|
|
| Troubleshooting FCCU operating problems |
Jack R Wilcox, Dennis C Kowalczyk, Robert J Campagna, Refining Process Services Inc |
1997 / Q1 |
Important FCC catalyst properties and the way they affect unit
performance are described in this article, which also reviews operating
problems that can be corrected, based on analysis and adjustment of the
catalysts' properties.
More
|
|
|
| Hydrowaxing process at Danube refinery |
Janos Gergely, Jozsef Perger, Gabriella Szalmas-Pecsvari, Hungarian Oil and Gas Co (MOL) |
1997 / Q1 |
Hungarian Oil and Gas Company has developed a distillate hydrowaxing
process for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of heavy
gas oils by reducing C16+ normal paraffin levels. This comprises
hydrocracking over a selective catalyst which is bifunctional and
contains ZSM-5 type zeolite.
More
|
|
|
| Caustic treatment of jet fuel streams |
Patricia Forero and Felipe J Suarez, Merichem Company
Abe J duPont National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa |
1997 / Q1 |
Caustic treatment of jet fuel streams using Fiber-Film Contactors
has proven to be practical and reliable, compared with conventional
systems. An acid number specification can be obtained in a single
stage using this technology.
More
|
|
|
| Meeting the next generation of motor fuels |
Geoff Tobin, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd |
1997 / Q1 |
Clean fuels legislation, which began in the USA, has now spread to
Europe, and Asia is expected to follow. Its introduction comes at
a difficult time for refiners but short-term compliance should not
prove technically challenging.
More
|
|
|
| Deep catalytic cracking |
Lark E Chapin and Warren S Letzsch, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation |
1997 / Q1 |
Deep catalytic cracking was developed by the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (RIPP), Beijing, and employs the Institute's propietary FCC catalyst. High yields of propylene, butylenes and amylenes are obtained, which serve as feedstocks for the RFG blendstocks, alkylate and oxygenates.
More
|
|
|
| Minimising investment with dynamic simulation |
Gerbert van der Wal, Claus-Peter Haelsig, David Schulte, Fluor Daniel |
1997 / Q1 |
Dynamic simulation, if successfully applied, can minimise the investment for new and revamp designs. The authors address these benefits as applied to the refining industry.
More
|
|
|
| Gas chromatography and the modern laboratory |
Michael King, CDTech (Catalytic Distillation Technologies) |
1997 / Q1 |
Gas chromatology continues to be the most significant analytical tool used in the petrochemical and refining industries, but downsizing has meant the loss of some of the most experienced people who could pass on their knowledge to those having to deal with increasingly sophisticated equipment.
More
|
|
|
| New direct route from butane to 1,4-butanediol |
Andrea Ochs, Lurgi AG |
1997 / Q1 |
A joint development programme by BP Chemicals and Lurgi has introduced a new technology, Geminox, for production of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) using butane as the feedstock. It combines existing technologies of the two companies and offers a 40 per cent economic saving over other technologies.
More
|
|
|
| Multivariable control of delayed coker units |
Robert Howard and Neale Johnson, AspenTech Europe
Issa al-Abdeen, Shakir Khambaty, Siva Subraminjam, Kuwait National Petroleum Corp |
1997 / Q1 |
In recent years, multivariable predictive control has been successfully applied to delayed coking units in refineries around the world. Observations from three recent projects in North America, Europe and Kuwait are presented.
More
|
|
|
| Robust multivariable process control technology |
A Ogden-Swift, Honeywell Profitmatics Ltd |
1997 / Q1 |
Robust control technologies are reviewed in this article, together with a summary of real applications in the hydrocarbon process industries where results are already published.
More
|
|
|
| Crude unit optimisation |
Paul Brice, Mike Hill, Jerry Platt, Simualtion Sciences (SimSci) |
1997 / Q1 |
ROM - or Rigorous Online Model - has been used widely in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, and this study of a ROM installation at a 90000bpd crude distillation unit assesses its ability to increase plant profitability.
More
|
|
|
| Remote computing in gas processing operations |
Stanley DeVries, The Foxboro Company |
1997 / Q1 |
Gas processing operations face huge challenges to maximise production, and at the same time reduce operating costs. Remote computing, available for a long time in its simplest form, has recently matured to become an "enabling technology", allowing processors to transform their operations.
