Browse Editions : 2007
Title Author Edition
Vacuum unit design for high metals crudes

Scott W Golden, Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services

2007 / Q1

Vacuum unit design can influence vacuum gas yield, product quality and run length.  A wet vacuum unit with residue stripping achieves the highest cutpoint and produces the lowest metals content.

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Converting a DHT to ULSD service

Kirit Sanghavi, Alon USA

Sal Torrisi, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies

2007 / Q1

One refinery overcame the challenge of converting its diesel hydrotreater from LSD to ULSD service with creative solutions for a low investment cost, much below the industry average cost.

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Avoiding boiler feed water corrosion

Kari J Enqvist, Borealis Polymers Oy

2007 / Q1

Investigating corrosive chemicals in BFW, defective analysing systems and incomplete treatment of steam systems, resulting in serious transfer line exchanger failures.  A number of incidents initiated the thorough investigation of root causes.

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Exploiting unconventional heavy oils

Jeffrey S Plotkin, Nexant Inc

2007 / Q1

Potential opportunities exist for developming the heaviest of the non-conventional hydrocarbons.  The decline of conventional oils can be mitigated through the ingenuity and technology brought to unconventional heavy oil upgrading.

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Gamma scanning fractionators

Brian Kirmse and Kevin Krase, Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company

Dave Ferguson, Tracerco Inc

2007 / Q1

Gamma scanning is a powerful tool that can be used to determine the cause of flooding and regain column efficiency.  Debutaniser capacity and performance were improved after tower scanning technology pinpointed mechanical and hydraulic defects.

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Optimising heat recovery with CPHEs

Eva Andersson, Alfa Laval Packinox

2007 / Q1

Compact plate heat exchangers are an efficient way to optimise heat recovery in refineries, especially when installation space or weight is crucial and exotic materials are needed to deal with corrosion issues.

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Asset management strategies

William D Turner, Jacobs Constructors Inc

2007 / Q1

The Six-Sigma approach to asset management describes the level of variations or defects present in a process.  Identifying critical processes and their contributing input variables provides opportunities to remedy the sources of defects.

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Magnetic imaging of pyrolysis feedstocks

Preetinder S Virk, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2007 / Q1

Olefin feedstock characterisation fills the need to engineer and predict the performance of modern pyrolysis coils that must crack diverse feedstocks at ever-increasing temperatures, reaction severities and product selectivities.

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High-severity FCC operation

Y Fujiyama, N Nakanishi, Nippon Oil Corporation

C Dean, M Al-Tayyar, Saudi Arabian Oil Company

A Aitani, M Saeed, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

2007 / Q1

High-severity catalytic cracking using a proprietary down-flow reactor can maximise propylene production.  The new process features a high reaction temperature and high catalyst-to-oil ratio along with a short contact time.

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Verifying VOC emissions

David Furry and Joshua Furry, Leak Surveys Inc

2007 / Q1

Infrared technology, based on a passive infrared camera system, can be used to detect VOC emissions and hydrocarbon leaks.  The use of optical imaging of emissions clouds in the petrochemical and pipeline industry is discussed.

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Solving gas plant operation problems

Alok Chakraborty, Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd

Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming

William A Poe, Consultant

2007 / Q1

Sound process monitoring, identification of probable causes, immediate action taken by operations, analysis of the root cause and implementation of permanent remedial measures are all effective methodologies for maintaining a high plant uptime.

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Deployment of Foundation Fieldbus technology

David Wood, David Wood & Associates  

Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming

2007 / Q1

Foundation Fieldbus technology reduces design and construction, decreasing lifetime costs.  The concept of diagnostics for plant operation and maintenance is also enhanced, giving an expanded process view for operators and reduced maintenance through predictive strategies.

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Applying advanced control to a VCM unit

Mark Novak, Formosa Plastics Corporation

Mike Yen, Ravi Nath, Rogier Pouwer and Anil Gokhale, Honeywell Process Solutions


2007 / Q1

Multivariable predictive control combined with real-time modelling enabled a vinyl-chloride-monomer unit to achieve significant operational and economic benefits, including improved control of cracking depth on each EDC furnace.

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Online energy management

Susana Benedicto Calpe and Blanca Garrote Pazos, Repsol Petroleo SA

Diego Ruiz Massa, Jorge Alberto Mamprin and Carlos Alberto Ruiz Garcia, Soteica Europe SL

2007 / Q1

A refinery energy system is modelled, including all the constraints, with continuous model validation using live data.  Performance monitoring includes the tracking of equipment efficiencies by utilising validated data for its continuous calculation.

