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US votes to reinstate biodiesel tax incentive

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

The $1/gal incentive was first implemented in 2005, though Congress has allowed it to lapse twice. It will be reinstated retroactively to Jan. 1, 2012, and to the end of 2013.

Calumet completes acquisition of NuStar refinery, terminal near San Antonio

The acquired assets include a refinery in San Antonio, Texas with crude oil throughput capacity of approximately 14,500 bpd. The refinery produces ultra-low sulfur diesel, jet fuel, specialty solvents, reformates, naphtha and vacuum gas oil. The aggregate deal price was $115 million.

Optimize LNG boil-off gas systems for regasification terminals

Ranhill WorleyParsons: Zolfkhani, M.

Depending on LNG composition, N2 content and plant operating mode, an operating pressure of 7 barg to 8 barg was found by the study to be the optimum pressure range.

Viability of GTL for the North American gas market

Hatch Ltd.: Salehi, E.  |  Nel, W.  |  Save, S.

New developments in FT technology will enable economically viable gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities at a smaller scale, compared with existing industrial facilities.

Molecular sieves in gas processing: Effects and consequences by contaminants

CECA SA: Terrigeol, A.

The principles of adsorption on molecular sieves are easy to understand, but practice sometimes reveals traps to avoid.

Improve evaluation of brittle-fracture resistance for vessels

Becht Engineering Co. Inc.: Sims, J. R.

This article discusses a new approach and spreadsheet tool for engineers that can be used to provide operating pressure limits as a function of vessel-metal temperatures.

Refiners now have a new biofuel option

Butamax Advanced Biofuels: Schubert, A.

Biobutanol is coming to market as a gasoline blendstock and can be efficiently made by a range of renewable feedstocks.

Evaluate pressure relief system forces in existing installations

Smith & Burgess LLC: Smith, D.  |  White, J.
Frenk Water Technologies LLC: Frenk, B.

The purpose of this study is to limit the number of relief valves that require rigorous engineering calculations to determine the adequacy of the installation.

Improve your plantwide steam network

Merrick & Co.: Pelham, R. O.

When optimizing an existing steam network, design and process engineers need a complete understanding of all aspects of the existing system. Accurate energy and material balances must be established.

Update on wet and gas compressor seals

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Shaft seals keep compressed gas from leaking out. The need for leak prevention may include process economy, safety and environmental protection. Moreover, the process gas will usually have to be kept ..