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| Comparison of clean diesel production technologies |
C K Lee and Steve McGovern, PetroTech Consultants
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2002 / Q1 |
Technology is available for meeting 15ppmw sulphur for road transport diesel, but technologies required to produce ultra low sulphur diesel are not necessarily the same as those for producing diesel with high cetane and low polyaromatics.
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| Revamping conceptual process design |
Tony Barletta and Gary Martin, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2002 / Q1 |
With the desirability of getting the maximum use out of existing equipment when revamps are planned - not least to minimise investment costs - a rigorous approach to CPD is required to avoid scope growth.
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| New developments in resid hydroprocessing |
K Fujita, S Abe, Y Inoue, Nippon Ketjen Co Ltd F L Plantenga and B Leliveld, Akzo Nobel Catalysts
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2002 / Q1 |
A comparison of fixed bed and ebullated bed hydroprocessing rom the viewpoint of the process and sediment formation. The authors also look at new grades of catalysts for fixed bed and ebullated bed units.
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| Understanding gas treating fundamentals |
James L Jenkins and Randy Haws, CCR Technologies Inc
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2002 / Q1 |
While much is being placed on the study of conversion and hydroprocessing units, refiners are finding that primary amine units and associated sulphur plants require study and optimisation to meet the new environmental challenges.
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| Cost benefit evaluation of risk-based maintenance |
Klaus Stucker, Dagmar Kalkhof, Ludwig Hoin, Wilhelmshavener Raffinerie GmbH Jurgen Hofmann, DNV Germany GmbH
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2002 / Q1 |
A cost effective maintenance strategy is of prime importance to the profitability of a refinery. This article compares various strategies - like condition-based maintenance and reliability-centred maintenance - with risk-based maintenance.
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| Using surplus equipment in hydroprocessing units |
Weldon H Lybarger and Gerald D Lamb, Mustang Engineers and Constructors
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2002 / Q1 |
An exmination of the economics, maintenance considerations, design and other questions in purchasing used versus new equipment for plants, not only in revamps but also for installation in new grassroots facilities.
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| Effect of feed properties on FCC unit performance |
Robert J Campagna, Dennis C Kowalczyk, Jack R Wilcox, Refining Process Services Inc
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2002 / Q1 |
Hydrotreating FCC feed is a viable option for refiners wishing to produce ultra low sulphur gasoline and diesel fuels, and the economics are superior to product-treating, say the authors, but they warn of the high capital costs that this entails.
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| A way of increasing model predictive control efficiency |
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2002 / Q1 |
A review of the advantages of closed-loop identification in industrial model predictive control, with two case studies showing how the asymptotic method reduces the cost of identification and time needed in testing and data analysis.
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| Software for improved fuel and lubricant blending |
Frank Rutzen, Ingo Gruszka, Horst Grunewald, Benke Instrument & Elektro GmbH Jorg Knaak Holborn Europa Refinery GmbH
Gunter Gruhn, Technical University Hamburg-Harburg
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2002 / Q1 |
An examination of the way in which the complexity of mixing hydrocarbons to final products can benefit from an integrated planning and optimising system, the basis of which is maintaining a consistent and up to date foundation of data.
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| Process control of twin olefins plants |
Reinhard Votsch, DEA Mineraloel AG Ravi Nath, Zak Alzein, Rogier Pouwer, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions
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2002 / Q1 |
Several factors persuaded the Wesseling refinery in Germany to replace the advanced process control system it had been using successfully for some years, and the payoff has been the achievement of maximum performance.
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| Flare steam control using a hybrid approach |
Manfred L A Gross, DEA Mineraloel AG Richard C Anderson and Tom E Ayral, Key Control Inc
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2002 / Q1 |
Installation of a hybrid expert system and control application at a Germany refinery to automate steam supply to excessively-smoking olefin flares has succeeded in reducing environmental complaints and also simplified the board operator's job.
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| Monitoring performance of the process controller |
Alan J Hugo, Control Arts Inc
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2002 / Q1 |
With controller performance assessment an important part of the control engineer's standard routine, this article reviews the various techniques, their applicability and their advantages and limitations.
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| FCC refinery solutions for the European market |
L A Lacijan, M W Schnaith, P J Van Opdorp, S G Simpson, J G Woodwock, UOP
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2002 / Q2 |
The authors look at the options available to refiners for meeting the latest legislative constraints, the trend towards greater diesel fuel demand and changes in refined product ratios and values.
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| Inventing the future in RFCC catalysts |
S J Yanik (Singapore), A Humphries and R Pinto (USA), R Fletcher (Netherlands), Akzo Nobel Catalysts
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2002 / Q2 |
Individual innovations to improve RFCC catalysts, the authors believe, must be an open process and combined to produce continuous development: a wall of secrecy around new developments only serves to constrain future advancement.
