Browse Editions : 2003
Title Author Edition
Maintaining reliability of the FCC unit

Warren Letzsch and Reggie Blinkhorn, Stone & Webster Engineering Inc

2003 / Q3

A review of catalytic cracking equipment performance, design criteria, turnaround execution and their combined effect on long-term unit reliability and maintenance


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Modelling disturbances in refinery operations

Amir H Mohammadi Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Heriot-Watt University
Giti Abolhamd and Mohammad M Montazer-Rahmati, Faculty of Engineering, Tehran University

2003 / Q3

Investigation of the transient state and optimisation of a fluidised-bed catalytic cracking unit for maximum feed while satisfying system constraints. One of the most important goals has been optimisation from an operating viewpoint



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Creating value through hydrogen management Nitin M Patel William F Baade Leong Wah Fong, Air Products
Vinay Khurana, Technip-Coflexip

 

2003 / Q3

The authors discuss new and alternative sources of hydrogen production and the way in which optimising separation technologies allows refiners to unlock the value of H2 currently sent to fuel


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Reboiler and condenser operating problems

Edward L Hartman and Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc

2003 / Q3

Seemingly small details related to heat exchangers can have a negative impact on distillation system heat input, cause tray flooding and affect overhead condenser and column capacity. Case studies reported here illustrate some of the difficulties



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Enhancement of heat

Reza Yahyaabadi, Esfahan Oil Refining Company

2003 / Q3

The use of longitudinal baffles in heat exchangers is not common, but this type of baffle can increase heat transfer rates while lowering the pressure drop with the same duty observed with segmented baffles 



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Improving FCCUs: bottoms system upgrades

Dan Clark Lawrence Pump Inc
Scott Golden Process Consulting Services Inc

2003 / Q3

A review of process flow scheme fundamentals and basic equipment operating and design principles that have improved unit operating profitability through better use of capacity, higher conversion and lower cost of maintenance


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Industrial turbine over-speed

Charlie Rutan, EquiStar/Lyondell Petrochemical Company

2003 / Q3

A review of current standards and the relationship of turbine over-speed and the time-constant of rotors as it pertains to time lag of the over-speed devices, and the amount of energy stored between the trip valve and the exhaust of the turbine


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Solutions to common rotational failures

Tony Sofronas, Consulting Engineer

2003 / Q3

A correct analysis of an equipment failure is essential if the same thing, or something like it, is to be prevented from happening again. The author offers his analysis of a number of things that can go wrong and how they could be avoided


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Validating anti-surge control systems Nikhil Dukle and Krishnan Narayanan, Compressor Controls Corporation

 

2003 / Q3

At a gas processing plant, real time simulation was used to analyse the design of a surge protection scheme for a natural gas compressor, after questions arose over the system’s effectiveness in the event of an emergency shutdown



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State of the art gas treating

Mahin Rameshni, Parsons Energy and Chemicals

2003 / Q3

A close examination of natural gas preconditioning and final conditioning processes, including the associated chemical, physical and hybrid solvents involved. The author also looks at the various Claus tailgas-treating technologies


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Improvements to tailgas treatment process

Jean-Pierre Ballaguet and Cécile Barrère-Tricca IFP
Christian Streicher Prosernat

2003 / Q3

A review of configurations in tailgas treating to achieve 99.9% sulphur recovery with smaller reactors – the result of advances in gas/liquid contactor and desalter technologies, enabling longer run lengths and more effective catalyst performance


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Tackling fouling in vinyl monomer manufacture

Deborah A Foster Allen R Syrinek J Paul Street Frederic Hisbergues
Ondeo Nalco Energy Services

2003 / Q3

Conventional and new approaches to the control of fouling in vinyl monomer processes are discussed in this article, which describes the fouling characteristics of three vinyl monomer processes: acrylic acid, vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride


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Catalytic oxidation of nitrogen containing VOC Vadim O Strots Grigori A Bunimovich Yuri S Matros, Matros Technologies Inc

