October 2005
Special Report: Improving Process Control
Applying advanced process control solutions enabled raising unit output without a major retrofit of existing equipment
By taking an unconventional approach, the problem was substantially simplified
Property estimation can be done with easy statistical tools and spreadsheet software
The key performance indicators presented could be built into software products or user implemented
The technology provides the flexibility needed to deal with discontinuous operating situations
Value profile of crude and high vacuum unit fractions is the key for crude selection and, thus, refinery profitability
Asset Management
As companies become experts in launching and completing these initiatives, they share and manage knowledge more effectively and create value that transcends what was initially envisioned
Corrosion/Vessels
The temperature and pH need to be controlled to avoid problems
Engineering Case Histories
Liquid thermal expansion can rupture pipes
Environment/Process Technology
This simulation-based study finds that significant sulfur recovery capacity is attainable through recycling
Process Safety
Safety experts have extensively used this investigative methodology to identify possible hazards with new designs and operating units; however, these studies do have limits
Refining Developments
Fine-tuning utilities operation can conserve energy management and reduce operating costs
Trends and Resources
Analyze data on any pressure relief system from anywhere The iPRSM system, having Web-centric technology, is claimed to allow plant operators, auditors and engineering personnel instantaneous/ conc..
Spectrophotometer solves liquid/ gas analysis problems The new Model IPS-4 spectrophotometer can reportedly measure up to eight wavelengths and quantify five measurement components simultaneously. ..
North West Upgrading Inc. has selected UOP to design and license a new hydroprocessing unit to upgrade synthetically derived crude oil. The facility will be located near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. UOP..
Zimmer AG, a GEA Group member, is building a polyester plant on the Italian island of Sardinia for Equipolymers s.r.l., Milan, Italy. The unit will produce 175,000 metric tpy of polyester chips for ..
Uhde GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, has a contract with Liwa Petrochemical Co. LLC, Oman, to build a new ethylene dichloride (EDC) complex in Sohar, Oman. The EDC facility, which will have a 300,000 metric ..
GE Energy's oil and gas business has been selected to upgrade three propane compressors as a major portion of a debottlenecking project at the Malaysia liquefied natural gas (MLNG) Dua plant in Bitulu..
Valves, level gauges, electronic systems, etc. Cesare Bonetti's product range covers forged- and cast-steel valves (globe, gate, check, ball, piston and blow-down), level gauges (glass and magnetic ..
Misc
HEINZ P. BLOCH, RELIABILITY/ EQUIPMENT EDITOR Comments? Write: HB@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..
Synthetic Oils Dear Mr. Bloch, I think in the last conferences about rotating equipment in the US, you have made some comments on using synthetic oils in the pumps bearing boxes. I would appreci..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com After the unpr..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com US demand for ..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com A substantial ..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Rising energy ..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Manufacturers'..
WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Gas from Iran ..
WILLIAM M. GOBLE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..
DAVE WOLL, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..
TIM LLOYD WRIGHT, EUROPEAN EDITOR Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..
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