April 2010

Consider using spectro-molecular control to maximize profits

Implementing this program improves competition

High-quality advanced engineered polymers and new molding methods provide advantages in modern vehicle construction and manufacturing processes

Advancements of synthesis gas processes are key to improved GTL profitability

Better operating practices and prevention methods reduce problems in handling 'red oil'

The petrochemical/chemical industry relies on inerting methods to safeguard facilities and maintain product qualities

New catalytic olefin cracking process yields more propylene over ethylene from stranded refining materials

 Oil mist lubricationHeinz Bloch's "HPIn Reliability" column from August 2009 ("Electric motors and mechanical efficiency," p. 9) briefly discussed the advantages of using oil mist and synthetic ..

New methods 'quantify' the frequency of risky events in a facility

Part 1 of this editorial1 has considered a distillation dual temperature control structure and concluded that such strategy is problematic and not likely to work. If you accept that dual-temperature c..

Allan Kern, Zak Friedman and I have offered numerous ideas to strengthen the practice of process control.1-4 Allan Kern inaugurated a fundamental assessment of process control engineering practice in ..

HEINZ P. BLOCH, Reliability/ Equipment Editor     Comments? Write:HB@HydrocarbonProcessing.com   Variable-frequency drives (VFDs) provide substantial energy sav..

Süleyman M Özmen  Comments? Write:editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.comWhile there was much talk in the media at the end of 2009 of "green shoots" and possible signs of recovery from..

 Selected by Hydrocarbon Processing editors     Comments? Write:editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.comRegulator series that maximizes uptimeEmerson Process Management announ..

Design software tool offers new capabilitiesThe new version of SmartPlant 3D enterprise engineering design software includes capabilities for multiple 3D model referencing, enhanced model data reuse a..

Praxair, Inc., has a contract with ExxonMobil to build, own and operate an air separation unit to supply additional nitrogen for enhanced oil recovery operations at ExxonMobil's Hawkins, Texas, gas-pr..

Braskem and Novozymes recently announced a research partnership to develop large-scale production of polypropylene from sugarcane. Braskem and Novozymes will develop a green alternative based on Novoz..

CB&I has a contract of approximately $50 million with Hyundai Heavy Industries to provide engineering services for the Goliat floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) project. The project is..

Holding Sonatrach Raffinage et Chimie, SPA, and Total Petrochemicals Arzew SAS have selected Scientific Design Co.'s (SD) monoethylene glycol (MEG) technology for a planned joint venture complex in Ar..

The Singapore LNG Corp. Pte Ltd. (SLNG) has awarded the contract for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of Singapore's LNG terminal to Samsung C&T Corp. The total budget for the termi..

 Selected by Hydrocarbon Processing editors     Comments? Write:editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.comProcess management and control servicesKemeX reportedly provides produc..

The gribble solutionScience is the never-ending quest to make what is remarkable one moment absolutely pedestrian the next. Inventions like light bulbs and the internal combustion engine rocked the co..

Global demand for hydrogen is forecast to expand 3.4% per year through 2013 to 475 billion cubic meters. This is according to a new study from The Freedonia Group (www.freedoniagroup.com). Demand will..

Looking for some intel on how refiners are faring in 2010? OPEC published a report in March that pulled numbers up to the end of February and extrapolated them out to make some predictions about the f..

Performing hot work activities on tanks is dangerous business that should involve the utmost in safety considerations. The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is particularly conce..

Here are several options

Use these guidelines to understand the many factors that differentiate different designs