 

2003 / Q3

An outline of the treatment of gas streams containing VOCs, focusing on the kinetics and process design aspects needed to achieve over 98% VOC destruction efficiency and less than 15% of nitrogen oxidation converted to nitrogen oxides 



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Causes and remedies in caustic tower fouling

Marilyn W Blaschke, Baker Petrolite

2003 / Q3

A review of diagnostic tests that are used for identifying the causes of caustic system fouling. The author also looks at methods of monitoring the onset of fouling and some of the ways by which the problem can be minimised


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Gasoline and LCO Hydrotreating

Roberto Galiasso Tailleur PDVSA-Intevep

2003 / Q4

Hydroprocessing severity and catalyst selection play a significant role in refined product sulphur distribution. But other important factors must be taken into consideration before making an investment to produce ultra low sulphur fuels


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Review of fluid bed coking technologies

D G Hammond L F Lampert C J Mart S F Massenzio G E Phillips D L Sellards A C Woerner, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company

2003 / Q4

This review covers the basic aspects of technologies dealing with fluid bed coking, to provide an understanding of their fundamentals and potential applications, along with some considerations for technology selection 



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Concepts to improve sulphur facility reliability

Hank M Hudson and Susan M Grigson, Ortloff Engineers Ltd

2003 / Q4

Although many previously discussed concepts differ widely from usual industry practice, the authors have found that in most cases alternative concepts have not only improved reliability but have also reduced capital and operating costs 


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Integrated approach to unit optimisation

Derya B Özyurt Ralph W Pike F Carl Knopf Michael K Rich Jack R Hopper and Carl L Yaws, Louisiana State University Motiva Enterprises Lamar University

2003 / Q4

Using the flowsheeting, online optimisation and pinch analysis of an advanced process analysis system, increases in profit and energy saving were projected for an alkylation unit through reduced steam usage in the distillation columns



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Hydrogen technology– an overview Sanjiv Ratan Technip-Coflexip

 

2003 / Q4

Developments in the area of hydrogen production equipment, configurations, catalysts, materials and automation have brought about improved operational reliability and effluents curtailment, as well as achieving lower operating costs


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FCC monitoring and Optimisation

George Blair Eurotek Refining Services Ltd
Trish Ferguson Ferguson Consulting

2003 / Q4

A new Excel-based FCC monitoring and optimisation tool has been used to assist in assessing an FCC reactor stripper revamp, a unit troubleshooting problem and a regenerator capacity debottlenecking study


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Catalyst design for resid applications

Scott K Purnell Davison Catalysts

2003 / Q4

Higher percentages of heavier feeds can be processed using FCC catalysts designed with improved coke selectivity and metals tolerance. Feedstock properties, along with their dominant bottoms-cracking mechanisms, are also reviewed


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Options for achieving lower sulphur diesel

Rick Beaubien and Alan Goelzer, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc

2003 / Q4

A decision point is approaching where each refiner must determine the level of investment in technology, equipment and incremental operating costs needed for producing ultra low sulphur diesel fuels 



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Reducing the cost of ultra low sulphur diesel

Pankaj H Desai Akzo Nobel Catalysts LLC

2003 / Q4

Optimisation of process variables such as space velocity and operating pressures, using UD-HDS technology, can help to achieve 15ppm sulphur specifications, especially when processing cracked feedstocks


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Integrated solutions for optimised ULSD economics

Ronnie Maddox Tom Kalnes Dave Lindsay UOP LLC

2003 / Q4

An illustration of low cost solutions to ultra low sulphur diesel production, with case studies of integrated hydrocracking revamps – showing up to 70% savings in new units using new reactor internals – and novel separation and coprocessing



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Characterisation and analysis of resids James G Speight CD&W Inc

 

2003 / Q4

A description of the properties that are required for a detailed evaluation of resids and for comparison between resids and how they play a role in dictating which refinery operations are necessary for processing



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Trouble-free design of refinery fractionators