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Planning an automation system's lifecycle

 Peter Jofriet, Honeywell Process Solutions.

2007 / Q1

To determine the most efficient and cost-effective lifecycle strategy, a refinery must assess its specific automation goals.  The factors to be considered include process area, system equipment cost and risks.

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Solutions for improved biodiesel

Patrick Merlin, Albemarle

2007 / Biofuels

Use of antioxidants can help meet the DIN EN 14214 European standard and other requirements for biodiesel oxidation stability.

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Bioethers impact on the gasoline pool

Kerry Rock and Maurice Korpelshoek, CDTech

2007 / Biofuels

Benefits of producing bioethers compared to blending bioethanol are examined for the total European gasoline pool.  The result of maximising ethanol use in the pool via etherification is evaluated.  Economics for optimum biofuels operation are presented.        

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The evolution of biodiesel

Adrienne M Blume and Amy K Hearn, Hydrocarbon Publishing Company

2007 / Biofuels

The expanding market presence and the breakthrough of refiners into the biodiesel sector are discussed along with commercialised and emerging production technologies.

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Evaluating biodiesel catalysts

 Adam Khan, University of Brisbane

2007 / Biofuels

This project follows on from previous work into biodiesel and is directed towards the kinetics and catalyst development.  The focus is on continuous reactor developments in biodiesel production from a variety of fatty acid feedstocks.

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Model predictive control in biofuels production

Michael Tay, Pavilion Technologies Inc

2007 / Biofuels

Developing strategies to capitalise on rapidly growing market demands for alternative fuels, such as biofuels, calls for technology capable of delivering immediate and measurable results, as discussed in the following case study.

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Increasing biodiesel production

Paulo Roberto Costa, Petrobras

2007 / Biofuels

As part of its renewable fuels programme, Brazil's need for increased diesel production will be met by a new biodiesel process intregrated into refinery hydrotreating units.  The process provides high conversion yields using agricultural feedstocks.

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Elemental analysis of biofuels

Dirk Wissmann and Olaf Schulz, Spectro Analytical Instruments

2007 / Biofuels

An area of interest for the industry is the implementation of a good quality control protocol for measuring bioalcohols.  Cost-effective analytical tools ensure control of undesirable levels of key elemenets that can lead to problems, such as corrosion.

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Refining biofuels

Rene G Gonzalez, PTQ

2007 / Biofuels

Over the next few years, biofuels production will be more closely integrated with certain refinery operations.  Advantages and disadvantages of introducing biofuels into the refined product market are discussed, along with the evolving technology.

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Catalyst industry trends

Rene G Gonzalez, Editor

2007 / Catalysis

Improved catalytic formulations can lead to increased profitability through higher product yields, longer operating cycles and better-quality products, as well as increased throughput, higher conversion levels and the ability to process higher endpoint feedstocks.

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Meeting ULSD challenges

Chris Egby, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies

Robert Larsson, Preem Petroleum AB

2007 / Catalysis

Teamwork and leading-edge technology were combined to turn a problem into an opportunity at one Swedish refinery.  Diesel specifications for domestic as well as export markets were met with flexible process strategies and effective catalysts.

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FCC process fundamentals: coke basics

 Ziad Jawad, Shaw Stone & Webster

2007 / Catalysis

A study of FCC coke yields, sources, formation and delta coke fundamentals affecting catalyst and unit performance.  A review for the experienced engineer and an introduction to the process for the new engineer.

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Maximising high-quality diesel

Ben A Christolini and Christopher J Anderle, UOP LLC

Naji K Abou Chedid and Stuart G Simpson, UOP Ltd

2007 / Catalysis

Case studies of three projects to integrate hydrocracking technology into European refineries.  The resulting integration provides a product slate well aligned with projected future demand.  Economic projections make these projects highly attractive investments.

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Towards sulphur-free fuel production

Hideshi Iki, Nippon Oil Corporation

2007 / Catalysis

The production of sulphur-free fuel from catalytically cracked gasolines, by means of improved catalysts and the optimisation of reaction conditions, is now a possibility.  The stability and activity of various HDS and HDC catalysts is compared.
       

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Hydrogen production: run length enhancement

Mukesh Mohan, S K Ghosh and C Manoharan, Indian Oil Corporation Limited. 

