Americas
US votes to reinstate biodiesel tax incentive
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ..

- Digital Feature (sponsored): Three questions oil and gas companies should ask to improve their operations risk management 3/6
- Nextchem awarded engineering/technology services contract from SATORP (Saudi Arabia) 3/6
- PBF Energy's Martinez refinery (California, U.S.) repairs to cost $30 million 3/6
- Lummus Technology, Resynergi announce commercialization of microwave-powered plastic pyrolysis technology 3/6
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas to use sustainable carbon fiber composites in Formula 1 racecars 3/6
- Vopak to build ethane tanks to support Thailand's petrochemical production 3/6