Refining
Editorial Comment: It’s all in the makeup of things
This issue of <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> features a topic that has been addressed in sections of the magazine for several decades, but has never been a focal point of the publication. That topic is materials manufacturing.
People
Amy Hebert has joined Haldor Topsoe A/S as Deputy CEO and Executive VP (EVP), Chemicals.
Global Project Data
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database is tracking more than 1,700 projects around the world.
Industry Metrics
Record low temperatures in the eastern US strengthened the diesel market but extended the downward trend in refining margins.
Evaluate structural stiffness for piping stress analysis
Hydrocarbon plants use a system of pipes of various sizes, pressures and temperatures. Sometimes these pipes have pulsating flows that result in piping system vibration. These piping systems must be designed for a high degree of reliability, which requires a comprehensive piping stress analysis for thermal, sustained, occasional and dynamic loading conditions.
Consider pitot tube pumps for low-flow, high-head applications
Low-flow, high-head pumping requirements in refining and petrochemical plants make up less than 2% of the total pump population. This minor percentage is creating significant reliability concerns, which result in low mean-time between failures (MTBF), as well as high maintenance costs.
Industry Perspectives: HPI project announcements analysis shows decline over past 3 yr
According to <i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database, more than 870 new projects have been announced since 2015.
Viewpoint: Standards professionals are crucial to business and industry success
Businesses throughout the oil and gas industry use technical standards—specifications, test methods and guides, among others—as part of the foundation for developing the best processes and products. For example, standards are deeply integrated into how petroleum is refined, tested, stored and transported.
Oil shipments from Georgia's Batumi port fall by more than a third in 2017
TBILISI (Reuters) — Oil and related shipments from Georgia's Black Sea port of Batumi fell 37.6% in 2017, a senior official at the terminal, operated by Kazakh KazMunaiGas , said on Friday.
Morgan Stanley: European refining margins set for rebound
LONDON (Reuters) — The bank’s spot European margin indicator fell to $6.50 a barrel from around $8 a barrel in mid-October, largely on the back of a rally in Brent futures, but forward margins held up.

- INEOS, Royal Wagenborg launch the first European-built offshore CO2 carrier for carbon capture and storage 5/14
- Ayuda en Acción, Indorama Ventures and IMG Group launch major recycling partnership to tackle waste crisis in Mali 5/14
- Syensqo expands Ryton PPS compounding capabilities in the U.S. 5/14
- ClearSign Technologies receives another engineering order for low-emissions flare burner 5/14
- Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery cancels June maintenance at gasoline unit 5/14
- Russian seaborne diesel exports fell in April 5/14