Process Optimization

How leading refineries achieve operational excellence

Although cost cutting provides short-term financial benefits, it does not improve anything operationally in a plant. The reality is that most companies have already pushed such programs to their practical limits. So, what is left? The alternative approach is improving performance through operational excellence. This article will unpack this approach with examples of how producers have benefitted from it.

Making green refineries greener through innovative H₂S recycling

This article details a process that ensures efficient gas treatment, compliance with environmental standards, and the optimal use of chemicals and resources. 

RFCCU revamp to improve main fractionator gascon column performance and minimize propylene losses to refinery offgas

This article will discuss the critical parameters that could potentially affect the performance of a residue fluid catalytic cracking plant’s main fractionator and gas concentration (gascon) section columns. It will also elaborate on how the systematic troubleshooting methodology helped to solve the problems and improve column performance. 

Ameliorate furnace efficiency

CLG and INA successfully produce SAF from biogenic feedstock

Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) announced a successful commercial test for co-processing biogenic feedstocks and fossil feedstocks at INA Group's Rijeka Refinery in Croatia.

HAMR Energy announces plans for Australia’s first major methanol-to-jet fuel facility

HAMR Energy announced plans to develop a $700-MM to $800-MM sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility, after completing a successful feasibility study.

UTEP researchers boost microalgae biofuel yields with nanotechnology

Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso (U.S.) have demonstrated how nanotechnology can significantly improve biofuel production from microalgae, offering a sustainable path forward.

Mizzou researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

To meet the increasing global demand for biofuels, scientists are already modifying plant genes to boost the amount of plant oil being produced. That’s because inside the plant, a complex network of metabolic pathways turns sunlight, carbon dioxide (or atmospheric carbon), water and nutrients into vital compounds including oil, the foundational ingredient of biofuel.

Solvay reduces scope 3 emissions in soda ash and bicarbonate production in France

Solvay has taken a new step to reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by incorporating biogenic CO₂ - provided by Air Products - into its soda ash and bicarbonate production plant in Dombasle, France.

Evonik uses green electricity for polybutadiene production in Marl, Germany

Since July 1, Evonik's Coating & Adhesive Resins Business Line has been using green electricity for polybutadiene production in Marl, Germany. The initiative is part of Evonik's sustainability strategy, which aims to achieve the Group's environmental goals by 2030, including reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 25% from 2021 to 2030.