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| Hydroprocessing solutions to Euro diesel specifications |
D Farshid, A J Dahlberg, S J Nutting, D V Law, A S Krishna, Chevron Products Company
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2000 / Q1 |
In anticipation of new diesel specifications in Europe, a technology has been developed which claims low initial investment but maintains maximum flexibility in upgrading.
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| Crystallisation technique to simplify dewaxing |
Vicente A Citarella, Evelino A Ruibal, Sam Zaczepinski, Exxon Research and Engineering Co Brent E Beasley, Exxon Research and Development Laboratories
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2000 / Q1 |
A spherical wax-crystal structure described produces higher lube dewaxed oil yeilds and filter rates, and allows refined wax production by warming the dewaxing slack wax to deoiling temperature - without recrystallisation
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| Ammonium bi-sulphide corrosion in hydrocrackers |
Walid A Al-Naim, Saudi Aramco
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2000 / Q1 |
Factors in the corrosion of effluent condensers in hydrocrackers are the subject of this article, which includes a case study of the problems experienced at Riyadh refinery, Saudi Arabia, and the corrective actions that were taken.
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| A novel approach to attain new fuel specifications |
Alain Billon, Frederic Morel, Institut Francais du Petrole
John Duddy and Lawrence I Wisdom, IFP North America |
2000 / Q1 |
The authors describe a novel T-Star-based approach that can be used to meet new low sulphur fuel specifications and allow refiners to significantly increase their diesel to gasoline production ratio.
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| Optimal management of catalytic operations |
Frederic Girardier, Eurecat SA Eric Gaillard, Petroval SA
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2000 / Q1 |
A review of the technical and financial advantages of the services - offsite and onsite - that are available to help refiners keep down costs and obtain the best performance from catalyst management.
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| Competitive advantage with process safety management |
N H Kosaric, Bahrain Petroleum Company
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2000 / Q1 |
In a proactive philosophy of refinery management, all personnel-operating, maintenance and engineering - need to be mobilised to identify potential problems and to cooperatte in a strategy that prevents them from happening.
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| Online optimisation: experience and future prospects |
Hidle van der Pas, Jan van Arkel, Pierre Vadnais, Shell Global Solutions
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2000 / Q1 |
This article describes how using the same models at different stages of the business process -design, planning, operation - aids the implementation and support of online optimisation projects.
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| Spectroscopic methods in refining and petrochemicals |
Marc Valleur, Technip France
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2000 / Q1 |
A review of the practicalities of using process spectrometers in the refining and petrochemical industries, including the available applications, the practical results from their use in the field, and the prerequisites for success.
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| Oil loss monitoring - a profitable investment |
Nobutaka Sumikawa, Taiyo Oil Company Peter Downs, KBC Kenzo Matsuda, System Plaza
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2000 / Q1 |
Reducing loss has the potential to significantly improve refinery profitability, and a software application and methodology has been developed to assist in this task. This article describes how a Japanese refinery has put it to good use.
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| Advanced control and optimisation |
Laszlo Bodai, Akos Jozsef, antal Katona, MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas Company Rendell Byrd, Aspen Technology Inc
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2000 / Q1 |
The authors highlight the benefits - potential and achieved - from applying advanced process control and optimisation at Hungary's Danube Refinery and which they say has strengthened their company's market position.
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| Refinery integration in an enlarged supply operation |
Ian Swanson and Shaun Haydon, Electronic Data Systems Ltd (EDS)
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2000 / Q1 |
The refinery is by necessity becoming part of an enlarged supply operation, integrating more closely with head office, other refinereis and organisations beyond the fence. Two case studies describe how two refineries have adapted.
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| Using new dimensions to improve profitability |
Robin W Brooks, Process Plant Computing Ltd
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2000 / Q1 |
There is value not only in improving the gathering and storage of process and laboratory data but also in enchancing methods of visualisation and analysis. Parallel Coordinates, a two-dimensional method of viewing data, is described.
