Process Optimization

Data and digital: TotalEnergies and Emerson sign a strategic collaboration to boost the value of industrial data

TotalEnergies and Emerson’s Aspen Technology business have announced a strategic collaboration to deploy advanced digital technologies for the continuous, real-time collection of data from TotalEnergies’ industrial sites.

India's Numaligarh Refinery extends key green hydrogen tender date amid Assam policy uncertainty

India's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) has extended the deadline for submitting bids for its green hydrogen project in Assam by two weeks, according to a tender document, as uncertainty looms over the state's flagship clean energy policy.

Emerson introduces GenAI-enabled automation for power and water industries

Emerson has announced the launch of the Ovation AI-enabled Virtual Advisor – the first generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) advisor integrated into an automation system specifically designed for the power and water industries.

Indian Oil to upgrade Panipat refinery's diesel unit for green jet fuel production

Indian Oil Corp plans to shut the diesel desulfurizer unit at its 300,000-bpd Panipat refinery for an upgrade aimed at producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) next year, Arvind Kumar, its head of refineries, said.

Nayara to use Univation Technologies' PE process for world-scale plant in India

Univation Technologies, LLC announced that Nayara Energy Ltd. has selected Univation's UNIPOL™ PE Process Technology for a world-scale production line in Vadinar, Gujarat, India.

Brazil's Petrobras to invest $4.8 B in integration between Reduc refinery and Boaventura complex

Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras will invest 26 billion reais ($4.8 billion) in an integration between the Reduc refinery and the Boaventura energy complex in Rio de Janeiro state.

Hydrocarbon Processing launches AI platform to accelerate decisions in the downstream sector

Digital Feature: The critical interdependency of relief valve analysis and flare system considerations during HAZOP

Hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies are a systematic and structured methodology used to identify potential hazards and operability issues in industrial processes. One of the key safeguards often considered in HAZOP studies is pressure relief valves and flare systems to mitigate overpressure scenarios.

Executive Viewpoint: Heavy industry, light footprint—Helping the HPI run leaner and cleaner with AI

AI has the potential to effect a real change. By harnessing vast amounts of operational data, AI can support process optimization, help to predict equipment failures and better facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. These capabilities can improve asset performance as well as operational sustainability.  

Digital Feature: Flare system design—The importance of periodic evaluation of existing facilities

This article emphasizes the critical importance of routinely revalidating relief and flare system designs, much like the periodic review of process hazard analyses. A detailed case study is reviewed to illustrate the value of such revalidations.