Engineering & Design
Improve the operation of fired heaters
Fired heaters or “process furnaces” are used extensively by the refining and petrochemical industries. These heat transfer units generate the much needed process energy through the combustio..
Determine the design metal temperature for a secondary reformer
An air-burning system should be designed so that there is no maintenance required between scheduled shutdowns every two years. To achieve this, a metal temperature study should be carried out for the design of the pressure parts and for the refractory design.
Optimize online monitoring of base oil
Latter-model vehicles and new automotive engine designs now require higher-quality lubrication oils, such as Groups II and III. Demand for Group II/III base oils is increasing. To capitalize on the gr..
Shale oil characterization optimizes refining process
The abundance of shale oils is an unexpected gift for US refiners. These new crude oils have different characteristics from conventional oils that will affect refining processes and the operation of p..
Update on the catalytic cracking process and standpipes—Part 1
The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is a well-established technology used by complex refineries. It is a key profit center, as the FCC unit (FCCU) has the flexibility to produce transportation ..
Contain ‘normal’ leakage from primary seals
Dry containment seals have gained popularity over the last few decades and provided reliable service. The refinery sector has used this sealing technology to limit fugitive emissions in a cost-effecti..
HP Editorial Comment: Downstream has good news for 2015
The outlook is optimistic for downstream companies. Independent refiners are positive on present and future demand for transportation fuels.
HP Reliability: Consider oil-resistant cable terminations to increase electric motor reliability
Most engineers are familiar with adhesive-coated insulating tape used by electricians in the field and maintenance shop. If we use this tape in the engine compartment of an automobile, it will soon be..
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: How low oil prices are affecting new project announcements
Beginning in July 2014, the world began to witness a widespread fall in crude oil prices. With the decrease in global crude oil prices, what has this meant for new project announcements in the downstream sector?
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 83: What are useful questions to ask before starting a vibration analysis?
Periodically, this author receives questions from readers throughout the world addressing what performance issues could be wrong with a centrifugal compressor that is vibrating. Note: It is impossible..
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