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| Minimising the impact of crude feedstock changes |
Rafael Gonzalez-Martin and Mikel Sola, Petronor-Repsol David W Hoffman, Aspen Technology
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2000 / Q1 |
In this article the authors describe a multivariable control system that utilises a feed-forward crude switch detection in order to minimise the impact of crude switches on unit operation
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| Upgrading kerosene to normal paraffins |
Anne McPhee, UOP
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2000 / Q1 |
A global shortage of n-paraffins, and the consequent rise in prices, presents an opportunity to refiners and petrochemical producers to add value to their kerosene by diversifying into normal paraffins, says the author. The technology for doing so is illustrated by operating data.
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| Monomer recovery in polyolefin plants |
Marc L Jacobs, Douglas E Gottschlich, Richard W Baker, Membrane Technology & Research Inc (MTR)
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2000 / Q1 |
This article outlines the application in polyolefin plants of a membrane based process, VaporSep, for separating and recovering hydrocarbons from nitrogen - in particular, the treatment of resin degassing vent streams.
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| Hydroprocessing atmospheric and vacuum residues |
Pascal Tromeur, Isabell Guibard, Virginie Harle, IFP Martin Pike, Procatalyse
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2000 / Q2 |
A description of the way in which the Hyvahl technology for atmospheric and vacuum residue hydroprocessing associates a permutable reactor system with a novel HDS catalyst for improving run length and product quality.
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| Improvements in paraffin isomerisation catalysts |
Sebastien Decker and Raphael E Gall, TotalFina
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2000 / Q2 |
A high active catalyst has been developed for the isomerisation of low octane C5/C6 light naphthas into high octane products, and for the isomerisation of butane to produce isobutane for alkylation and synthesis of MTBE. They are aimed to be a cost-effective way of debottlenecking for future specifications.
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| Synergy effect of improved accessibility catalysts |
Luiz Fernando Leite and Claudio Remeo Schlosser, Petrobras SA Jose Geraldo F Ramos, Fabrica Carioca de Catalisadores SA
King Yen Yung, Akzo Nobel Catalysts BV
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2000 / Q2 |
An FCC catalyst technology has been developed which enhances the accessibility of large molecules to the functional sites and the egress of reaction products.
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| Crude unit revamp to increase diesel yield |
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc Matthew Smith and Catherine Macfarlane, Caltex Refineries NSW
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2000 / Q2 |
An account of a crude vacuum unit revamp in which detailed calculation of the true performance of existing equipment, plus a realistic calculation of the benefits a revamp would bring, raised diesel production by 14.5 vol% on crude.
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| Environmental catalytic cracking technology |
Steven W Davey, Grace Davison
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2000 / Q2 |
Catalytic technologies for the control of Nox and SOx have been developed and commercially proven in a number of different FCC units around the world. They provide a low-cost route for environmental compliance.
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| Breaking the hydrogen barrier with PSA revamps |
Kathy Picioccio and Epty Reyes, UOP Process Plants Group.
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2000 / Q2 |
Recent advances allow refiners to revamp PSA units to recover hydrogen at higher purity, with mainly the same equipment, by using high performance adsorbents and other techniques. This article discusses five such revamps.
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| Development tools to improve plant design |
Charles A Durr, David A Coyle, Don K Hill, Scott A Ray, Julio Rios, Kellogg Brown & Root
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2000 / Q2 |
New tools are available today to improve LNG process, plant safety and overall efficiency. At the same time, advancing computer technology is enabling engineering development to improve plant designs and reduce costs.
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| Alternative uses for methanol plants |
Frank C Brown, Jacobs Engineering Ltd
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2000 / Q2 |
Against a world surplus of methanol, this article looks at alternative uses for methanol production facilities - including conversion, total or partial, to ammonia and hydrogen, with the emphasis on co-producing a wide range of hydrocarbons, using the Fischer Tropsch slurry reactor technology.
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| Revamp options to increase hydrogen production |
Ib Dybkjaer, Sandra Winter Madsen, Niels Udengaard, Haldor Topsoe
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2000 / Q2 |
Revamping of existing hydrogen plants to increase capacity is offered as an attractive possibility in many situations. The authors discuss the technical options in a case where the refiner has decided to take this course of action.