More
|
|
|
| Large scale roll-out of integrated refinery applications |
J Patrick Kennedy, OSI Software |
1997 / Q1 |
Many companies can buy and distribute personal computers, but only a few get the marked improvement in productivity they had been expecting, says the author, who analyses the complexities of integrating software applications.
More
|
|
|
| FCC feed preparation for improved quality |
Henyr Chung and Susan Kolbush, Ultramar Inc
Emiliano de la Fuente and Preben Christensen, Haldor Topsoe. |
1997 / Q2 |
The benefits of hydrotreating heavy gas oil FCC feedstocks at
different levels of severity are discussed in this article,
particularly the operating success of a combination of processes at the
Ultramar refinery in California.
More
|
|
|
| Removal of NOX from FCCU regenerator vent gases |
Peter Brook, Bernard Hagger, John Wood, Foster Wheeler Energy |
1997 / Q2 |
Design of FCCUs has traditionally been aimed at optimising process
yields and heat recovery, but legislation on emissions from refineries
required changed investment criteria. At Sweden's Scanraff
refinery a technology that is not in common use is being applied in a
project to reduce NOx.
More
|
|
|
| Spent catalyst management |
Roger K Clifford, Chevron Research and Technology Company |
1997 / Q2 |
It is each refiner's responsibility to determine how and where to
manage spent catalysts. Options include reuse, regeneration,
metals reclamation and disposal. Government regulations differ in
each country, and they are in a state of flux - it is prudent to
consult the regulators and evaluate the options.
More
|
|
|
| Integrated refinery and power with fertiliser coproduction |
Yukihiro Kobayashi, Takeshi Yoshimitsu, Kadaba R Umesh, Toyo Engineering Corporation |
1997 / Q2 |
A means of achieving efficient utilisation of refinery residues in
developing countries for the production of power, and the coproduction
of value added product such as urea fertiliser, is described in this
article.
More
|
|
|
| LNG peak shaving plant in Argentina |
Cyril Collins, M W Kellogg Ltd
Horacio Cristiani, gasNatural BAN SA
David Miner, Air Liquide America Corp |
1997 / Q2 |
Installation of the first peak shaving plant of its kind in Latin America has put Argentina among the countries now using this type of facility as an efficient and economical way of meeting peak gas demands.
More
|
|
|
| Claus sulphur recovery options |
Gavin McIntyre and Lili Lyddon, Bryan Research & Engineering Inc |
1997 / Q2 |
Recovery of elemental sulphur from acid gas was first performed via the Claus process over 100 years ago. This article examines some Claus modifications which can alleviate operational difficulties and improve overall sulphur recovery.
More
|
|
|
| Optimisation of natural gas drying and purification |
Gerard Jochem and Malcolm Robertson, Procatalyse. |
1997 / Q2 |
Molecular sieves are used for drying and/or purification in most gas trains, benefits being efficient water removal, with low dew points. But some units have not met expectations due to chemical contamination or excess degradation of the adsorbent. This article deals with some of the problems and ways to solve them.
More
|
|
|
| Submerged combustion vaporisers for LNG distribution facilities |
Olavo Cunha Leite, Selas Fluid Processing Corporation |
1997 / Q2 |
submerged combustion vaporisers, used to vaporise LNG stored under low temperature, are ideal for peak shaving and base load facilities. They offer low initial and maintenance costs with high thermal efficiency in a safe design.
More
|
|
|
| FCCU reliability and mechanical integrity |
D F Shaw, R E Walter, S Zaczepinski, Exxon Research and Engineering Co |
1997 / Q2 |
FCC reliability and mechanical integrity contribute strongly to profitability, and Exxon's efforts to improve these attributes have resulted in a significant increase in unit run lengths, plus large reductions in unplanned outages.
More
|
|
|
| Critical factors affecting crude corrosivity |
Saadedine Tebbal and Russel D Kane, CLI International
Jorge L Hau, Intevep SA
Edmundo J Mirabal, Refineria Isla |
1997 / Q2 |
Lower quality "opportunity" crudes are now processed in most refineries and their source may vary daily. Knowledge of the principal parameters affecting crude corrosivity is essential to prevent failure and shortened life of equipment.
