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Case history: Optimization of FCCU with multivariate statistical modeling

BASF Corp.: Keeley, C.  |  Mayol, J.  |  Riva, S.  |  Komvokis, V.  |  Bozukov, V.  |  Challis, S.
Lukoil Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez Refinery: Karpov, N. V.

Process models and simulation methods can be used to simulate the fluidized-bed catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process.a,b Likewise, kinetic or multivariate statistical models have been used. Rigorous..

Mitigate fouling in crude unit overhead—Part 1

CH2M Hill: Sloley, A. W.

In a refinery crude distillation column, up to 40% of the total heat removal may be found in the tower overhead condenser. The quantity of duty available makes heat integration (HI) between the column..

Improved oxidation process increases sulfur recovery with Claus unit

GTC Technology US, LLC: Vazquez, R. G.  |  Seeger, D.  |  Thundyil, M.

Since its development in 1936, the “modified Claus” technology has been the preferred process used by refineries and gas processing plants for the recovery of sulfur from acid-gas streams. M..

Update: Russia’s capacity and modernization program

RAS, A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas: Levinbuk, M.
Gazprom Neft: Galkin, V. V.  |  Makhiyanov, V.

Since 2008, Russian regulations regarding the crude oil and refining industry have changed substantially. At present, Russia has 22 large refineries, each with an individual throughput capacity exceed..

Novel use of sulfiding agent prevents refinery shutdown

Lubrizol: Frank, T.
Coastal Chemical Co.: Bridges, W.

When an insufficient supply of acid gas threatened to shut down operations at a US refinery, quick thinking, along with the novel use of a sulfiding agent and a strong supply chain made all the difference.

Consider accurate feed characterization with improved simulation methods

Fluor Canada Ltd.: Ha, H. Z.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.: Tiwary, D.

Assay definition is crucial for accurate process simulations. The performance of process simulators depends on the feed definition to the processing unit. Modern analytical laboratories can offer comp..

Optimize slop-wax bed height in the vacuum unit

Reliance Industries Ltd.: Patil, R.  |  Das, A. K.
Reliance Technology Group, Reliance Industries Ltd.: Yadav, M.

The vacuum distillation (VD) unit in the petroleum refinery separates the heavier fraction of crude oil from the atmospheric distillation unit (ADU) into light vacuum gasoil (LVGO) and heavy VGO (HVGO..

HP Reliability: Leaders must allocate time for technology updates

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Just as a good medical doctor is expected to have wide knowledge on modern treatment options, we would expect reliability professionals to be equally informed on technology advances. There are numerou..

HP Integration Strategies: The information-driven operating company

ARC Advisory Group: Gorbach, G.

New information technologies—such as cloud computing, mobility, social technologies, big data/analytics and 3D visualization—have been receiving a lot of attention in the industrial communit..

HP Viewpoint: Renewables from the refiners’ viewpoint

Valero Energy Corp.: Klesse, B.

Recently, I had the opportunity to testify before the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, representing our company and our industry that employs approximately 108,000 American workers..