September 2016
Special Focus: Refining Technology Developments
The delayed coking unit is a critical part of a refinery’s crude oil process flow and profitability.
The last few years have been an extremely challenging period for the oil industry due to the adverse global economic environment and the impact of unfavorable external factors.
Global demand for middle distillates, especially diesel, is increasing.
Process Engineering and Optimization
As a critical catalytic conversion unit, the hydrocracker provides refiners with valuable feedstock and product slate flexibility.
Maintenance and Reliability
Coke drums in many operating plants experience foundation bolt failures.
In Part 1 of this article, the assistance provided by standardizations to gain improved vessel performance—vessel outer diameter (OD), component metallurgies, manways and saddles—was discussed.
Environment and Safety
On April 2, 2010, a catastrophic fire occurred within the naphtha hydrotreating unit in the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington. The final CSB report, including recommendations, was issued in May 2014, more than four years after the incident that resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives. This work critically reviews the CSB analysis of this incident and several of its resulting recommendations.
On March 14, 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published proposed revisions to its Risk Management Plan (RMP) facility safety program in the US Federal Register.
Columns
In September 2015, the Editorial Comment centered on the theme of overcapacity.
If you have ever encountered a situation where an equipment manufacturer declined to offer warranties, allow us to share three case histories.
Project definition is the planning of a project before execution, which begins when engineering is completed, equipment and materials are purchased, and construction of the new or modified plant is performed.
With proper safety, planning and implementation, pneumatic testing of piping and vessels has been performed successfully for many years.
During the first months of 2016, perspectives for a stabilizing oil market were being confirmed.
The benefits of fossil fuels are undeniable.
Trends and Resources
In mid-September, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> and <i>Gas Processing</i> will hold their second annual Gas Processing Americas (GasPro) Conference at the Norris Conference Center—CityCenter in Houston, Texas.
The outlook of an industry can change dramatically in a short period of time. This series will examine the global refining sector in depth—where it stands, and where it is going.
European refining margins rose as refineries completed maintenance and recovered from the negative impact of the France strikes.
This special installment of Global Project Data focuses on the global refining sector.
Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR) is the largest integrated crude oil refinery and petrochemicals complex in the Philippines.
Honeywell UOP president and CEO Rebecca Liebert has been named by Profiles in Diversity Journal as a winner of its 15th annual Women Worth Watching Awards.
- MOL Group, KazMunayGas partner on exploring petrochemical production 11/21
- Solvay uses waste wood to power soda ash and bicarbonate plant in Germany 11/21
- Syensqo expands U.S. production capacity for advanced polymers 11/21
- Container shippers hedging green transition with dual-fuel vessel orders 11/21
- Singapore middle distillates stocks rise for fourth week to six-week high 11/21
- EIA: U.S. crude, gasoline inventories rise, distillates draw down 11/21
