Refining
Editorial Comment: What is the future role of the process engineer?
During the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE’s) Spring Meeting, held in Orlando, Florida in April, I was honored to sit on a panel discussion with Paul Durand from ExxonMobil and Sanjeev Kapur from Apex PetroConsultants.
Industry Perspectives
Petrochemicals and gas processing/LNG sectors see largest increase in new projects.
People
The BASF board of executive directors has made several personnel changes.
Global Project Data
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, nearly 450 downstream projects are under construction around the world.
Industry Metrics
Reduced refinery output caused by planned and unplanned refinery outages, and record-breaking gasoline export levels and strong diesel inventory drawdowns, drove US margins to a record 3-yr high in April.
Creating a ‘win-win’ between construction contractor and project owner—Part 2
For large projects, construction represents the biggest cost component and the greatest risk.
Simplification reduces risks and cuts costs
A facility’s ability to operate safely is the determining factor in its success or failure.
Advanced process control of debutanizers makes use of inferential predictions
Following good experience with a generalized cut-point calculation (GCC) inferential package, which models main fractionators with side streams, French energy major Total decided to experiment with a generalized distillation shortcut (GDS) inferential package, which models simpler, two-product distillation columns.
Novel FCC technologies based on reaction chemistry of catalytic cracking
The increased use of opportunity crude oils in refinery processing, the growing demand for light fuel, and the efficient conversion of petroleum resources to refined fuels and basic chemical raw materials have become the basis of green and low-carbon refining technology developments.
Managing process contaminants in amine treating units—Part 1: Lean amine filtration
Installation and operation of suitable contaminant removal systems, such as filtration, coalescing and adsorption equipment, have become key components in amine units.
- UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product 12/19
- Stamicarbon awarded technology licensing contract for new urea plant in Eastern China 12/19
- Ford takes $19.5-B writedown on EV business 12/19
- Babcock & Wilcox awarded $40-MM contract for advanced wet gas scrubbing technology at Canadian petroleum refinery 12/19
- Aarti Industries secures methanol and toluene feedstock supply through multiple long-term contracts 12/19
- bp picks first outsider CEO Meg O'Neill after abrupt Auchincloss exit 12/19