Henry Z Kister Fluor Corporation

2003 / Q4

A review of factors most frequently the cause of distillation towers falling short of design objectives. Analysis of case histories provides guidelines for identifying potential troublespots in the most important fractionators



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Specifications – importance of getting them right Steve White and Scott Fulton Process Consulting Services

 

2003 / Q4

Faulty equipment specifications sometimes carry unforeseen penalties, with loss of performance. But do not blame the original equipment manufacturer, say the authors – it is the process design engineer’s responsibility to meet the objectives



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Debottlenecking coker Fractionators

Charlie Herron and Keith Whitt Shell Global Solutions
Greg Hall Shell Oil Products

2003 / Q4

Tradeoffs to be considered when high capacity trays or structured packing is selected to meet the required capacity, product quality and yields, together with ease of maintenance, in the delayed coker main fractionator and gas plant 



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Turnaround performance optimisation Paul R Hayes Fluor Corporation
David K Clark BP Amoco Chemical Company

 

2003 / Q4

Complex problems involving capital and maintenance work at a large olefins plant were overcome by using a system-based work concept to integrate these activities. A case study describes how this was accomplished


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Creating value from stranded natural gas Waldemar Liebner Martin Rothaemel Jens Wagner, Lurgi Oel-Gas-Chemie GmbH

 

2003 / Q4

Recent developments in methanol-to-propylene conversion are based on a simple fixed-bed reactor system and common processing elements, providing an economic route to dedicated propylene independent of petroleum-based processes


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Microchannel technology for gas-to-liquids conversion

Terry Mazanec Velocys Inc

2003 / Q4

MPT technology has the potential to reduce costs in a variety of natural gas upgrading processes, including steam reforming, FT synthesis and methanol synthesis, and in chemical processes of many types




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FCC vapour line coking

Christopher F Dean, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Identifying the causes, penalties and possible solutions to coking in the FCC reactor vapour line, particularly with regard to inlet nozzle coking affecting unit capacity, conversion, reliability, pressure and heat balance.
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Accurate FCC yield for unit optimisation and revamp

Robert Campagna and Dennis Kowalczyk, Refining Process Services, Cheswick Pennsylvania, USA
Jeffrey Sexton, Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC, Findlay, Ohio, USA

2003 / Revamps

Measurement of yields and defining key process parameters from reaction mix sampling can be used to tune process models, update LP vectors, audit revamp or catalyst changes and determine optimum process conditions.
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Crude column revamp using radial temperature profiles.

Glaucia Alves Da Silva Torres and Silvia Waintraub, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Edward L Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, TX, USA

2003 / Revamps

Designers need to be aware of all the factors influencing packed bed performance such as feed zone mixing problems.  Accurate assessment of temperature variations above and below fractionation zones can pinpoint efficiency problems.
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Hydrotreater revamps for ULSD fuel.

R E (Ed) Palmer, Mustang Engineers and Constructors Inc, Houston, Texas, USA
Salvatore P Torrisi, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies

2003 / Revamps

Scope and capital investment for revamping an existing diesel hydrotreater to meet the 15wppm sulphur standard.  The base design is typical of hydrotreaters commissioned in the early 1990s to meet on-road specifications of 500 wppm sulphur.
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FCCU gas plant revamp boosts C3 recovery.

Keith Whitt and Charlie Herron, Shell Global Solutions, Houston, Texas, USA
Jenifer Suffridge, Shell Deer Park Refining Company, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

The plant of a large refinery has been revamped using high-capacity trays and other hardware revisions to significantly increase the recovery of C3s and to reduce the C4s content of the FCCU gasoline.
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Vacuum unit troubleshooting.

Norman P Lieberman, Process Improvement Engineering, Metairie, Louisiana, USA.
Daryl W Hanson, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Case studies show how accurate field-measured differential pressure can be interpreted incorrectly when troubleshooting refinery vacuum columns.
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Turnarounds and process control.