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| Gas turbines for crude oil heating and cogeneration |
Edwin Goudappel, A H Herfkens, Tammo Beishuizen, Stork Engineers & Contractors BV
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2000 / Q2 |
An overview of the parameters to be taken into account in the evaluation of cogeneration projects based on crude oil heating. This article includes a case study of such a project, with technical details of its design aspects.
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| Large ethylene furnaces: changing the paradigm |
John R Brewer, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
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2000 / Q2 |
The past decade has seen ethylene plants increase capacities to more than 1 million tonnes a year. The largest ethylene plant in the world, at 1.3 million tonnes, is being built, yet only six furnaces are required to meet this capacity, making these the largest-ever ethylene pyrolysis furnaces.
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| Optimal reactor configuration with simulation tools |
Karin Bronsaer, DSM Research
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2000 / Q2 |
This article describes how the modelling of high-pressure tubular reactors is approached and the way simulations are used in cost-optimal reactor design.
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| Economics of a world class methanol plant |
Toshiyuki Mii and Kunio Hirotani, Toyo Engineering Corporation (TEC)
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2000 / Q2 |
The authors describe the thinking and practical aspects behind building a 10000 tonnes/day methanol plant, employing the proven technologies already in use in commercial scale production.
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| Simulation of the firebox of thermal cracking furnaces |
M Sadrameli, Tarbiat Modares University H A Zahmatkesh, Amirkabir Petrochemical Company
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2000 / Q2 |
This article deals with the simulation of thermal cracking furnaces of olefin plants, in particular those of the Tabriz plant in Iran.
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| An advanced asphaltene pelletisation process |
Murugesan Subramanian and Jon Moretta, Kellogg Brown & Root Inc
Rick Bloom and Michael Martin, The Devco Companies
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2000 / Q3 |
A description of a new process for pelletising asphaltene from solvent deasphalters to produce solid asphaltene pellets with a higher heating value, and which are claimed to have improved fuel properties over petroleum coke.
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| A method for improving plant reliability |
Gert Koppen, Det Norske Veritas
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2000 / Q3 |
Risk Based Inspection methodology allows risk to be measured in terms of personal safety, damage to equipment, environmental damage and business or financial impact. The author describes its development and effectiveness.
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| A less expensive route to IGCC power generation |
James S Falsetti and Richard A De Puy, Texaco Power and Gasification Daniel Brdar and Ashok Anand, General Electric Power Systems Jerry Paolino, Praxair Inc
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2000 / Q3 |
A report an an exercise to harness the technologies of three companies, in the refining and power industries, to establish a more cost effective way of producing electric power from integrated gasification combined cycle.
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| Aiming for safe plant design and operation |
Adrian Fletcher and Fabrizio Gambetti, Snamprogetti SpA
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2000 / Q3 |
A look at the reasons behind the development of the IEC-61508 standard, with a description of the techniques that can be used for integrity level evaluation.
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| Long-life flare tips - a challenge to old notions |
J Keith McCartney, Kaldair Inc
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2000 / Q3 |
Several refinery operators have had to reexamine preconceived ideas about flare performance and maintenance requirements, with the result that they are looking at flare tips with a new awareness
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| Maximising asset utilisation for improved profitability |
Steven F Eshelman, Michael J Humbach, Michael J Wilcox, UOP
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2000 / Q3 |
The authors describe how the profitability of two plants have been enchanced by programmes for getting the best out of existing facilities, and without the need for heavy investment.
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| Cost effective revamps to meet the environmental challenge |
Nigel Unsworth and Philip Brown, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
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2000 / Q3 |
Expected legislation in Asia for cleaner transportation fuels face refiners there with a challenge to stay profitable, say the authors, and they suggest the new laws can be met in a way that could still generate profitable returns.
