Process Optimization
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.
Editorial Comment: The true essence of optimization
What is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word optimization?
Industry Perspectives: What topics do you want to hear about?
Throughout Hydrocarbon Processing’s 97 yr of publishing technical material for the refining and petrochemical industries, the journal has focused on numerous topics to optimize downstream processing facility operations.
Mitigating corrosion challenges from opportunity crudes
High-quality crudes are not always readily available, or at a price that is acceptable to the producer’s budget.
The benefits of automatic batch distillation
Process control methods have been applied to batch distillation of crude oil and intermediate oils performed in the Chevron DPST labs in Richmond, California.
Welded plate heat exchangers cut refinery process costs—Part 2
Plate-and-frame (P&F) heat exchangers were first manufactured 100 yr ago for use in the dairy industry.
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