2007 / Catalysis

Run length enhancement of the hydrogen-generation unit calls for an overall understanding of critical areas and issues, as well as the elimination of various constraints.  The essence of avoiding outages lies in learning by experience.

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Alternatives to improving FCC performance

M I Levinbuk, Moscow Refinery and Gubkin Russian State Oil & Gas University

E A Kozyukov, Russian Oil & Gas Company

I Y Smorodinskaya and M Y Melnikov, Moscow State University

V M Kapustin, Gubkin Russian State Oil & Gas University

A A Lebedev and V I Zuber, Moscow Refinery

2007 / Catalysis

The usage of LAY zeolites in FCC catalyst preparation can provide a more flexible selection of speciality catalysts for FCCUs operating at different conditions as an alternative to modernising a FCCU reactor-regenerator section.

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Increasing xylene production

Alberto Carimati, Cassey Lim and Jenny Law Ping Fung, Singapore Pte Ltd

Gary Marr, UOP LLC

2007 / Catalysis

High-activity xylene isomerisation catalyst properties can lead to the efficient use of mixed xylene feedstock.  One plant production PIA and meta-xylene increased its profitability by avoiding unwanted side reactions and reducing hydrogen consumption.

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LNG industry expansion

Rene G Gonzalez, Editor, PTQ

2007 / Gas

Certain industry experts counter the view that global LNG growth is stalling.  Based on projects currently under construction alone, global LNG supply capacity will rise 60 per cent by 2012 or earlier.    

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Improving mercaptan solubility

Stephen A Bedell, Linda L Pirtle and John M Griffin, The Dow Chemical Company

2007 / Gas

While mercaptan removal by amines in most gas treating operations is very dependent on solution pH and lean load, these new agents are mostly independent of pH changes encountered in normal gas treating operations.

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Improving operator efficiency in gas processing

William A Poe and Andrew Saunders, Invensys Process Systems

Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming

2007 / Gas

When gas plant operators understand the function of the multivariable controllers, the intervention required to stabilise the plant can be reduced and operations become more profitable, as shown in the following two case studies.

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Fugitive emission management

Hans Hooyberghs, The Sniffers nv

2007 / Gas

Emissions monitoring programmes in gas plant activities are available for quantifying, locating and controlling fugitive emissions.  Certain equipment assets used in gas processing are primary areas where emissions control measures are necessary.

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Pipelines and production plants: dynamic interaction

Saeid Mokhatab, Consultant

2007 / Gas

Benefits of dynamic production system modelling are described with reference to an experimental test facility representing a typical offshore production plant.  The system ensures proper flow between multiphase pipeline and gas/liquid production facilities.

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Hydrogen from refinery offgas

Harald Klein, Linde Engineering Division.

2007 / Gas

Utilisation of refinery offgases for hydrogen production.  Three basic schemes of ROG integration into a steam reformer plant were investigated.  These schemes are considered at different hydrogen concentrations.

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Commercial status of Fischer-Tropsch technology

Tony Pavone, SRI Consulting

2007 / Gas

Challenges of converting natural gas to liquid transportation fuels are discussed and compared with other GTL options.  Process considerations, such as thermodynamic requirements, are also considered.

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Using butane feedstock in a hydrogen plant

Ashley J Winsper, Johnson Matthey Catalysts

Inigo Crespo Irizar, Repsol YPF

2007 / Gas

Case study on the use of butane feed for the Repsol YPF La Coruna hydrogen plant.  The process in which a refiner and technology partner evaluated the use of lower-cost feedstock is diiscussed.

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Olefins plant cracker gas compressor fouling

Sheri Snider, Nalco Company

2007 / Gas

Monitoring and treating process gas compressors to prevent corrosion and fouling.  Several examples of improved compressor performance through the utilisation of antifoulants are provided.

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Gasification technologies for hydrogen manufacturing

 Joachim Wolff, Shell Global Solutions International BV

2007 / Q2

Gasification technology can follow on from upgrading and treating technoloiges to convert a wide range of heavy residues into syngas, which can be used as clean fuel for high-efficiency IGCC power generation or to produce H2 and/or CO.

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Hydrogen plant safety

V G Bahad, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd

2007 / Q2

Hydrogen-generation unit safety during startup and shutdown is based on experience sharing.  The safe startup of any process unit depends on the knowledge base of the operating and maintenance personnel.