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| Gas plant revamps for higher capacity and efficiency |
Daryl W Hanson and Edward L Hartman, Koch-Glitsch Inc
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2000 / Q3 |
Revamping high pressure distillation columns has become prevalent, with increasing throughput and concerns to keep production costs down. Two case studies of revamps are presented here: of a C3 splitter and a debutaniser.
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| Fixed bed reformer revamps for gasoline improvement |
Jean de Bonneville and Jean Luc Nocca, IFP
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2000 / Q3 |
With total or partial bans on MTBE and limitations on olefins and benzene, an octane gap is created in the gasoline pool. The authors indicate how this can be recovered at minimum cost through some ingenious revamp solutions.
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| Increasing hydrocracker capacity at low cost |
Gurunath G Bharne and Christine A Groenendaal, Shell Global Solutions International BV
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2000 / Q3 |
Detailed case studies are presented, illustrating the planning and working methods that were followed in revamping the hydrocrackers at two refineries, in Germany and Canada.
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| Low-cost methods to improve FCCU energy efficiency |
Scott W Golden and Scott Fulton, Process Consulting Services
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2000 / Q3 |
The first step to finding low-cost ways of improving FCC unit efficiency under new enironmental regulations is to determine the true limits of the existing process equipment and flow scheme, say the authors. They describe ways of influencing heat source temperatures and modifying the flow.
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| The importance of grasping new technology |
Andrew W Sloley, The Distillation Group Inc
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2000 / Q3 |
Part of pushing plant productivity is successful use of technology, says the author, and achieving revamp objectives means moving outside the experieince base - making good use of technology separates the survivors from the failures.
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| For low cost chemicals and flexible power |
John Griffiths and Nathan East, Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd
Gijs van Lammeren, UOP NV
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2000 / Q3 |
Description of a means of using low-grade feedstock to supply both a competitively priced synthetic chemical and low cost and reliable peaking electricity, without the need to develop any new processes or equipment.
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| The gas/ethylene plant: concept and integration |
Greg E Ameringer, GECONCEPT Technology
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2000 / Q3 |
A process has been developed to combine the cryogenic natural gas liquid plant, NGL fractionation plant and the ethylene plant into a single plant, with substantial savings in energy and an improved ethylene profit margin.
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| Post reactor technology in phthalic anhydride plants |
Hans-Jurgen Eberle Consortium fur Elektrochemische Industrie GmbH Josef Breimair, Wacker Chemie GmbH
Helmuth Domes and Thomas Gutermuth, Lurgi Oel Gas Chemie GmbH
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2000 / Q3 |
The authors describe a post reactor process, downstream from the main reactor, for eliminating detrimental byproducts from the catalytic PA reactor.
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| Integrating a refinery and petrochemical complex |
Partha Maitra, Reliance Petroleum Ltd John Folkers, UOP LLC Peter Coles, Bechtel Ltd
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2000 / Q4 |
An account of the planning and organisation that went into a project to converge the operations of a combined 540 000bpd refinery and petrochemical plant, thereby minimising processing costs and optimising product distribution.
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| Upgrading heavy oil using iron/active carbon catalyst |
Satoshi Terai and Hidetsugu Bukuyama, Toyo Engineering Corporation (TEC) Kaoru Fujimoto, University of Tokyo
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2000 / Q4 |
Iron/active carbon catalyst has effectively cracked heavy residual oil, restricting formation of asphaltene and suppressing coke formation at higher conversions under low hydrogen pressure. It also showed strong activity in sulphur removal.
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| Solvent deasphalting and gasification: a synergy |
Andrea Bernetti and Mauro De Franchis, ERG Petroli SpA Jon C Moretta and Pankaj M Shah, Kellogg Brown & Root Inc
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2000 / Q4 |
An analysis of the different refinery bottoms processing schemes, identifying configurations that produce the lowest cost feedstock for the integrated gasification combined cycle complex while maximising refinery profitability.
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| Processing feedstock having high nitrogen content |
Ruichi Zhang, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Sinopec
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2000 / Q4 |
A description of the way in which the denitrogenate catalytic cracking (DNCC) process can abate the contamination of basic nitrogen in cracking catalyst, and also increase FCC conversion and gasoline octane number.
