Refining

Use AI to replace spectrometric analyzer chemometric modeling

This article compares the two approaches in blending practices—classic chemometrics and AI—highlighting the superiority and practicality of using AI. 

IT dependencies complicate OT security

Cyber-securing oil and gas automation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient physical operations is becoming more challenging. This article explores the modern yet evolving threat environment, how expectations for cybersecurity are changing, how information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) dependencies have emerged as an important issue in most cybersecurity programs, and how owners and operators are addressing this new issue.

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins

Optimize process design and commercialize newly developed processes through close collaboration between licensor and client

This case study follows the installation of new sulfur recovery units in Kuwait by Kuwait Oil Co. This article highlights key aspects of collaboration and technological advancement in process design development and project execution between the operator and licensor to the benefit of both parties.

Straight talk on fire risk assessments

For refineries, chemical plants, oil and gas pipelines and oil/gas exploration, fire and explosion hazards are omnipresent. Process hazard analysis (PHA) and fire risk assessments (FRAs) play a vital role in managing fire risk at an acceptable level. While there are various causes for fires and explosions, robust FRAs based on pragmatism and optimum allocation of resources could help minimize fire/explosion mishaps. 

Gas turbine maintenance and inspection model enhancement

Improving asset performance is a major concern throughout industry and is associated with maintenance costs, experience, machine/equipment age, and operational and environmental conditions. This article will focus on improving the reliability and availability of a plant gas turbine by applying best maintenance practices, operational enhancements and performance monitoring. Moreover, an inclusive maintenance and inspection model is proposed compared with the current common model. 

VDMA valves association market analysis: Industry standstill looms after a strong 2024

The industrial valves industry performed better than expected in 2024 despite adverse conditions. Overall, nominal sales growth of 6% was achieved. While European business declined by 1%, international sales climbed by 11%.

Opinion: bp’s green failure offers Big Oil a lesson in moderation

bp has returned to its oil and gas roots in a spectacular about-turn following its trailblazing attempt five years ago to become a renewables giant. The takeaway for Big Oil is that the energy transition is a marathon, not a sprint.

Quanta Technologies unveils new LEADR FCC refining catalysts

The technology improves the environmental and diffusion performance of Fluid Cracking Catalysts (FCC) by narrowing the particle size distribution of the catalyst.

U.S. crude stockpiles fall as refining picks up, fuel inventories build, EIA says

U.S. crude oil stockpiles fell unexpectedly last week as refining activity ticked higher, while gasoline and distillate inventories posted surprise builds.