Lyman Gilbert, Lyman Gilbert Consulting Inc, Alta Loma, California, USA
Guy Weismantel, Weismantel International, Kingwood, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Smart sensors with self-diagnostic capabilities, advances in closed-loop process controllers, and instruments that monitor online conditions and anticipate problems can be integrated into a plant's monitoring and control netowrk during a turnaround.
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Managing vanadium from high metals crude oils.

Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Improvements in process and equipment design with regard to crude unit and delayed coker distillation column performance can reduce metals content.  Vacuum units with a stirpping section and upgraded coker main fractionator wash zones should be considered.
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Better feed entry ups debutaniser capacity.

Henry Z Kister, Fluor, Alison Viejo, CA, USA
David E Grich and Ryan Yeley, BP America Inc, Texas City, USA

2003 / Revamps

Points of transition, where streams enter or leave the tower, are some of the most common and sever tower bottlenecks. Combining hydraulic evaluation with field data and gamma scan analysis is key to identifying and eliminating such bottlenecks.
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Catalyst circulation in a pressure-balanced FCCU

David Spires, Farmland Industries Inc, Coffeyville, Kansas, USA
David Hunt, Davison Catalysts, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Significant improvements have been made in FCC reactor temperature control at Farmland's Coffeyville refinery.  Data interpretation is presented along with points to consider when troubleshooting a pressure-balanced FCCU operation.
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Crude unit start-ups: the results of a high liquid level.

N M "Tinus" Erasmus, Sasol, South Africa
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA

2003 / Revamps

Pressure-measurement techniques can avoid the dangers of rapidly changing flow rates and levels during start-up.  Also, column internals directly above and below flash zones need to be designed for higher uplift forces.
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Reducing catalyst development time.

Al Kania, Siemens Applied Automation, Bartlesville, OK, USA

2003 / Catalysis

An on-line chemical analyser can provide fast chemical analysis of both anticipated and unknown compounds generated from new catalyst formulations.
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Styrene catalyst performance monitoring

Dennis Yieh, Sterling Chemicals Holding Inc
R Newman, CRI Catalyst Co

2003 / Catalysis

Real-time performance-monitoring software is readily adaptable to a variety of catalysts due to the speed at which the system permits plant operators to respond to changes in the process of market, allowing more profitable production decisions.
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Reactor management services

Francois Bollon, Petroval SA, France
Frederic Girardier, Eurecat SA, France

2003 / Catalysis

More engineers and operators in the petrochemical industry are seeking expertise in catalyst regeneration, presulphiding, turnaround management and other off-site services to help improve reactor and catalyst performance.
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Recovering and refining precious metals from spent catalysts

Kevin M Beirne, Sabin Metal Corp, East Hampton, NY, USA

2003 / Catalysis

In addition to obtaining the most effective expertise in precious metal recovery, serious consideration must be given to financial and legal issues that could arise when partnering with a precious metal refiner.
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Processing complex spent metal-bearing catalysts

Philippe Van Maele, Umicore Precious Metals Hoboken, Belgium

2003 / Catalysis

How one precious metals smelter copes with certain impurities or characteristics, which tend to hinder other, more dedicated catalysis recovery operations seen in industrial process.
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FCC Catalyst for cleaner gasoline

Daniel McQueen, Paul A Diddams, Grace Davison, Worms, Germany

2003 / Catalysis

Removal of thiophenic and olefinic compounds while maintaining high octanes is an important challenge facing refiners producing clean gasoline.
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Ultra-deep desulphurisation of gas oils

Lars Skyum, Haldor Topsoe A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark.

2003 / Catalysis

In order to choose the right combination of catalyst and technology for the production of diesel with 10ppm sulphur or less, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the reaction kinetics in diesel hydrotreating from SOR to EOR.
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Butane and light naphtha isomerisation

Scott Graeme, Michel van der Laan, Akzo Nobel Catalysts, The Netherlands

2003 / Catalysis

Low-density, platinum-based cylindrically shaped catalysts can overcome maldistribution problems and improve catalyst performance measured by PIN, H2/HC and isobutane ratios, and characterised by higher activity, short loading and lower costs.
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New catalyst formulations for semi-regenerative reformers

Gary A Marr, UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA

2003 / Catalysis

Two European refineries upgrade reformer technology, resulting in higher reformate and hydrogen yield with improved RONC and longer intervals between regeneration.
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Grading and topping materials for hydrotreating applications.