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| Hydrogen: innovative business solutions |
Graham Phillips, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
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2000 / Q4 |
The author presents a systematic approach to the problems that follow from the increasing demand for hydrogen in the search for clean, low sulphur fuels - and which can result in greater CO2 emissions which refinereis are anxious to reduce.
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| Retaining know-how with Knowledge Management |
Laurence M Myers, RWD Technologies
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2000 / Q4 |
Economic pressurs tempting plants to delay turnarounds means that some of their most experienced operators will have moved on by the time their expertise is needed. The author describes how Knowledge Management can anticipate this.
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| Troubleshotting FCC standpipe operations |
Joseph W Wilson, Barnes & Click Inc
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2000 / Q4 |
An outline of the fundamentals of standpipe flow - the author discusses problems often encountered in standpipes, diagnostic tools that can be used to identify the nature of the problem and possible corrective actions that can be taken.
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| Cracking furnace design by computer application |
Dieter Kaufmann and Dieter Mihailowitsch, Linde AG
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2000 / Q4 |
Examples of how a technique known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been employed to improve and optimise the design of the cracking furnace. The authors describe simulation used for the radiant and heat recovery sections.
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| distributed distillation with heat integration. |
John A Reid, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
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2000 / Q4 |
Increased feed capacity and/or reduced energy cost are often possible in the development or modification of a distillation sequence, using a process with proven heat integration concepts, such as side reboiler or pump-around loop.
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| Divided-wall columns - a novel distillation concept |
Frank ennenbach, Baerbel Kolbe, Uwe Ranke, Krupp Uhde
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2000 / Q4 |
The technology of divided-wall columns using a single distillation tower, described in this article, is claimed to have investment and operating advantages over conventional two-column systems for hydrocarbon fractionation.
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| Improved reactor internals for HGO hydrotreaters |
F Emmett Bingham, Haldor Topsoe Inc Edwin Chan, Tony Mankowski, Peter Hubbard, Syncrude Canada Ltd
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2000 / Q4 |
Reactor internals of a plant's heavy gasoil hydroprocessing units, which became inadequate for the operations they were originally designed for, have been replaced with a system which has significantly improved all-round performance.
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| Optimal cleaning strategies in heat exchanger networks |
Bruce Pretty and Alan Karp, Veritech Inc
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2000 / Q4 |
Deciding the best strategy for cleaning a heat exchanger network can be complex and time-consuming. The authors describe an approach using spreadsheet-based software tools, found to be quick and practical and yielding significant benefits.
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| Compact heat exchangers: design and service |
Lars Warlin and Tobias Svensson, Alfa Laval Thermal
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2000 / Q4 |
Heat exchanger technology has come a long way since the plate heat exchanger made its first appearance over 60 years ago, and the latest compact developments, featuring ease of installation, maintenance and cleaning, are described in detail.
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| Explicit equations for pipe sizing |
B B Gulyani and C P Agarwal, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Roorkee
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2000 / Q4 |
Fluid turbulence, viscosity and the degree of roughness or smoothness of the internal wall of a pipe are all factors influencing the movement of a fluid to its ultimate destination. The authors describe a method for estimating these effects.
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| Biological clean-up of hydrocarbon pollution |
Alica Eszenyiova, Gabriela Polakovicova, Vladimira Bilska, Helena Rajnohova, Slovnaft VURUP Inc
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2000 / Q4 |
A project to decontaminate soil polluted by hydrocarbons, using bioremediation, has proved to be an efficient and cost effective treatment which, in the case reported here, has resulted in savings of 70 per cent over landfill.
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| Refinery upgrade meeting environment standards |
Gerarde Downing, Irish Refining plc
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2000 / Q4 |
An account of the resurgence of an oil refinery, shut down because of over capacity and then re-emerging as a country's major supplier of petrol, diesel and kerosene while upgrading to European environmental directives.
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