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Hydrogen recovery from refinery offgases

A K Jain, G D Goyal and M K Joshi, Engineers India Ltd

2007 / Q2

Use of pressure swing adsorption to extract hydrogen from offgases that would otherwise be combusted in the refinery fuel system.  Increasing hydrogen purity by steam reforming, effect of tail gas pressure and other considerations are discussed.

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Alkylating isolbutylene with isobutane

 Todd Vogt, Catalytic Distillation Technologies (CDTECH)

2007 / Q2

Pairing of isobutylene pretreatment with low-temperature alkylation offers dehydro-based MTBE operators the opportunity to incorporate isobutane with isobutylene to produce large volumes of high-quality gasoline blendstock.

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Self-inflicted contaminants and fouling

Allison A Fielder and Mark B Schmidt, DuPont Sabine River Works

Raghu K Menon, Sud-Chemie Inc

2007 / Q2

Pairing of isobutylene pretreatment with low-temperature alkylation offers dehydro-based MTBE operators the opportunity to incorporate isobutane with isobutylene to produce large volumes of high-quality gasoline blendstock.
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Sulphuric acid alkylation developments

Amarjit Bakshi, Refining Hydrocarbon Technologies LLC

2007 / Q2

A recently developed alkylation technology incorporates low-temperature isothermal operation and a refrigeration compressor.  The acid-hydrocarbon separation incorporates simple coalescers and readily available reactor-contactor internals.

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Meeting changes in plant production targets

Dieter Krenz, Linde AG

2007 / Q2

Overview of a syngas plant automatic load controller shows how reliability is maintained.  The functionality built into the plant automation concept allows the plant to remain in operation, even in the event of a unit trip.

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Integrated treating options for sour natural gases

T J Brook, Shell Global Solutions International BV

2007 / Q2

Two cases for treating sour natural gas with H2S, CO and mercaptans are discussed.  These configurations are designed to prepare a treated gas that is suitable for GTL and LNG applications or normal pipeline gas specifications.

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Reformer technology for hydrogen

Suresh Chandra Gupta and Kamalesh Karkun, NOIDA, Projects & Development India Ltd

2007 / Q2

Various retrofitting and debottlenecking options are available for improving the rated capacity, operating efficiency and energy efficiency of steam hydrocarbon reformers in hydrogen plants.

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Ethylene cracking furnaces influence burner design

Richard Martin, Callidus Technologies LLC

2007 / Q2

Burner testing and CFD modelling can assure a burner will perform properly.  Special considerations are discussed for improving burner combustion characteristics in new compact thermal cracking furnace radiant sections.

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FCC fundamentals: coke yield/delta coke

Ziad S Jawad, Shaw Energy and Chemicals

2007 / Q2

A summary of FCC fundamentals and technology options.  Understanding the options available to control the FCC unit's coke yield and delta coke is significant due to their direct impact on FCC operations and refinery profitability.

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Reliability of IGCC power-generation units

Christopher Higman, Syngas Consultants Ltd

Salvatore A DellaVilla and Robert F Steele Jr, Strategic Power Systems Inc

2007 / Q2

Reliability is key to improving IGCC power-generation unit economics, provided it can be achieved with excessive Capex increases.  However, focus on a single subsystem such as gasification is insufficient for the success of the overall IGCC concept.

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Maximising hydrogen availability

Mahendra C Shah, Dharnendra C Jawali and Rajesh K Patel, Reliance Industries Ltd

2007 / Q2

Case study of a hydrogen complex discuss interaction of hydrogen processing steps with overall refinery productivity.  Hydrogen partial pressures, pinch options and other important operating parameters influence economics.

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Advanced combustion system for cracking furnaces

Roger Poe, Ashok Patel, Charles E Baukal and Daniel Wright, John Zink Company LLC

2007 / Q2

A discussion of design considerations for burner technology used in cracking furnaces.  Significant improvements include more uniform heat flux profile, wider turndown, stable flame, high combustion efficiency, and low CO and NOx emissions.

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Determination of crude properties

Didier Lambert, Topnir Systems

2007 / Q2

Real-time knowledge of crude properties is obtained via management software applied to a crude network.  With the resulting better characterisation and optimisation, an increase in throughput from the additional crude processed leads to increased revenue.

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Turbine oil conditioning in process facilities

Brian McNeil and Tim Mills, Kaydon Custom Filtration

2007 / Q2

Strategic modelling for turbine oil conditions in refineries and petrochemical plants focuses on different types of filtration equipment and the philosophy that accompanies each.    

