 billion in oil and natural gas projects until 2016 as it seeks to expand the gas resource base, boost refining and petrochemical capacity and curb dependence on imported fuel. The nation produced 1.16 million bpd of oil last month.

EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Adrienne Blume

During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.

Shale energy resources driving resurgence for ethylene industry

IHS Markit: Eramo, M.

The abundant supply of North American shale energy resources is proving to be not only a boon for exploration and production (E&P) companies and energy consumers, but it is also changing the profitabi..

North American olefin producers riding the shale gas wave

With the prospect of abundant low-cost ethane, several producers have announced intentions to build new ethylene capacity.

High-pressure polyethylene: Reemergence as a specialty chemical or not?

Nexant: Farrell, L.  |  Virosco, J.

The analysis results indicate that, while investment capital for new plants favors LLDPE, plant profitability—which is a function of product slate (revenue) and cost—is, in many cases, higher for LDPE plants.

HPI Focus: New vs. debottlenecking projects

Fluor: Turner, J.
SNC-Lavalin, Hydrocarbons & Chemicals: Luck, G.
MVS Consulting LLC: Van Sickels, M. J.

As most owners do not have adequately skilled engineering teams to study these scenarios, engaging an experienced, qualified engineering contractor to support the conceptual study is often warranted.

Evaluate challenges in meeting clean-fuel specifications with heavier crude

Saudi Aramco: Al-Zahrani, S.  |  Bright, E.  |  Roy, S.

At a Saudi Aramco refinery, a revamp was planned for processing a different crude oil blend to meet Euro 5 diesel and gasoline specifications. The refinery, which processes semi-light crude oil, is sc..

Improve coker efficiency with reliable valve automation

Calabrian Corp.: Deters, B.
Emerson Process Management: Wolkart, R.

The case history discusses conditions occurring in delayed coker operations at two refineries in Louisiana, the impacts on valve performance, and a solution that offers extended life, better reliability and other benefits.