Process Optimization
Improve the isomerization of alkanes by catalytic distillation
The isomerization of light gasoline fractions is crucial to producing high-octane fuels and to reducing the benzene content in gasoline. One of the most promising options for isomerization is catalytic distillation.
A biofuels roadmap for Europe to 2030
What will the transport sector use as an energy source in 2030? If you answered gas, electricity or hydrogen, you could be on the right track. These sources are becoming increasingly useful to meet cl..
Inspect steam reformers and catalyst tubes with infrared thermography
Infrared thermography is a useful inspection tool to help locate problems in steam reformers while the units are online and fired. There are three main areas in a reformer that can be efficiently insp..
Project management: Construction of modern-day hydrogen capacity in the Middle East
Refining heavier and high-sulfur crude oils consumes high volumes of hydrogen (H2). Most refineries have exhausted process-based H2 supplies and must use on-purpose sources. This article follows the d..
HP Editorial Comment: What’s next for the energy industry?
Year-end always leads to insightful predictions for the upcoming 12 months and possibly some longer-term insights. In writing this editorial at the end of December, HP reviewed several 2014 outlooks t..
HP Reliability: Best practices when trim-cutting closed-pump impellers
Experienced reliability professionals will implement least-risk solutions whenever possible. The following example relates to impeller trimming to reduce the diameter of a fixed-speed centrifugal pump..
HP Automation Strategies: ISO 55000 will up the ante for asset performance management
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you should have heard about the upcoming ISO 55000 Asset Management Systems standard. How will this impact the hydrocarbon processing i..
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Kuwait eyes top spot in Middle East clean fuels production
Kuwait National Petroleum Co. is investing $31 billion in projects to modernize the country's Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries, as well as to construct the region's largest refinery, the Al-Zour plant. Once completed, these projects will reshape Kuwait's refining sector.
HP Viewpoint: Methanol: The other transportation fuel
In the US Congress, the Open Fuel Standard Act was introduced to direct automakers to have half of all new cars by the 2017 model year capable of operating on something other than gasoline, with model..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 77: Random deck vibration with beats
When something vibrates, it is usually in a predictable manner. Motors, pumps, compressors, turbines and centrifuges all vibrate when they are out of balance. Vibration analysis can help predict the s..
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