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Realities of rising costs

John Jenkins, Jacobs Consultancy Inc

2007 / Q3

Material costs, inflation, shortage of engineering expertise and other risk factors have changed the way contractors and operating companies work together to control project costs.  Business practicies that address these issues are discussed.

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FCC propylene production

Ketih A Couch, James P Glavin, Dave A Wegerer and Jibreel A Qafisheh, UOP LLC

2007 / Q3

Factors influencing the selection of propylene yield design points and a comparative study of an absorption-based gas concentration unit relative to cold-box recovery design show how refiners can leverage existing assets to close the market gap for propylene production.

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The FCC unit as a propylene source

Charles Radclife, Intercat Inc

2007 / Q3

The FCCU is an important source of propylene production.  Hardware and catalyst design changes can increase the propylene yield, but ZSM-5 and other additives are essential to optimise and retain the flexibility to respond to today's and tomorrow's challenges.

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Crude overhead system design considerations

Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services

2007 / Q3

Proper crude unit overhead system design is important when building a new unit or revamping an existing one to process different crudes.  Overhead condenser designs should meet the specific processing objectives, such as distillate yield, run length and energy recovery.

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Elimination of refinery sour gases and trace components

Hans-Peter Kaballo, Ulvi Kerestecioglu and Harald Klein, Linde Enginering Division, Linde AG

2007 / Q3

Case study concerning elimination of sour gases and trace components from gasifiction gases.  The objective is to produce pure hydrogen for hydrotreating within a refinery, and a feed gas for energy production in an IGCC.
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Evaluation of sulphur-reducing technologies

 Lauren Blanchard, Grace Davison

Craig Borchert and Min Pu, Valero Energy Corporation

2007 / Q3

Case study where the impact of a FCC feed hydrotreater outage was minimised by running carefully selected feeds combined with sulphur-reducing technology appropriate for the type of sulphur species expected to be processed during the outage.

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Selective hydrogenation of hydrocarbons

Amarjit Bakshi, Refining Hydrocarbon Technologies LLC

2007 / Q3

Selective hydrogenation and isomerisation of diolefins using fixed-bed conventional technology in a two-phase reactor configuration can help refiners to meet sulphur and aromatics limits for fuels such as gasoline, kerosene and diesel.

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Upgrading an olefin polymerrisation unit

David Verbitsky, Mitrajit Mukherjee and James Nehlsen, Exelus Inc

2007 / Q3

A solid-acid catalyst (SAC) alkylation process can be used to effectively revamp an olefin polymerisation unit with minimal costs.  An engineered SAC has been designed at multiple levels to give long life, resistance to poisons and high product octane.

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Fieldbus technology in LNG and GTL plants

David Wood, David Wood & Associates

Saeid Mokhatab, Tehran Raymund Consulting Engineers

2007 / Q3

Complex LNG and GTL processing facilities at remote sites can benefit from Fieldbus technology.  Its predictive maintenance and plant interrogation capabilities can add to the overall reliability of the digital-based control system.

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Expanding FCCU wet gas compressor capacity

Tek Sutikno, Fluor Corporation

2007 / Q3

Parametric correlations can predit WGC performance curves at different speeds and molecular weights.  However, performance curves in a range of speeds and suction pressures must first be made available.

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Dynamic simulation of a FCC unit

Yiannis Bessiris and Vassilis Harismiadis, Hyperion Systems Engineering Ltd

2007 / Q3

Increasingly complex FCC operations, such as predicting FCCU operation after switching from a conventional feed to a hydrotreated one, can benefit from simulation applications that improve the unit's real-time control system.

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Upgrade of a tail-end acetylene converter

Edgar Mohundro, BASF Fina Petrochemicals

Sam Valleru, Scott Miller and Juergen Fuchs, BASF Corporation

Dimitri Mertens de Wilmars and Bruno Leaustic, Total Petrochemicals

2007 / Q3

An acetylene converter's poor performance was improved through the implementation of a succession of changes.  Over a period involving several strategies, all acetylene off-specification incidents and flaring events were eventually eliminated.

