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Project Management

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.

Use the right model to unlock utility system potential

KBC Process Technology Ltd.: Gómez-Prado, J.  |  Hutton, D.

Although we have entered a new era of low energy prices, energy still represents one of the largest, but most easily managed, operating costs in the hydrocarbon industries.

Viewpoint: Reshaping the industry toward innovation, certainty and efficiency

Fluor: Brittain, J.

It is no secret that capital costs of major projects have skyrocketed over the past decade. A July 2015 industry report noted that the average megaproject’s cost increase is 80% of its original value, with an average schedule slippage of 20 months.

Engineering Case Histories: Case 94: Why mentors are important for industry

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

When I started working in industry 50 years ago, it was management’s job to have a senior engineer watch over my work. Much of the quality of my analytical work and technical discipline were formed early in my career with help from these engineers.

Automation Strategies: Rethinking automation: A stepwise approach to the IIoT

Stratus Technologies: Fryer, J.

Energy producers are under tremendous pressure to reduce operational costs and maximize efficiency throughout the value chain. This is easier said than done.

Editorial Comment: In defense of intellectual property integrity

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Andrew, Bob

In the publishing business, a key editorial responsibility is ensuring the integrity of all articles that are chosen for publication. This column elaborates on additional ways that prospective authors can help ensure that readers trust what we print.

Automation Strategies: Drive maximum asset capability with operational technologies

ARC Advisory Group: Hill, D.

Owner-operators across the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) strive to gain maximum business value from their process plant assets. Here, automation assets and other operational technology (OT) typically play a major role.

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.

Engineering Case Histories: Case 93: Hints on searching the literature

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Gathering accurate data is essential for failure analysis and other types of research.

Project Management: Performance excellence culture improves processes, giving lasting results

Check-6: Weynand, J.

In the downstream industry, where production is at an all-time high and uncompromised safety is imperative, plant owners and operators are responding by implementing the latest time-saving technologies and systems to automate and improve human processes.