Process Optimization
An evolving approach to digitalization
Much has been written in recent years about the need for refineries to embrace the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Adapting and prospering in the energy transition
The energy transition is gathering momentum as pressure from society leads policy makers and investors to demand faster and deeper cuts to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from all industrial sectors.
The greening of the downstream industry: A carbon investment case for clean refining
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> was pleased to speak recently with Mark Fonda, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer for Meridian Energy Group, which is building two grassroots refineries in the US.
FCC metal trap additives to process more residue
Most refiners frequently need metal trapping or bottoms cracking additives for residue operations.
Next-generation catalyst improves reliability of LPG mercaptan extraction
For decades, sulfur reduction processes have been an integral part of refinery operations.
Migration of control systems
Since the mid-1980s, distributed control systems (DCSs) have replaced pneumatic and electronic single- or multiple-loop controllers in various plant processes.
Advanced crude management by NIR spectroscopy combined with topology modeling
Crude characterization is critical for refinery optimization.
Air-cooled steam surface condenser case study: Retrofit vs. revamp
It is difficult to revamp an existing air-cooled steam surface condenser (ACSSC) for higher throughput, since most ACSSC suppliers have changed to a single-tube row design and have discontinued their multi-tube row design.
Linear vs. nonlinear: Calculate gasoline component properties
The US is the largest “gasoline guzzler” in the world, producing and consuming about 9 MMbpd of gasoline—global production is approximately 45 MMbpd.
Set refinery profitability goals
While the ultimate purpose of operating a refinery is to produce gasoline, diesel or asphalt, key objectives include improving return on investment (ROI), net profitability and cash flow.
- Valero Energy Q4 profit beats estimates; shares surge 1/30
- Dow launches "Transform to Outperform" to raise the competitive industry benchmark for productivity and growth to enable improved returns 1/30
- Russian oil refineries' peak maintenance expected in January and September 1/30
- U.S. lifts some Venezuela sanctions to ease oil sales 1/30
- Keppel, Aster plan sustainable aviation fuel project in Singapore 1/30
- Boeing, Israel's Technion to develop sustainable aviation fuel, as sector grapples with 2050 goal 1/30