More
|
|
|
| Optimising assets with machinery management systems |
|
1997 / Q2 |
More
|
|
|
| Purification of olefinic streams for polymerisation units |
D J Artrip, K Flick, R Meissner, H Wanjek, BASF AG |
1997 / Q2 |
Improved PE/PP-polymerisation technology requires more feedstocks free of poisoning components. Most of these can be removed catalytically. A system of noble metal and copper catalysts makes it possible to take out components like acetylenes, dienes, As and S compounds, oxygen, CO and hydrogen.
More
|
|
|
| Propylene production frombutenes and ethylene |
J A Chodorge, J Cosyns, D Commereuc, B Torck, Institut Francais de Petrole (IFP) |
1997 / Q2 |
Naphtha cracker operators are looking for ways to increase propylene/ethylene production ratios without substantial ethylene production losses. Metathesis of 2-butene with ethylene to increase propylene capacity may be the most cost effective solution while maintaining operating independence.
More
|
|
|
| Selective olefins recovery |
Richard Barchas, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation |
1997 / Q2 |
To reduce the cost of recovering olefins, Stone & Webster and BP Chemicals have jointly developed a chemical absorption technology, commercially ready for recovering light olefins from vents from ethylene oxide and synthetic ethanol units, and from streams located within olefin plants.
More
|
|
|
| Vertical integration for refineries and petrochemical units |
D H Purvis, R H Al-Shaikh, H A B Monro, Stone & Webster Canada Ltd |
1997 / Q3 |
A market-driven integrated refinery/petrochemical complex consistent
with current development plans in Asia, including India and China,
where there is strong potential for growth in demand, is described in
this article.
More
|
|
|
| Catalytic reforming: real-time planning and optimisation |
Lee E Turpin, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions |
1997 / Q3 |
The four basic modes of catalytic reformer operation in modern
refineries are summarised. Degrees of freedom for optimisation,
and the need for catalyst deactivation predictions and infrastructure
requirements, are also reviewed.
More
|
|
|
| Converting sulphide biologically |
Dennis sullivan and Balise Arena UOP
Andre de Vegt, Cees Buisman and Albert Janssen, Paques BV |
1997 / Q3 |
The Thiopaq treating process uses a living biological organism and
ambient operating conditions in an improved approach to the handling of
spent sulphidic caustic, with moderate investment and operating costs.
More
|
|
|
| Simulation aid to main fractionator expansion |
Mark Pilling, Nutter Engineering
Paul Mannion Elf Oil Ltd |
1997 / Q3 |
This article describes the simulation methods and data testing
employed to upgrade the main fractionator at Elf Milford Haven's
alkylation unit, a prime aim of which was to improve the ratio of
recycle isobutane to olefin.
More
|
|
|
| Converting VGO HDS units to moderate pressure hydrocracking |
David A Pappal, Mobil Technology Co
Michael G Hunter, M W Kellogg Technology Co
Lucas R Groeneveld, Akzo Nobel Chemicals BV |
1997 / Q3 |
An introduction to the technology of MAK Moderate Pressure Hydrocracking (MPHC), together with details of a successful revamp at the Chiba refinery of Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Japan.
More
|
|
|
| Revamp process design - optimum crude unit product yields |
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
Designing a new crude unit is an unconstrained process, limited only by capital investment targets, while revamping an existing unit to optimise product yields is constrained by the existing equipment performance and design.
More
|
|
|
| Cost effective upgrading of middle distillates |
Lee Granniss and Art Suchanek, Criterion Catalyst Co LP |
1997 / Q3 |
SynShift, a process for upgrading poor quality cracked distillate feedstocks, is shown in this article to achieve cost effective deep heteroatom reduction, aromatics removal and cetane/'API gain with substantial liquid yield.
More
|
|
|
| An alkylation unit refrigeration expansion |
Anne Z Jezak, STRATCO Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
Revamp case studies have been made for a North American refinery using Freon-12 to cool the reaction zone of its sulphuric acid alkylation unit. Supply of Freon-12 is running out now that manufacture of the CFC-based chemical has been banned, and the refinery is having to seek alternative methods.