David Berman, Tricat Inc, Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA

2003 / Catalysis

Extrudates are being remanufactured into alternative sizes and shapes for reactor activity grading and void-space grading as well as to help prevent pressure drop build-up caused by particulates and polymerisation.
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New catalysts for reformers.

Pierre-Yves Le Goff, Fabienne Le Peltier, Bruno Domergue, Axens
Jean-Francois Joly, IFP France

2003 / Catalysis

New-generation catalysts, designed with close attention to the paraffin conversion mechanisms and pressure characteristics seen in fixed-bed and CCR units, are further optimised with special catalyst-loading techniques.
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Optimised high-quality BTX production

Thi Chang, Technical Editor, Houston, TX, USA

2003 / Catalysis

Transalkylation catalysts are able to convert heavy aromatics into high-quality petrochemicals at lower recycle rates and with increased run lengths without the need for a solvent-extraction unit.
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Technology for propylene boosting in steamcrackers.

Heinz V Boelt, Stephan Glanz, Linde

2003 / Catalysis

Integration of steamcracker C4/C5 components with a fixed-bed fluid catalytic-cracking reactor employing a shape-selective heterogeneous zeolytic ZSM-5 catalyst.
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Adding value to pyrolysis gasoline.

C Baumler, Sued Chemie AG, Catalytic Technologies, Munich, Germany

2003 / Catalysis

A two-step reaction process for upgrading low-value aromatics to high-value steamcracker feedstock uses optimised catalyst formulations in each reactor.
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Comparing the roles of cat coolers with riser quench

Alan Goelzer, Jacobs Refinery Specialists

2003 / Q1

A review of the issues to consider when disposing of the heat of combustion from riser coke formation in high severity vacuum gasoil FCC and RFCC units, with operating conditions becoming increasingly demanding.
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Role of advances in FCC catalyst technology.

J B McLean, D M Stockwell, W A Weber, W S Sinkler, M R Greczek, T E Masak, Engelhard Corporation

2003 / Q1

Sulphur-reducing chemistry that preserves gasoline yield and minimises octane loss while avoiding cut point penalties can help meet clean fuel specifications where post treatment and additive systems may not be adequate.
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The oxidative route to ULS production

Robert E Levy, UniPure Corporation

2003 / Q1

Refinery and terminal applications using modular designs where extraction of oxidised sulphur and nitrogen species is carried out without the processing severity and level of investment required with conventional hydrotreating.
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Production of ULS fuels from heavy feedstocks.

Romolo Montanari, Sergio Rose, Mario Marchionna, Snamprogetti SpA
Nicoletta Panariti and Alberto Delbianco, EniTecnologie SpA

2003 / Q1

Upgrading of extra heavy residues and oil sands bitumen has been demonstrated with a proprietary two-stage process incorporating slurry hydrotreatment, using a molybdenum-based catalyst followed by solvent deasphalting.
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Boosting diesel production with varying feedstocks

Christer Moren and Michael Heisel, Linde Gas & Engineering
Alexander Reichhold, Vienna University
Andrea Krause, Holborn Europe Refinery
A J Berlanga-Gonzalez, Malaga University

2003 / Q1

Evaluation of technology, chemistry and economy for increasing middle distillate output and producing less residue, using oxygen enrichment in fluid catalytic crackers with constrained capacity.
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Mitigating corrosion from naphthenic acid streams.

