Safety
Use dynamic models when designing high-pressure vessels
By definition, a pressure vessel is a closed container that is designed to hold gases and/or liquids at pressures substantially different from ambient conditions. They are used in many applications su..
Minimize false assurances in hazard analyses
Hazard analysis is a powerful and highly effective tool for identifying and evaluating potential hazards and control measures (Fig. 1). Its versatility provides an economical and insightful assessment..
HP News
EU-US Energy Council discusses European energy security The EU-US Energy Council met recently in Brussels, Belgium. Following the gathering, the council issued a statement indicating that developments..
What separates the best-of-class companies from the rest?
Many metrics can be used to define the top-performing downstream companies. Often, it includes financial (profits) results, environmental and safety performance, equipment availability and more. Howev..
Use innovative solutions to return storage tanks back to service faster
High-solids epoxy linings for the petrochemical terminal and pipeline market are gathering high interest as the need to efficiently return storage tanks back to service becomes more prevalent. Some co..
Case history: Optimization of aromatics complex
Borealis Polymers executed an online optimization project at its phenol and aromatics plants in Porvoo. The plantwide application increased the output rate by 9% and greatly improved the stability of operations.
Improve the cracking of ethylene dichloride
The discovery and exploitation of shale gas in North America is providing a boost to the domestic petrochemical industry. In particular, commodity petrochemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are e..
HP Reliability: Small deviations can compromise equipment reliability
In 2013, a major refinery was experiencing serious pump problems. The refinery had a massive thrust-bearing failure on a critical 3,560-rpm pump. The pump was designed and manufactured by a well-known..
HP News
 Irving Oil refinery begins $60-million turnaroundA major turnaround is underway at Irving Oil’s refinery in Saint John, Canada. It began in early March and is expected to last until mid-Ap..
HP Innovations
Modular generator creates precision gas mixturesKIN-TEK’s FlexStream Modular Gas Standards Generating System (Fig. 1) creates precise gas mixtures. The FlexStream system dilutes emissions from pe..

- U.S. EIA forecasts new export licensing requirements will reduce U.S. ethane exports 6/18
- Nigeria to export first gasoline cargo to Asia from Dangote refinery 6/18
- Indian refiners cancel palm oil orders for July-September as prices surge 6/18
- U.S. set to object to green jet fuel recommendation at UN aviation council 6/18
- Phoenix Contact introduces intrinsic safety versions of the MINI Analog Pro Ex conditioners for hazardous areas 6/18
- EIA: U.S. crude inventories fall by most in a year, fuel stocks build 6/18