Piping
Recover from a steam reformer tube rupture
Most operational problems in the hydrogen plant occur at the steam reformer. The steam reformer is typically operated at high temperatures (810°C process gas) and high pressures (20 atmg) to maxi..
Seal safety may require going beyond typical standards
Top industry professionals believe users must reach beyond typical standards in applying safer mechanical seals when hazardous and toxic chemicals are involved.
Prevent methane hydrate formation in natural gas valves
The discussion here focuses on the thermodynamics involved and on the requirements for a successful natural gas valve application in which the incidences of hydrate formation and icing of the valve are reduced.
Consider both actual and virtual spare parts inventory
Globally, hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facilities operate hundreds of thousands of fluid machinery assets. The various service-specific internal components of these assets are supported by ma..
Flare header failure: An investigation
A 60-in. flare header suffered three identical failures with buckling and cracking at the circumferential weld at the bottom of the pipe. The failures are believed to have originated during hot relief..
HP Industry Perspectives: US-based ultra-low-sulfur gasoline rule released
In late March, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the long-awaited ruling for ultra-low-sulfur gasoline, also known as the Tier 3 rule. This proposed rule lowers the sulfur content ..
Overflow systems are the last line of defense
The overflow system is the last line of defense against the excessive container filling. An overflow system consists of an overflow nozzle with internal and/or external piping and, in some cases, a si..
Take a quicker approach to staggered blowdown
The design of a reliable blowdown system for a large sour gas-processing facility is one of the most important aspects of plant design. Safe design is vital for facility operation. With the developmen..
HP Reliability: Fact-checking list from recent reliability conferences
Whenever HP editors attend technical conferences, their primary goals include observing industry practices, finding facts and spotting trends. Fact or fictionUnfortunately, presenters sometimes relate..
Corrosion under insulation is a hidden problem
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is one of the costliest avoidable problems facing the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) today. CUI afflicts refineries—specifically, the steel piping, storage..

- Braskem unveils updated lifecycle assessments for I’m green™ bio-based portfolio 10/8
- Falcker, Vopak sign agreement for worldwide deployment of advanced tank inspection platform 10/8
- Mitsubishi Chemical initiatives joint research project on its antithrombogenic thermoplastic elastomer 10/8
- ABB’s automation and electrification technology to support floating green ammonia production vessel 10/8
- Czech state lending 200,000 tons of oil to Orlen Unipetrol during TAL work 10/8
- Chevron working to restart units at El Segundo refinery (U.S.) after fire 10/8