David Johnson and Gregg R McAteer, Ondeo Nalco Energy Services
Heinz Zuk, Norsk Hydro AS

2003 / Q1

The authors describe how crude and side-cut analysis, laboratory and field data lead to strategies for managing high severity operating conditions needed for pocessing opportunity crudes.
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Oxygen contamination of hydrocarbon feedstocks

M Vadekar, Chem Tech Consulting

2003 / Q1

An examination of the detrimental effects caused by dissolved O2 and practical solutions to control fouling, corrosion and expensive unplanned shutdowns when processing feedstocks vulnerable to air or oxygen ingress.
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Catalyst formulations and FCC unit performance

Ganesh Gandham and Alok Srivastava, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd

2003 / Q1

The authors describe how careful selection of catalyst and additives holds the key to achieving the objectives for improving naphtha RON and throughput.  Each refiner has to develop his own system for choosing the appropriate catalyst.
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Process simulation through the internet.

Manel Serra. Daniel Pinol, Sergi Sama, Hyprotech Europe

2003 / Q1

A review of the available network technologies to bring Cape-Open standards to the process environment with a discussion of the COGents European project and its targets for software discovery and collaboration through the web.
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Maintaining the optimum advanced process control

Kees den Bakker, Chris Seppala, Rob Snoeren, Shell Global Solutions

2003 / Q1

The potential for improved performance monitoring allows companies to measure the performance of their advanced control and optimisation methods against established indicators, and also helps to identify missed faults to be corrected.
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Advanced analytical methods for FCCU troubleshooting

A J Romero, E Rautiainen, K Y Yung, Akzo Nobel Catalysts
A Gevers and J Russel-Lucasius, Refineria Isla (Curacao) NA

2003 / Q1

Separation of FCC catalyst on skeletal density and AAI are in-depth tests to consider when standard analytical methods fail to predit catalyst performance.  Methods described here have been helpful in certain catalyst replacement problems.
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Crude Valuation for crude selection

J C M Hartmann, Hartmann Refinery Consultancy

2003 / Q1

A simulation model can give product yields/properties on separate crudes while an LP run indicates the cost of using limited facilities and markets.  Together they show the relative values of crudes for a specific refinery in a specific market.
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The case for optimising shutdown preparations

Kevin McQuillan and Kenny McGeachie, Huntsman Petrochemicals (UK) Ltd

2003 / Q1

A risk-based approach to optimising inspection activities, eliminating unnecessary work and controlling engineering standards, in addition to aligning contractor objectives with those of the client, contributes to efficient shutdown preparation.
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Smart positioners in safety instrumented systems

Riyaz Ali and LeRoy Jero, Fisher Controls International LLC

2003 / Q1

A review of the way microprocessor-based digital valve controllers - otherwise "smart positioners" - can improve the capabilities of safety systems in detecting potential risks and heading them off before they become a danger.
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Troubleshooting against process plant downtime.

Eike Drewes, Prognost Systems GmbH
Uwe Seifert, OMV Deutschland GmbH

2003 / Q1

To clarify failure mechanisms and determine the measures necessary for trouble free operation it is essential to combine the available experiences of all the participants and compare them with the collected data.
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Membrane separation for producing ULS gasoline

Jeff Balko and Gilles Bourdillon, Grace Davison
Nick Wynn, Sulzer Chemtech Membrane Systems

2003 / Q2

Membrane-based sulphur removal technology has emerged as a simple and cost effective way to minimise the volume of octane-sensitive light and intermediate FCC gasoline, avoiding capital-intensive and high operating cost post-treatment.
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Catalytic solutions for improved performance

Pierre-Yves Le Goff, Fabienne Le Peltier, Bruno Domergue, Axens
Jean-Francois Joly, Institut Francais du Petrole (IFP)

2003 / Q2

Replacement of original by new generation catalysts in four CCR units and a fixed-bed reformer has improved selectivity and run length.  Better performance was also achieved with technology providing more uniform catalyst distribution.
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Hydrocracking catalyst pre-activation

Jarmila Vukovic, Daniel Neuman, Ioannis Bouchagiar, Tricat
Vladimir Farkas, Slovnaft
Emir Ceric, INA

