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ADNOC, AIQ developing first-of-a-kind agentic AI solution for global energy transformation

ENERGYai will combine large language model technology with cutting-edge ‘agentic’ AI – AI ‘agents’ that are trained in specific tasks across ADNOC’s value chain. These specialized AI agents bring a new level of autonomy and precision to critical tasks, from seismic analysis to energy efficiency and real-time process monitoring.

LyondellBasell to close Houston refinery (U.S.) in Q1 2025

Chemical maker LyondellBasell Industries detailed its long-announced plan to permanently shutter its 263,776-bpd  Houston oil refinery in the first quarter of 2025, shutting the facility's CDU and coker train in January, followed by the shuttering of the second CDU-coker production train, which supplies the gasoline-producing FCC and ancillary units, ending motor fuel production

Technip Energies, Alterra, Neste collaborate on a standardized solution to build chemical recycling plants

Technip Energies, Alterra and Neste have signed a collaboration agreement to advance the circularity of plastics by providing the industry a standardized technology solution for chemical recycling, also referred to as “advanced recycling.”

Sponsored Content: Demystifying industrial AI agents: What we can learn from Iron Man

An industrial agent is an agile and robust software entity that intelligently represents and manages the functionalities and capabilities of an industrial unit. This Digital Feature dives deep into industrial agents, and how they can be used to optimize plant operations.

Best practice guidelines for selecting types of compressors

Technip Energies: Kanikar, S.

This article discusses the best practices for selecting compressors for different applications in refining, petrochemical, chemical and carbon capture plants.

Utilize a process simulation digital twin to optimize condensate yield

ADNOC Sour Gas: Kaleem, J.  |  Al Ali, E.  |  Allanaboyina, V.  |  Srinivas, R.
Aspen Technology: E. Gebesy  |  S. Sheikh

With the aim to maximize profit, and contribute to sustainability targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ADNOC Sour Gas has optimized condensate hydrotreater operation by adjusting Reid vapor pressure, which resulted in maximizing condensate yield. This article is a case study on using a process digital twin to optimize condensate yield.

Thermal decomposition of particulate mercury sulfides in petroleum—Part 2

Chevron Energy Technology Co.: Hatakeyama, E.  |  Das, T.  |  Hoelen, T. P.
Contributing Author: O'Rear, D.

Traces of particulate mercury sulfide (HgS) in stabilized crude oils transform to elemental mercury below 400°C in refinery distillation units. The authors evaluated this transformation and measured reaction rates and activation energies in crude oil and Hg-spiked mineral oil, using glass vessels at atmospheric pressure and a microunit at 1,000 psig.

SMR feed effluent hairpin exchanger: Once upon a time—An unusual thermal mix-point failure—Part 1

Suncor Energy Inc.: Gilbert, F.  |  Jacob, O.

This article presents a review of a failure that happened in a hairpin heat exchanger type on the shell side in a hydrogen (H2) reformer unit. This mechanism was not identified during the design phase and led to a failure after only two years of operation. This article also reviews the situations encountered during the design stage and how they affected the material selection. 

Refinery/petrochemical makeup water treatment: A general guide for technical personnel—Part 3

Buecker & Associates: Buecker, B.

A very important—and sometimes overlooked—unit operation within hydrocarbon processing facilities is makeup water treatment for steam generators and other processes. Many cases have been documented in which makeup system upsets have led to boiler tube failures that partially or completely shut down unit processes. The three parts of this article (August, September and October 2024) serve as a guide for those employees who may be on a steep learning curve when it comes to makeup system understanding. 

Sumitomo Chemical begins study to optimize operations at Keiyo Ethylene

Sumitomo Chemical has made a proposal to Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd., its JV partner in Keiyo Ethylene Co., to reduce offtake quotas for Sumitomo Chemical products at Keiyo Ethylene.

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