More
|
|
|
| Oxygen enhanced Claus operation: a case study |
Churl-Hee Lee, Hanwha Energy Co Ltd
Andy Moore, TPA Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
An alternative to building an expensive new sulphur recovery complex under an expansion programme is to increase existing Claus unit capacity by using oxygen. This article highlights the successful implementation of TPA's Oxygen Injection system at Hanwha Energy's Inchon refinery sulphur recovery unit.
More
|
|
|
| High performance catalyst for liquid phase EB technology |
Frederick Narsolis, Guy Woodle, Gregory Gajda, UOP
Dinesh Gandhi, ABB Lummus Global Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
The EBZ-500 catalyst has raised catalyst performance, achieving not only greater purity in the ethylbenzene produced and, consequently, in styrene monomer, but also in extended reactor runs and favourable investment costs.
More
|
|
|
| Reforming exchanger system in large-scale methanol plants |
Robert V Schneider III and Girish Joshi, The M W Kellogg Co |
1997 / Q3 |
By eliminating a tubular fired furnace, the Kellogg Reforming Exchanger System (KRES), used in the production of methanol, is proving to be profitable and energy efficient against conventional steam reforming.
More
|
|
|
| Contaminant purification with selective alumina adsorbents |
Karl Lin, Alcoa Industrial Chemicals |
1997 / Q3 |
Removal of trace contaminants in feed and intermediate streams associated with polyethylene and polypropylene processes is essential for trouble-free operations. This article reviews these contaminants, together with the use of molecular sieves and aluminas in purification of various process streams.
More
|
|
|
| Amine unit cost element |
Mike Zacher, BP Oil
Ed Wagner, Chevron
Duke Tunnel, Alternate Source
Bruce Kennedy, Petro-Canada
Lon Stern, Shell Oil
Bruce Scott, BSI |
1997 / Q3 |
Two surveys were organised by the Amine Best Practices Group in order to build a database to compare the operating efficiency of different amine units. This article reports the findings of the latest survey, which focused on the question of operating costs and some of the design features affecting them.
More
|
|
|
| Converting natural gas into liquid fuels |
Mark A Agee, Syntroleum Corporation |
1997 / Q3 |
A technology has been developed for converting uneconomically remote, sub-quality natural gas into synthetic liquid fuels, at plant capital costs low enough for its recovery to be financially worthwhile, based on current oil prices.
More
|
|
|
| A distillate hydrotreater to meet future regulations |
Alain Pierru, Elf Oil UK Ltd Didier Duee and Christophe Virondaud, Institut Francais du Petrole
|
1997 / Q4 |
To keep pace with recent trends in diesel fuel, refiners must choose
processes that ensure future regulations are met. Technical solutions
with built-in flexibility are required to achieve present and future
targets, particularly in the fields of distillate hydrodesulphurisation.
More
|
|
|
| A new approach to FCC unit optimisation |
Terry L Goolsby and Howard F Moore, Ashland Petroleum Company Dennis C Kowalczyk, Refining Process Services Tiffin E Johnson, Mario L Zampieri, B Karl Bussey, The M W Kellogg Company
|
1997 / Q4 |
The MagnaCat process for removing spent catalyst uses permanent
magnets to separate metal-laden particles from newer ones, enabling the
refiner to return the most active FCC catalyst particles to the unit,
with economic benefits.
More
|
|
|
| Debottlenecking options and optimisation |
Donald F Schneider, Stratus Engineering Inc
|
1997 / Q4 |
Debottlenecking continues to be a viable option for enhancing unit
performance - altering existing facilities has less risk and, often,
reduced cost compared to new construction. Today's technology
makes the necessary prior assessments and evaluation easier than ever
to make.
More
|
|
|
| Cost effective production of environmental distillate fuels. |
Dilip Dave and Justin Swain, Criterion Catalyst Co Ltd
Mario Baldasari, ABB Lummus Global Inc. With co-authors
|
1997 / Q4 |
The SynSat process of customised diesel hydroprocessing has been
used in a variety of circumstances since the beginning of the Nineties,
and in this article its commercial effectiveness in three different
refineries is analysed.
More
|
|
|
| MTBE and alkylate via the Isoether process: Part I |
Roberto Trotta and Mario Marchionna, Snamprogetti SpA
|
1997 / Q4 |
The Isoether Dimerisation/Etherification Process (DEP) produces at
the same time IsooctaneGas, an isooctane-based high quality alkylate,
and MTBE or ETBE, thereby greatly enhancing the flexibility of these
technologies.
