Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

September 2021

Archive

Special Focus: Refining Technology

HPNA woes—A thing of the past
Honeywell UOP: Singh, S.  |  Clarke, I.
Tüpraş: Önder, E. R.

2020 can be viewed as one the most challenging periods in the history of the oil and gas sector.

Asphaltene removal technology produces novel cement waterproofing additive
Well Resources Inc.: Chung, W.
National Chia-Yi University: Lee, M.-T.
Shin Chuang Technology Co. Ltd.: Chen, C.-Y.  |  Chen, F.-P.  |  Lin, T.-B.

Addressing climate change and environmental issues has become a top priority in the 21st century.

Enterprise-wide energy efficiency fleet monitoring tool
ExxonMobil Global Projects: Trivedi, K.
ExxonMobil Chemical Operations Pvt. Ltd.: Nehete, S.
ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants Co.: Gunter, J.

In response to challenges related to global warming, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, numerous countries are adopting regulatory measures requiring industry to further improve energy efficiency.

Enhanced unit monitoring enabled by digital twin
KBC, a Yokogawa Company: Chellani, J.
Saudi Aramco: Winter, G.  |  Alshaikh, A.

Process engineers must continuously monitor the health and performance of process units.

Improve kerosene mercaptan sweetening with fluoropolymer-cartridge liquid-liquid coalescers
Pall Corp.: Wines, T. H.  |  Gorin, A.
Honeywell UOP: Rios, J.  |  Trucko, J.

Many refineries are experiencing new problems related to the formation of stable emulsions and poor separation due to the increased use of lower-cost opportunity crude oils that have a high total acid number (TAN), higher gravities and more sulfur content.

Catalysts

Deliver high levels of SOx reduction with SOx-reduction additive
W. R. Grace: Baillie, C.  |  Cooper, C.

The global refining industry continues to move toward more restrictive environmental laws for sulfur oxide (SO<sub>x</sub>) emissions.

Avoid common pitfalls in upscaling catalytic fixed-bed reactors
SCG Chemicals Co. Ltd.: Sungnoen, B.  |  Tanthapanichakoon, W.  |  Lourvanij, K.

Driving innovation is an inescapable strategic reality, not only for accelerating new products development and technological solutions but also for creating new markets.

Process Optimization

Management of LPG pool in a complex refinery
Tüpraş: Saka, A.  |  Kutman, D.

LPG pool management is becoming more important as the regulations on the product specifications tighten.

External pressure design of large-diameter piping: Optimal analysis approach
Wood Group: Maiti, S.

Large-diameter piping used in the petrochemical, oil and gas, steel plant and power industries often carry toxic fluids and can pose significant safety hazards.

Implementation of advanced level control techniques in refinery operations
Nayara Energy Ltd.: Mandal, K. K.

Plant performance depends on stable operations, with steady feed, product flow, temperature and pressure control as per process requirements.

Maintenance and Reliability

Corrosion under insulation on stainless steel
Independent Consultant: Rupesh, S.

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a severe form of localized external corrosion that occurs on stainless steel (SS) that has been insulated.

Process Controls, Instrumentation and Automation

Monitor ppb monomer impurities and catalyst poisons with process GC-MS
Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: Wasson, J.  |  Russell, T.

Competition in the ethylene market is fierce and demands for the quality of the ethylene are increasing. High-purity monomers are used to make polyethylene and polypropylene, the polymeric building blocks for two important plastics.

Columns

Editorial Comment: Refining’s evolution: Technology driving innovation
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Since its inception in 1922, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i>—originally called <i>Petroleum Refiner</I> when first published—has focused on delivering the latest refining technologies to readers around the world.

Reliability: Calculating the value of upgrading: Shortcut estimations find savings and payback
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Bearings are precision components; to survive, they require clean lubricants in adequate amounts.

Industry Perspectives
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

In mid-August, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> announced the finalists of the 2021 <i>HP</i> Awards, celebrating innovative technologies and people that have been instrumental in improving facility operations over the past year and are making the HPI safer, more efficient and more profitable.

Business Trends: Patents provide a unique insight into oil and gas blockchain opportunities
Withers and Rogers LLP: Stephey, G.  |  Horler, P.  |  Chauhan, R.

Blockchain and distributed ledger technology have gained widespread media attention in recent years, with much of the spotlight falling on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Innovations
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

What are the latest advancements in HPI technologies? This month’s Innovations section details the tools and technologies that are optimizing plant operations.

Show Preview: IRPC Operations: Optimizing operations and maintenance in the HPI
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) is constantly investing in new technologies to optimize operations.

People
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

Orbital Energy Group appoints The Honorable La Doris Harris as Chief Diversity Officer and CEO of Orbital Solar Services