Process Optimization

Common challenges in risk-based inspection for piping: Insights from experience

This article will identify the top five common problems and concerns related to risk-based inspection assessments for piping, along with some thoughts on how to address these issues. 

Hydrocarbon value chain optimization: Non-CAPEX opportunities to improve gross margins for the downstream sector—Part 2

Part 2 will outline additional opportunities across quality giveaway reduction, hydrocarbon loss measurement, refinery mass balance and energy management in downstream functions without the need for capital expenditure (CAPEX) or software infrastructure upgrades.

Optimizing NGL treatment for sulfur and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL Corporation’s Redwater fractionation plant—Part 2

This article provides an in-depth case study on how Pembina NGL optimized NGL treatment at its Redwater fractionation plant in Alberta, Canada.

Digital Exclusive: From safety silos to strategic insights: Digitally transforming SIS management

When it comes to digital transformation, refining and processing operators face unique challenges. Unlike other industries already leveraging digital twins to improve design, enable predictive maintenance and boost operational efficiency, the refining and processing sectors often struggle with data management.

Manage reliability and asset management performance by implementing a reliable operations committee program

This article examines how the author's company instituted a reliable operations committee program at its refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the program is to oversee the implementation and performance of maintenance and reliability programs to ensure a culture of optimum reliability and endorse new initiatives and programs that enhance maintenance performance in the facility.

Harness the power of asset performance management to transform reliability

As the energy industry navigates the shifting energy landscape and macroeconomic uncertainties, it must adopt collaborative and innovative solutions to enhance the productivity and quality of value chain operations, while also remaining focused on efficiency improvement projects that protect the bottom line. Spurred by this need for increased resilience and recent advancements in artificial intelligence, the market is seeing growth in the deployment of asset performance management (APM) solutions.

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins—Part 2

Part 1 of this article appeared in the February issue. Part 2 here will explore the role of FCC and hydrocracking in crude-to-chemicals and the challenge of cracked feeds, among other topics. 

Driving operational excellence: Integrate digital solutions for a smarter supply chain

Siloed systems lead to isolated data and inefficiencies in decision-making due to a lack of visibility. To address these challenges, the authors' company built a strategic digital command and control center. The goal was to resolve daily operational issues by integrating various systems into a unified data ecosystem, enabling real-time, integrated decision-making and driving operational excellence.

Ningbo Refining & Chemical awards ECI a technology licensing contract for an EVA/LDPE plant in China

ECI Group announced a contract award from Ningbo Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited (NZRCC) for a 200,000-tpy EVA/LDPE plant using ECI Group’s proprietary hybrid reactor technology.

INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Carbon tax and high energy costs are killing off manufacturing in Britain