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| Clean Fuels: online analysers and laboratory methods |
Robert J Schaefer and Kathryn Brtko, BP Chuck Lieder, Equilon
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2002 / Q2 |
Analytical laboratories in the USA, charged with testing refineries' produced fuels, are having to cope with current and future government specifications that will demand far more complex analaytical methodology.
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| Controlling fluegas emissions |
Nicholas Confuorto and Edwin H Weaver, Belco Technologies Corporation
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2002 / Q2 |
This article reviews the latest developments in a wet scrubbing system that is used to reduce particulate SO2 and SO3 within one simple process. It can be applied as a particulate-only device and later be converted to particulate and SOx.
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| Meeting the demands of low sulphur gasoline |
E S Ellis, J P Greeley, E M Roundtree, T J Davis, T R Halbert, G F Stunz, G B Brignac, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
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2002 / Q2 |
The refining industry has not been slow in developing and making use of new processes and catalysts designed to reduce sulphur levels in gasoline, and so meet burgeoning clean air regulations. This article reviews one such technology.
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| A flexible approach to refinery olefin alkylation |
Andrew R Tyas and Tony Parker, Stratco Ltd
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2002 / Q2 |
Safety issues concerning HF alkylation units, combined with incentives to process a wider range of olefin feedstock has resulted in options for converting these units to sulphuric acid technology.
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| Getting total performance with hydrotreating |
Didier Duee, Dominique Admaski, Michel Dorbon, Axens Magalie Roy-Auberger and Clementina Lopez-Garcia, IFP
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2002 / Q2 |
If the most refractory compounds are to be treated successfully, say the authors, new hydrogenation mechanisms must be considered. Refiners need to prepare for probable - as well as certain - legislation in the middle distillate fuel market.
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| Rigorous hydrotreater simulation |
Michael C Hu, KBC Advanced Technologies Zbigniew Ring, Jenny Briker, Mure Te, National Centre for Upgrading Technology
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2002 / Q2 |
The authors describe an integratd approach to dealing with the complexities of producing ultra low sulphur diesel, involving analytical support and process research as well as computer simulation.
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| Advances in residue upgrading technology |
G Phillips, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
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2002 / Q2 |
A combination of mature technology and innovative catalyst design and process improvements
provide the flexibility to upgrade heavier feeds, while the search continues to make mature residue upgrading technologies truly cost effective.
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| Reduction of refinery stack emissions |
John Ellis, BP Oil
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2002 / Q2 |
The latest generation of low NOx burners has been tested in a full-scale fired process heater application and the results have demonstrated the cost effectiveness of combustion source control.
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| Understanding centrifugal compressor performance |
Scott W Golden, Scott A Fulton, Daryl W Hanson, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2002 / Q2 |
In a connected process system, expensive changes to the compressor and driver can be avoided with system debottlenecking modifications. The authors give examples of cost effective ways of increasing compressor suction pressure.
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| Using gamma scans to plan maintenance of columns |
Lowell Pless and Bjorn Asseln, Tru-Tec Services Inc
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2002 / Q2 |
An outline of the way in which gamma scanning of columns and vessels can be used to evaluate, perform troubleshooting and prepare for a planned shutdown of trayed and packed column and other equipment while the unit is operating.
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| Improved operating margins with ethylene recovery |
T R Tomlinson, Costain Oil, Gas & Process Ltd
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2002 / Q2 |
An overview of ethylene recovery and processing, outlining low temperature/cryogenic processes for recovery of ethylene from refinery offgases and from polyethylene plants offgas streams, and the purification of recovered ethylene.
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| Implenting non-linear model predictive control |
Tim Wilmarth, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co Rik Wuyts, John Crosby, Randy Wagler, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions
Jeff Renfro, John Goodman, Dot Products
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2002 / Q2 |
An account of the thinking that went into a project for optimising the controls on a polyethylene production line and the benefits that resulted, including higher plant capacity, reduced transition times and improved product quality control.
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| Column design using mass transfer rate simulation |
Ralph H Weiland and John C Dingman, Optimized Gas Treating Inc
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2002 / Q2 |
This article looks at examples of commercial columns used in CO2 removal and selective H2S treating, comparing performance test data to demonstrate benefits of modelling actual column internals using mass transfer rate process simulation.
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| Catalyst management to improve profitability |
Glenn W Guglietta, Gautham Krishnaiah, Alan C Kramer, E Thomas Habib, Davison Refining Services
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2002 / Q3 |
The authors describe a catalyst managment tool for improving FCCU profitability where metal variations affect operating conditions and addition rates. It is argued that refiners have the opportunity to increase their margins considerably.
