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

Process Optimization

Redefining reforming catalyst performance: High selectivity and stability

Axens: Le Goff, P.-Y.  |  Lopez, J.
Axens North America: Ross, J.

Highly developed CCR catalysts are more robust to ensure extended service over 7–9 years.

Upgrade heavy oil more cost-efficiently

Ivanhoe Energy: Cabrera, C. A.  |  Silverman, M. A.

A new technology can economically upgrade and significantly improve the properties of heavy oil by reducing viscosity, increasing gravity and removing contaminants.

CO2 capture from SMRs: A demonstration project

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.: Baade, W. F.  |  Farnand, S.  |  Hutchison, R.  |  Welch, K.

Technical and economic results from this project will be key in determining the most effective path to commercialization.

Increase FCC processing flexibility by improved catalyst recycling methods

UOP LLC, a Honeywell Company: Wolschlag, L. M.
UOP LLC, a Honeywell Co.: Lippmann, M.

The dynamic global refining market emphasizes the need for greater operating flexibility in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit.

Bio-isobutanol: The next-generation biofuel

Wood Group Mustang: Kolodziej, R.
Gevo Inc.: Scheib, J.

This article highlights the technology, feedstocks and market growth opportunities for isobutanol, with a focus on potential new market offerings in the very near future.

Successful fouling control hinges on effective monitoring

GE Water & Process Technologies: Price, X.  |  Teran, C.  |  Vanhove, A.  |  Casanova, J.

Equipment reliability, processing flexibility and energy conservation are key objectives for modern refineries. Refiners today are routinely using lower quality, more difficult to process feedstocks t..

What are the benefits of rigorous modeling in heat exchanger design?

Aspen Technology Inc.: Cazenave, J.

This article examines three applications where rigorous heat exchanger models can boost value derived from process simulation and provide more accurate results.

Prevent external corrosion of boiler tubes under refractory lining

SABIC Technology Centre: Maity, M.  |  Biramov, K.  |  Al-Zahrani, E.
Eastern Petrochemical Co.: Kareem, M. A.

A leak developed on the water wall for several boiler tubes within five months of the commissioning of a plant boiler. In this case, the boiler tubes were partially covered with a castable refractory ..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 70: Twenty rules for troubleshooting

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

In previous Engineering Case History columns, I have discussed checklists and their value in avoiding errors during startups. While the rules cannot replace common sense or a logical and methodical ap..

HP Automation Safety: ‘Sticktion’: A dangerous failure mode

exida LLC: Goble, W.

I set a wet glass on the old wooden kitchen table at our home. It sat there all night. The next morning, when I went to grab the glass, it stuck to the table. Yes, this event has happened before. But,..