More
|
|
|
| Design guidelines for heat transfer systems. |
LeRoy A Ashman, Petro-Canada Lubricants
|
1997 / Q4 |
Proper design of heat transfer systems should be based on the suitability of the fluid application needs. This article describes, among other things, the fluid selection criteria that must be established before system design can begin.
More
|
|
|
| Improving plant operations with heat transfer enhancement |
Ian Gibbard, Cal Gavin Process Intensification Engineering
|
1997 / Q4 |
Application of enhancement techniques gives the process designer a systematic approach to the control and reduction of fouling, with the benefits of long onstream performance and improved economics.
More
|
|
|
| Compact exchanger to reduce refinery fouling |
Doug Storey, Cal Gavin Process Intensification Engineering Rick Van der Ploeg, ABB Lummus Heat Transfer BV
|
1997 / Q4 |
Two advanced heat transfer technologies have combined to deliver increased onstream performance in heavy fouling service, using a reduced number of shell and tube exchangers, in a Germany refinery.
More
|
|
|
| A new shell-and-tube option for refineries |
H J van der Ploeg and B I Master, ABB Lummus Heat Transfer
|
1997 / Q4 |
The conventional shell-and-tube is still the standard type of heat exchanger in the petrochemical and refinery industries. New Shell-side geometries can offer substantial improvements, and the advantages of helical baffles are illustrated in case studies of two successful refinery upgrading projects.
More
|
|
|
| Trace-heating optimisation for cost effective operation |
Chet Sandberg and Philippe Reinders Folmer, Raychem Corporation
|
1997 / Q4 |
Electrical trace-heating has become the favoured method for temperature range processes, while innovations like self-regulating heating cables and control methods such as proportional ambient sensing control provide a new range of options for the design engineer.
More
|
|
|
| Special steel design to prevent H2S related cracking |
V Schwinn and A Streisselberger, Dillinger Huttenwerke AG
|
1997 / Q4 |
Hydrogen-induced cracking in steel vessels has become a major concern for refiners, and in this account of a process for producing a steel resistant to attack the need to be specific when ordering new steel plate is emphasised.
More
|
|
|
| Effects of feed compositions on acetylene hydrogenation catalyst |
K James Sasaki, Phillips Petroleum Company
|
1997 / Q4 |
The preferred method of removing acetylene from ethylene and propylene in olefin polymerisation catalysts is by selective hydrogenation, and modern methods involve palladium catalysts. An experiment to learn more about the acetylene removal process under different feed conditions is described here.
More
|
|
|
| Selective hydrogenation catalysts for olefin yields |
Frank Mey, Hans-Dieter Neubauer, Rainer Schubert, KataLeuna GmbH Catalysts
|
1997 / Q4 |
Advanced Leuna-Catalysts for selective hydrogenation of acetylene, MAPD and C4-cuts have proved an appropriate tool for maximising olefin yields. A new generation of ring-shaped catalysts for gas phase selective hydrogenation of acetylene and MAPD can increase converter capacity up to 140 per cent.
More
|
|
|
| Novel temperature controlled reactor technology |
Steven T Arakawa, Robert C Mulvaney, Donald E Felch, UOP
|
1997 / Q4 |
Tubular reactors, used in many processes, have been limited in capacity and scope by practical and economic constraints. A new technology to overcome many of these shortcomings has been developed. This article addresses its advantages for both endothermic and exothermic reaction systems.
More
|
|
|
| Solvent recovery enhancers |
Ray Colston, Glitsch Technology Corporation
|
1997 / Q4 |
High demand for teraphthalic acid (TPA) has raised interest in processes that improve performance and economics for both new and existing plants. This article focusses on one section of the TPA plant - the solvent recovery system - and discusses a configuration applicable to existing and grassroots plants
More
|
|
|
| LNG plant operator training |
Alex K C Tang and Grant Stephenson, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions
|
1997 / Q4 |
Advances in computer technology have made it possible for dynamic process simulation to be used in a wide range of applications. This article describes the Trainer system and its use as a training simulator for LNG plant operators.
More
|
|
|