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| Best practices for producing ultra low sulphur diesel |
Sal Torrisi, Dave DiCamillo, Richard Street, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies Tom Remans, Shell International Chemicals Research
Jahn Svendsen, Shell Global Solutions
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2002 / Q3 |
This article presents a methodology for approaching low sulphur diesel design with low pressure reactor solutions. It reviews commercial cases showing proven best practices can be applied to existing hydroprocessing assets to produce ULSD.
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| Refinery energy efficiency and environmental goals |
Zoran Milosevic and Wade Cowart, KBC Process Technology
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2002 / Q3 |
Cheaper fuels do not always reduce costs, say the authors, and an alternative is cogeneration. It is argued that fuel saving programmes and cogeneration, applied worldwide, could reduce world fuel consumption by some 26 million tons a year.
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| Fluid catalytic cracking: meeting the challenges |
Warren Letzsc, Stone & Webster Inc |
2002 / Q3 |
The key to survival in the face of incresing pressures on refineries is adaptability, says the author, and from fuels to fine chemicals, refiners can diversify their product portfolios with a variety of FCCU improvements.
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| Foam control methods in delayed cokers |
Lawrence N Kremer, Baker Petrolite Timothy G Hueston, Dow Corning
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2002 / Q3 |
Injection of high viscosity PDMS fluids for controlling the buildup of foam in delayed cokers reduces costs while at the same time increasing capacity and maintaining downstream quality control.
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| Managing the molecule: an update on 2005 |
Simon C Clarke, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
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2002 / Q3 |
An overall look at the opportunities for gas-to-liquids projects in Europe as tighter gasoline and diesel specifications loom. The author comments that refiners are beginning to run out of options, but are also using some successful strategies.
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| Continuous catalytic process for diesel desulphurisation |
Brian Turk, Raghubir Gupta, Blaise Arena, Research Triangle Institute.
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2002 / Q3 |
With the production of ultra low sulphur diesel now threatening to become a major investment cost for refineries, work is going ahead on a technology that can be used to desulphurise naphtha and diesel in the vapour phase.
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| Vacuum unit design effect on operating variables. |
Gary R Martin, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2002 / Q3 |
To revamp vacuum units, process modelling and equipment design know-how are needed, and the understanding of connected equipment performance can lead to higher gasoil quality and yields, with fewer unscheduled shutdowns.
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| Crude unit integrated energy analysis |
Rakesh Mehta, Onward Technologies Ltd
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2002 / Q3 |
Opportunities for process debottlenecking and improving energy efficiency can be identified with the use of pinch analysis. This article documents a refinery revamp where this method produced a large increase in crude distillation capacity.
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| Answering the big turnaround question |
James Thompson, Lyondell Chemical Company Chalres Etter, Equistar Chemicals
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2002 / Q3 |
An account of a risk based model for quantifying the probability and cost of an unplanned outage. The result is that a defined risk based analysis of turnaround costs and timing is a useful tool for both plant and business management.
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| Competitive advantage in plant reliability |
Keith Eldon Burres, HSB Reliability Technologies/Solomon Associates Inc
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2002 / Q3 |
The concept of total plant reliability aims to integrate the approach to improving production and reducing costs. By lowering workloads, improving reliability and using effective procedures, says the author, plants greatly improve their performance.
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| Executive interface for the process industry |
J Patrick Kennedy, OSI Software Inc
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2002 / Q3 |
A review of the information technology available to meet the needs of executives and staff in achieving maximum returns on plant assets. It includes an account of the way the technology was used to measure in real time a refinery's performance.
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| Knowledge management to improve performance |
Steven Sendelbach, Nexus Engineering Inc
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2002 / Q3 |
Preserving within the company the expertise that has been acquired by its operators, technicians and managers after they have moved on is the subject of this article, which describes a reliability and operations management system.
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| Improved steam cracker furnace efficiency |
Joel Magnan, Kubota Metal Corporation Kaoru Hamada and Kenji Otsubo, Kubota Corporation
Elizabeth Sohn, Technip USA Corporation
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2002 / Q3 |
A description of the use of high heat transfer mixing element radiant tubes for reducing coking rates and increasing run lengths, and for improving thermal efficiency. Such tubes are proving to be more beneficial than finned tubes.
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| Improving hydrogen plant performance: Part I |
P V Broadhurst and P E J Abbott, Synetix
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2002 / Q3 |
A reliable and cost effective asset management strategy can increase hydrogen plant throughout as well as optimise operating conditions and energy efficiency. This article looks at the way current operations may be optimised.
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| Submerged quench incineration |
Olavo C Leite, Thermica Technologies
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2002 / Q3 |
Severe regulatory pressures in the processing industry require more effective measures to destroy pollutants beyond ordinary water treatment methods.
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| Improvements to increase fuel capacity and quality |
Christopher F Dean, Saudi Aramco Jay L Ross, Axens, IFP Group Technologies
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2002 / Q4 |
By using staged technology upgrades, fuels production at the Jiddah refinery in Saudi Arabia was expanded and quality improved, meeting market and regulatory criteria, at the same time mitigating capital constraints.
