Refining
Maximize petrochemicals in the FCCU to boost refinery margins, improve gasoline pool quality
In light of the current market dynamics, challenging the FCCU to move out of its “maximum gasoline” comfort zone is a winning strategy to drive overall refinery profitability.
Build a solid GHG BACT cost-effectiveness calculation to avoid CCS costs
Determining which technology constitutes greenhouse gas (GHG) best available control technology (BACT) for a new or modified facility often hinges on the GHG BACT cost calculation.
Use discrete event simulation as decision support for storage and shipping—Part 2
Over the past decades, one engineering firm has been using discrete event simulation (DES) to study shipping and storage as an integral part of project execution throughout all phases of a process facility’s design, construction and operations.
Troubleshoot operation of a steam ejector vacuum system
A crude vacuum unit operating properly generates high gasoil yield vs. low-value vacuum residue.
Enhance PSM design with metrics-driven best practices
This study shows the attributes and benefits of a data- and metrics-driven system focused on the process safety design integrity, reliability and control of process plant flares and pressure relief systems.
Utilize APC solutions to resolve hydrocracker conversion optimization challenges
Improving profits and reducing costs remain priorities for owner/operators and management.
Industry Perspectives: Downstream disputes breaking the 10% ‘blend wall’ for US ethanol
US refiners are set to break the 10% “blend wall” for using ethanol in gasoline, but downstream professionals are certainly not happy about it.
Industry Metrics
US product markets weakened despite unseasonably strong gasoline demand, and the gasoil crack spread hit the lowest level seen in more than five years, under pressure from increasing supplies amid thin demand due to warmer winter weather.
Innovations
In a market with reduced capital investment budgets, revamps and upgrades are becoming increasingly prevalent to extend asset service life.
People
Smaller-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) specialist Velocys Plc has named David Pummell as chief executive officer (CEO).
- Ineos to shut polystyrene facility in Illinois (U.S.) by the end of the year 6/19
- How ASTM approval of methanol-to-jet accelerates SAF at scale 6/19
- EU crafts plan to give industries extra free CO2 permits this year 6/19
- PetroChina forecasts Chinese oil consumption will drop 4.9% this year 6/19
- Digital Exclusive: Water injection pump mechanical seals failure after pump shutdown 6/19
- Russian gasoline output down 25% so far in June after drone attacks on refineries 6/19