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Refining biofeedstock innovations

Jennifer Holmgren, Chris Gosling, Keith Couch, Tom Kalnes, Terry Marker, Michael McCall and Richard Marinangeli, UOP-Honeywell

2007 / Q3

Analysis of processing routes for producing renewable diesel, gasoline and olefins with feedstocks that include vegetable oil, pyrolysis oil and biomass.  Biorenewable integration in refineries is evaluated along with work to commercially produce green diesel.    

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Distillate fuels from Coal-to-liquids processing

J Mark Landrum and Jon Warzel, Baker & O'Brien Inc

2007 / Q3

Numerous factors affect CTL economics and the technology for converting different qualities of coal into transportation fuels, chemicals and intermediates.  Potential yields are based on future market conditions relative to crude prices and conventional refinery operations.

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Industrial flaring: efficiency and smokeless combustion

 Olavo C Leite, Flare Industries Inc

2007 / Q3

Flaring large volumes of gas by combustion should be safe, cost-effective and environmental friendly.  Criteria ang general rules for industrial flaring steam include flare size and design, ability to entrain atmospheric air and other parameters.    

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Recycling of polyethylene production wastes

A S Sultanov and S A Berdiev, NHC Uzbekneftegaz Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex

2007 / Q3

Various rubber products including glues and rubber seals can be manufactured from compounds derived from the recycling of low-molecular polyethylene waste (LMPE)

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Engineering emails for success

Gregory M Lilburne, Hafedh Al-Qassab and Savas Soydaner, The Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (c)

2007 / Q4

PTQ has just published the Bapco Technical Writing Style Guide, based on two decades' experience of written communication in the technical services department of The Bahrain Petroleum Company.  This article is based on the section relating to eamil.  The Style Guide can now be downloaded from www.eptq.com.

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FCC fundamentals: cyclones and vendor datasheets

Ziad S Jawad, The Shaw Group

2007 / Q4

A summary of FCC cyclones and their design.  Understanding FCC cyclone vendor process datasheets and how to effectively use this valuable tool.  Quick design checks of vendor cyclone process datasheets using cyclone fundamentals are provided.

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Hydrocracking for heavy feestock conversion

Vasant Thakkar, Don Ackelson, Rich Rossi, Bart Dziabala and Jim McGehee, UOP LLC

2007 / Q4

As refiners move to process heavier crudes, hydrocracking and hydrotreating have taken on a more prominent role.  The technical challenges posed by the chemical composition of heavy feedstock is analysed along with results of catalyst development efforts.

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Unconventional crude upgrading challenges

Scott Sayles, KBC Advanced Technologies Inc

2007 / Q4

Case studies of upgrader technology selection such as blending of syncrude with bitumen and other intermediates.  Unconventional crude quality is dependent on production location and method, design and final blending.

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FCC unit revamp meets multiple objectives

 Mary Richardson, Suncor Energy Inc

Ye-Mon Chen and Richard Sanborn, Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc

2007 / Q4

Reliability improvement and MACT II compliance for an FCCU were achieved with regenerator modifications and new third-stage separator system.  Benefits included five-year run turn around cycle and less after-burn.

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Crude unit corrosion-control programme

 Randy Rechtien, Baker Petrolite Corporation

2007 / Q4

An overview of crude unit corrosion-control techniques using low- and high-temperature case studies.  Overhead corrosion control for low-temperature zones and naphthenic acid corrosion control for high-temperature zones are detailed.

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Increasing FCC unit performance

Divya Jain and Grandham Sri Ganesh, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd

2007 / Q4

How one refinery's low-investment revamp strategy boosted FCC performance.  Unit limitations are discussed in detail, followed by the options that were explored and the final revamp carried out for overcoming unit constraints.

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Oil/water interface control for desalters

 Paul Hewitt, Tracerco

2007 / Q4

Profiling instrument provides vertical real-time phase density measurement in desalter vessels.  Benefits include reduced process upsets from interface excursions, optimisation of crude blends, minimisation of chemical usage and reduction in chloride carry-through.

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Troubleshooting tail gas amine treaters

Nathan A Hatcher and Alfred E Keller, ConocoPhillips Company

Ralph H Weiland and M S Sivasubramanian, Optimized Gas Treating Inc.

2007 / Q4

Simulation of a tail gas-treating unit contaminated with sodium and heat-stable salt anions.  Comparisons are made between plant performance data and the simulations.  Accurate solvent analysis leads to improved simulation accuracy.