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| Catalytic reduction of nitrous oxide emissions |
Timothy J Dougan and J Robert Riley, Davison Catalysts
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2002 / Q4 |
An account of how interactions of unit-specific operating variables, combustion promoters and additives on high temperature fluegasees will affect environmental objectives. Novel catalytic additives can effectively reduce NOx emissions.
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| Operating an FCCU at multiple constraints |
Greg Tragitt and Gloria Chukman, KBC Advanced Technologies
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2002 / Q4 |
Integration of an FCCU operational model within a rigorous refinery-wide flow sheet, incorporating the use of software for process modelling, say the authors, enables refineries to increase profitability without the need for capital investment.
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| Delayed coker design and project execution |
Ram Malik and Gary L Hamilton, ABB Lummus Global Inc
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2002 / Q4 |
This article presents insights into the key considerations for residue upgrading and details some of the advances in technology, including online computer control and an innovative water management/coke recovery system.
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| Neural software to estimate vacuum residue quality |
Francesca Faranda and Alberto Servida University of Genoa Nicoletta Aloi Iplom Refinery
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2002 / Q4 |
Efficient implementation of control and optimisation systems depends on the online product quality index of residue from a vacuum unit operating in asphalt mode.
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| Global clean fuels and the Middle East |
Leslie P Antalffy, Claus-Peter Haelsig, George West, Fluor Daniel
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2002 / Q4 |
The Kyoto Protocol has been one of the drivers, together with mounting regulations and a variety of environmental issues, behind the efforts being made by refiners in the Middle East to develop more cost effective technology.
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| Flash drum options and systems |
Alan Goelzer and Alan Ganster, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc
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2002 / Q4 |
An explanation of the optimised interactions between flash drum and stripper in diesel HDS and light distillate hydrotreaters. The authors point out that selection of a flash drum option is an important element in revamps and new unit designs.
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| New options for flexible hydrocracking |
Han Chongren, Fang Xiangchen, Shao Jingchun, FRIPP/Sinopec
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2002 / Q4 |
Refiners in China are having to tackle problems on two fronts: a growing demand for gasoline and diesel in an expanding national economy, against a raft of new regulations. One answer has been the development of a new hydrotreatment.
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| Rigorous process simulation for troubleshooting |
C S L Narasimhan, Kaushik Basak, R P Verma, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
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2002 / Q4 |
A case study demonstrating the operational improvements obtained in using rigorous process simulation for pointing out specific conversion problems in the second stage reactor of a refinery's hydrocracker unit.
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| System analysis of process burners |
Carol A Schnepper and Joseph D Smith, John Zink Company L David Wilson, Marathon Ashland Petroleum
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2002 / Q4 |
Modelling is now a vital tool in the designing of ultra-low NOx burners, together with advanced problem-solving techniques such as computational fluid dynamics for troubleshooting and solving potential problems in this equipment.
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| Finding new uses for old distillation equations |
Ralph H Weiland and Michael R Resetarits, Koch-Glitsch LP
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2002 / Q4 |
A review of the formulas for calculating hydraulic capacity, efficiency and other fractionation improvements from modern co-current flow trays. Four equations discussed here, developed half a century ago, are being applied to new situations
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| Why vacuum unit fired heaters coke |
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2002 / Q4 |
A description of the internal workings of vacuum heaters and the causes of coke formation within them. Case studies show how to avoid localised hot spots in order to maintain yield targets and increase run lengths.
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| Cutpoint modellisation in business models |
Hans Hartmann, Strategic Planning Consultant
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2002 / Q4 |
Application of rigorous models for control of a distillation unit against economic criteria and as distillation sub-modules in simulation or linear program formations for integrated supply chain optimisation.
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| Improving hydrogen plant performance: Part II |
P V Broadhurst and P E J Abbott, Synetix
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2002 / Q4 |
Optimisation of operating conditions requires an in-depth study of the hydrogen plant, say the authors. They consider the optimisation of catalyst and absorbent to maximise hydrogen output beyond the capabilities of operations strategies.
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| Choosing a selectiv hydrogenation system |
Ronald G McClung and Steve Novalany, Engelhard Corporation
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2002 / Q4 |
Data has shown the effectiveness of palladium catalyst for the removal of diolefins and acetylenes in steam cracking as well as catalytic cracking operations. In the interpretation of pilot plant test results, however, caution should be used.
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| Recovering energy and acid from hydrocarbons |
Olavo C Leite, Thermica Technologies
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2002 / Q4 |
How fully automated thermal oxidiser units containing energy and byproduct recovery systems are able to resolve operational concerns over organic wastes, and can be the most economic way to dispose of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues.
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