Petrochemicals
Lessons learned in commercial scale-up of new chemical processes
Commercializing a new chemical process can be as simple as installing one or more homogenous batch reactor(s), or as complex as designing a fully integrated chemical complex requiring one or more heterogeneous reaction steps processing gas, liquid and/or solids, with other units required to prepare feeds, recover products/byproducts and recycle streams.
Measure naturally occurring radioactive material in polypropylene plants
In the petrochemical industry, process plants often rely on radiation-based level and density detectors.
The history, and possible future, of model-less multivariable control
Terms such as “model-less,” “small-matrix” and “operational” do not, as yet, evoke the same excitement that accompanied the historic arrival of model-based predictive multivariable control three decades ago.
Optimize a CDU using process simulation and statistical modeling methods
A methodology was implemented to optimize the operation of a refinery crude distillation unit (CDU) using a combination of process simulation and statistical modeling methods.
People
Dr. Christoph Wegner will become president of BASF’s Information Services and Supply Chain Operations division, effective December 1, 2016.
Innovations
Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.
Global Project Data
New project announcements have hovered in the low teens for several months.
Industry Metrics
US gasoline demand contributed to falling inventories. Operational problems at several refineries and the potential impact of a tropical storm strengthened margins.
Codes and Standards: Overcome technical difficulties in field pumps ordered to API 610/ISO 13709
The continued objective of this column series is to increase awareness of code requirements, interpretations and limitations as they stand today, and the options available to engineers for “alternative engineering.”
Project Management: Global trends in energy savings: Are emerging technologies the solution?
Despite low energy prices, energy conservation continues to be an important component of business strategy in the oil refining and chemical industries.
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