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Ammonium salt removal in fuel gas burners

Torsten Diestelkamp, Hermann Kempen and Berthold Otzisk, Kurita Europe GmbH

Bernhard Hugot, BP Gelsenkirchen GmbH

2007 / Q4

Chemical removal of ammonium salts allows refiners to clean fouled burner nozzles during normal operation without removing them for mechanical cleaning.  Regular maintenance work is reduced to a minimum with less material stress for the equipment.

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Advances in LNG vapourisation technologies

Martin J Rosetta and Janna S Sills, Black & Veatch

2007 / Q4

Increasing fuel efficiency, decreasing emissions and the impact on process economics compared to tradtional and novel LNG vapourisation technoloiges.  Optimising the energy usage of the vapourisation train significantly impacts overall project economics.

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Carbon capture in petrochemical operations

Bollapraqada K Bhaskararao, MVGR College of Engineering

2007 / Q4

A major obstacle to greenhouse gas reduction in refinery and petrochemical operations is the need for CO2 storage or sequestration.  However, chemical convertion of captured CO2 to CO, which can be converted into valuable hydrocarbons, may be possible.

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Process compressors for world-scale methanol plants

Simon Early, Davy Process Technology

2007 / Q4

Advancements in computing power and catalyst shape and size since the 1990s have made it possible to design the world's largest methanol plant, using compressor selection as the key to the optimum design.

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Tray technology enhances extraction

Waldo de Villiers and Jose L Bravo, Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc

Glenn Shiveler, Sulzer Chemtech USA Inc

Frank Siebert, The University of Texas at Austin

2007 / Q4

A case study involving the revamp of two rotating disc contactors in aromatics service highlights the most important design considerations for enhancing capacity and efficiency in high-performance extraction sieve trays.

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Computation of blending indices

Didier Lambert, Topnir Systems

2007 / Q4

Prediction of blending indices and characterisation of fuel components have increased in complexity with the blending of biofuels and additives.  Case studies show how a real time system for the computation of blending indices has improved fuel recipe quality.

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Post-revamp startup planning and support

Andre Bernard, NOVA Chemicals Ltd

2007 / Q4

Key design changes affecting ethylene plant process behaviour can directly impact plant startup.  Process simulation has therefore been used to provide plant operators direction and resolution of abnormal conditions during startup execution.

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Identifying poor heat exchanger performance

Mark Fernsby and Abe DuPont, Natref

Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc

2007 / Revamps

Identifying root causes of poor crude unit debutaniser reboiler performance and low-cost solutions that help meet exchanger original design conditions.  Of primary importance is the impact factors such as fouling have on the service heat-transfer coefficient.


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FCC gas concentration unit stripper revamp

Dave Langdon, Total Lindsey Oil Refinery

Scott Golden and Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc

2007 / Revamps

Unit charge rate and reactor conversion were increased by the elimination of stripper column flooding.  Chemical-grade propylene specifications were met and C2 excursions in mixed C2/C3 streams were eliminated.

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Lube vacuum column revamp

Kevin Basham, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC

Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc

2007 / Revamps

The basis of a lube vacuum column revamp and its results are discussed.  The primary goals were to increase lube product fractionation, minimise HVGO product contaminants and improve vacuum bottoms specifications for asphalt production.

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Reducing a plant's turnaround schedule

Mike Lippold, BJ Process & Pipeline Services

2007 / Revamps

The removal of asphaltenes and residual hydrocarbons from vessels during the cool-down and steam-out phases can eliminate the source of VOC off-gassing and reduce a plant's turnaround schedule by several days.

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Revamping atmospheric crude heaters

Michael Whatley, Navajo Refining Company

Scott Golden and Jason Nigg, Process Consulting Services inc

2007 / Revamps

The revamp of an atmospheric crude unit heater, which was suffering from coking caused by asphaltene precipitation and poor burner stability, resulted in a significantly increased heater run length.

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Optimising turnaround maintenance performance

Salah Massoud Elemnifi, Arabian Gulf Oil Company

Farag E Elfeituri, University of Garyounis

2007 / Revamps

Case study of a risk-based inspection technique where maintenance and inspection activities were moved from a traditionally reactive or time-based approach to proactive maintenance.  The optimisation of both turnaround duration and interval is discussed.

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OSBL considerations for expansion projects

Dominic M Varraveto, Burns & McDonnell

2007 / Revamps

Example cases of refinery revamp and expansion projects, where the aim is to identify and compare the various OSBL requirements for each project.  Guidelines are presented for improving the accuracy of the OSBL definition early in project development.

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