Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Equipment

Hybrid technique for electroslag strip cladding of critical process equipment

Lincoln Electric: Chattopadhyay, P.  |  Nateghi, A.

One of the major challenges in the oil and gas processing industry is to strike a balance among handling the changing qualities of petroleum products and byproducts, increasing the productivity and service life of critical components and reducing environmental hazards. As an example, new refineries are moving to applying conversion methods, such as hydrocracking, to increase yields, while also utilizing conventional distillation. This juxtaposition translates into a higher Nelson Index rating. Greater refinery complexity makes processing low-quality crude oil difficult, if not impossible, thereby precluding bottom-of-the-barrel products.

Driving innovation in the downstream: IRPC returns to New Delhi

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Adrienne Blume

Gulf Publishing Company and Hydrocarbon Processing are pleased to announce that IRPC 2017 will be held April 18–20 in New Delhi.

Innovations

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Andrew, Bob

Siemens Water Solutions has chosen a ceramic flat-sheet membrane for use in a powdered activated carbon technology (PACT) membrane bioreactor (MBR).

Automation Strategies: Next-gen automation services support operational excellence and reduce project cost

ARC Advisory Group: O'Brien, L.

Major suppliers are expanding their automation-related service capabilities from project and engineering services through services for operations and maintenance. This is happening partly in response to overall automation market conditions, but largely in response to evolving user challenges and requirements.

Improve metering pump reliability through maintenance training

Milton Roy: Louque, K.

While equipment reliability is not a new concept in hydrocarbon processing facilities, it is increasingly becoming the top priority for plant managers. Plant managers realize that operational efficiency is far from being a passing trend, and is closely linked to the quality and reliability of the equipment used.

Determine the standard hoop density of spiral-wound gaskets on flanges

SK Energy: Lee, S. H.  |  Lee, S.  |  Jeon, S.

The use of spiral-wound gaskets on flanges has resulted in good sealing performance. However, most gaskets do not perform well when the flange is improperly installed.

Dixon Valve & Coupling acquires ADS Controls

CHESTERTOWN, Md. – Dixon Valve & Coupling Company, a manufacturer and supplier of hose fittings and accessories, announces the acquisition of Automated Design Services, Inc. (ADS Controls) of Covington, La.

Solve operator training in a challenging refining industry

SNC-Lavalin Inc.: Alamo, J.
Honeywell Process Solutions: Ross, M.

Workforce reduction, the expected retirement of baby boomers, personnel leaving the industry in search of better opportunities, and the lack of jobs for new graduates will create a skills deficit once the industry begins growing again.

Reliability: Troubleshoot hot bearings in hot pumps

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

The reliability engineering unit supervisor (REUS) working at a 400-Mbpd refinery wrote that he was greatly concerned about a bearing temperature excursion. He realized that certain rules of thumb had been handed down to his maintenance employees, and that not all of these conveyed the same numbers and guidance.

Modularization: The key to success in today’s market

ShureLine Construction: Mulrooney, M.  |  Shahani, G.

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.