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

Refining

Troubleshoot operation of a steam ejector vacuum system

Vacuum Improvement Consulting Engineering: Lieberman, N.
Phillips 66: Cardoso, R.

A crude vacuum unit operating properly generates high gasoil yield vs. low-value vacuum residue.

Enhance PSM design with metrics-driven best practices

Michael Marshall LLC: Marshall, M.

This study shows the attributes and benefits of a data- and metrics-driven system focused on the process safety design integrity, reliability and control of process plant flares and pressure relief systems.

Utilize APC solutions to resolve hydrocracker conversion optimization challenges

PKN ORLEN S.A.: Bożek, M.
Honeywell Advanced Solutions: Oleszczuk, G.

Improving profits and reducing costs remain priorities for owner/operators and management.

Industry Perspectives: Downstream disputes breaking the 10% ‘blend wall’ for US ethanol

US refiners are set to break the 10% “blend wall” for using ethanol in gasoline, but downstream professionals are certainly not happy about it.

Industry Metrics

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

US product markets weakened despite unseasonably strong gasoline demand, and the gasoil crack spread hit the lowest level seen in more than five years, under pressure from increasing supplies amid thin demand due to warmer winter weather.

Innovations

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Blume, Adrienne

In a market with reduced capital investment budgets, revamps and upgrades are becoming increasingly prevalent to extend asset service life.

People

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

Smaller-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) specialist Velocys Plc has named David Pummell as chief executive officer (CEO).

Kuwait to set up new firm to run Al-Zour refinery

KNPC's chief executive Mohammed al-Mutairi said that setting up the new company KBRC would allow the independent management of many projects under one structure.

Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway buys more stock in US refiner Phillips 66

According to a regulatory filing on Friday night, Berkshire paid about $198 million this week for 2.54 million Phillips 66 shares, its first purchases of the stock since Jan. 14.

Emerson to boost refinery controls at BP Whiting

The project to upgrade the process control system of two fluid catalytic cracking units is part of a strategic BP-Emerson automation upgrade program.