Engineering & Design
Engineering Case Histories: Case 94: Why mentors are important for industry
When I started working in industry 50 years ago, it was management’s job to have a senior engineer watch over my work. Much of the quality of my analytical work and technical discipline were formed early in my career with help from these engineers.
Reliability: Reliability and the EPC contractor
In this column, I have often elaborated on critical information related to reliability thinking. However, reliability thinking is continually subverted by approaches that concentrate excessively on project cost and completion.
Key design considerations for vacuum process condensers
The crude oil refining and petrochemical industries make extensive use of condensers that operate under vacuum (i.e., below atmospheric pressure). Distillation is the most common process using these condensers, either as a process precondenser ahead of an ejector system, or as an intercondenser within an ejector system.
thyssenkrupp signs agreement to build new PET production plant in Russia
thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, a partner for the engineering, construction and service of industrial plants and systems, has signed an agreement with the Russian jointstock company Polyester Plant Ivanovo to build a new PET polymer and staple fibre production plant.
Viewpoint: A new value proposition for a licensor and EPC contractor
The drop in oil prices has changed the overall dynamics of the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI), as well as reduced prices for petrochemical products. Approximately $150 B of oil and gas projects have been canceled or put on hold.
Automation Strategies: Drive maximum asset capability with operational technologies
Owner-operators across the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) strive to gain maximum business value from their process plant assets. Here, automation assets and other operational technology (OT) typically play a major role.
Control design for steam vent noise in refineries
Noise pollution in oil refineries has a direct effect on worker health. Noise is the unwanted or undesirable sound produced by process control equipment, which includes valves.
Causes and mitigation of thermal bowing in process piping design
The authors encountered pipe thermal bowing problems in recently executed projects. These practical problems are discussed in three case studies, after a brief description of the thermal bowing concept and common reasons for the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Effectively execute legacy safety systems migration—Part 2
In this two-part article, the challenges of migrating legacy safety systems are reviewed, along with the means of repeatedly and effectively executing compliant migrations. Part 2 reviews the tools-assisted process and further explores how to achieve the required compliance, quality, efficiency and rigor.
Modularization: The key to success in today’s market
The world economic order is rapidly changing. A transition is underway, led by the sudden collapse of crude oil and natural gas prices. Here, the pros and cons of modularization vs. field construction are outlined.
- UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product 12/19
- Stamicarbon awarded technology licensing contract for new urea plant in Eastern China 12/19
- Ford takes $19.5-B writedown on EV business 12/19
- Babcock & Wilcox awarded $40-MM contract for advanced wet gas scrubbing technology at Canadian petroleum refinery 12/19
- Aarti Industries secures methanol and toluene feedstock supply through multiple long-term contracts 12/19
- bp picks first outsider CEO Meg O'Neill after abrupt Auchincloss exit 12/19
