Refining
Reliability: Consider today’s canned motor pumps
We often make the mistake of letting our equipment selection decisions be governed by old data, anecdotes and traditions.
Editorial Comment: What is the future role of the process engineer?
During the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE’s) Spring Meeting, held in Orlando, Florida in April, I was honored to sit on a panel discussion with Paul Durand from ExxonMobil and Sanjeev Kapur from Apex PetroConsultants.
Industry Perspectives
Petrochemicals and gas processing/LNG sectors see largest increase in new projects.
People
The BASF board of executive directors has made several personnel changes.
Global Project Data
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, nearly 450 downstream projects are under construction around the world.
Industry Metrics
Reduced refinery output caused by planned and unplanned refinery outages, and record-breaking gasoline export levels and strong diesel inventory drawdowns, drove US margins to a record 3-yr high in April.
Creating a ‘win-win’ between construction contractor and project owner—Part 2
For large projects, construction represents the biggest cost component and the greatest risk.
Simplification reduces risks and cuts costs
A facility’s ability to operate safely is the determining factor in its success or failure.
Advanced process control of debutanizers makes use of inferential predictions
Following good experience with a generalized cut-point calculation (GCC) inferential package, which models main fractionators with side streams, French energy major Total decided to experiment with a generalized distillation shortcut (GDS) inferential package, which models simpler, two-product distillation columns.
Novel FCC technologies based on reaction chemistry of catalytic cracking
The increased use of opportunity crude oils in refinery processing, the growing demand for light fuel, and the efficient conversion of petroleum resources to refined fuels and basic chemical raw materials have become the basis of green and low-carbon refining technology developments.

- Lummus Technology completes acquisition of NAPCON from Neste, expanding digital and AI capabilities 6/2
- IATA expects sustainable aviation fuel production to double in 2025 6/2
- RIC Energy and Siemens to jointly develop renewable H2, green ammonia and eFuels 6/2
- Trump administration (U.S.) axes $3.7-B in green energy projects 6/2
- European chemical industry pessimistic for 2025, recovery not until 2026 says new report 6/2
- U.S. ethanol output eases off record pace as summer travels heat up 6/2