2003 / Q2

Case studies from two European refineries where pre-activated catalysts were loaded with no indication of self-heating during air exposure or of exothermic behaviour throughout the temperature range of unit startup
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Boosting ultra low sulphur diesel margins

Jean-Luc Rouby and Bernard Martin, Shell Global Solutions
Rob van der Meij, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies

2003 / Q2

For cost effective ULSD revamps, the use of technology such as online analysers, APC and product quality management is considered essential for finding the best solution for each processing step, for both short- and long-term objectives.
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Amine purification system to increase crude processing

Alfred E Keller, ConocoPhillips Inc
Arthur L Cummings and Dennis K Nelsen, MPR Services Inc

2003 / Q2

Bringing amine system contaminants down to low levels has reduced operational problems and, with the use of a regenerable system for cutting salt, hydrocarbon and solids contaminants, refinery throughput has increased.
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Improved optimisation of a refinery crude unit

Sesadri Ranganathan, Arold Offerman, Jossy Cijntje, Refineria ISLA
Randall McFarlane and Victor Lough, Invensys

2003 / Q2

A case study of real-time optimisation applied to a crude distillation unit, and the online results that followed.  The aim, to maintain optimum economic operation against frequent feedback changes, has also brought improved process consistency.
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ULSD production: improved feed stream quality

Daryl Hanson and Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc

2003 / Q2

Much of hydrotreater revamp investment costs in future will be in dealing with the most difficult-to-remove sulphur species, because of their low reaction rates.  But upstream fractionation improvements could bring significant cost benefits.
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Maximising profitability with FCC revamps

Mark W Schnaith and Larry A Lacijan, UOP

2003 / Q2

Three case studies of the way increased capacity and product flexibility were achieved in the face of equipment limitations and operating constraints.  Optimising feed injectors and riser disengagers was among the strategies employed.
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Hydrogen optimisation at minimal investment

Nick Hallale and Ian Moore, AspenTech Ltd
Dennis Vauk, Air Liquide

2003 / Q2

Refiners making long-term investments to meet clean fuel specifications could at the same time, with already-available technology, improve their existing hydrogen resources to boost profitability in the short term.  The authors review the options.
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C2 splitter retrofit and performance

Sabah Kurukchi and Joseph Gondolfe, Stone and Webster
Antonio Joao Dias Prestes and Sergio Peter, Companhia Petroquimica do Sul (Copesul)
Peter McGuire, UOP

2003 / Q2

High capacity valve trays have been replaced during a tower revamp with a different tray design, providing greater capacity plus ethylene product.  The trays operate at higher turndown in reflux and feed rates and still produce on-spec products.
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Maintaining reliability with good asset management

Anthony J McNeeney and Michele Probst, Meridium Inc

2003 / Q2

How software for managing asset performance, incorporating reliability-centred maintenance, determines the reliability of assets and automatically updates strategic information across an entire enterprise.
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Improving company profits through productiviity gains.

Bobby Singh, Project Assurance Inc

2003 / Q2

Measuring productivity in capital projects and revamps, such as with the use of formal and analytical productivity measurements to assess field performance, provides management with options for increasing the effeciency of a workforce.
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Dynamic simulation of a demethaniser column.

M Sadrameli, M Sahkeri, J Towfighi, Chemical Engineering Department, Modares University.

2003 / Q2

An implicity approach-based method for calculating distillation column dynamics has been used to model time-dependent effects of independent disturbances with a demethaniser column.  Startup and shutdown sequences can be tested in this way.
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Amine filtration in natural gas processing operations.

John Hampton, Filtration Technolgoy Corporation
Guy Weismantel, Weismantel International

2003 / Q2

A review of improvements in filtration and separation techniques for reducing processing costs and avoiding corrosion problems in the removal of H2S, CO2 and other impurities, while also producing high quality gas.
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Removal of chloride compounds

Peter V Broadhurst, Synetix

2003 / Q2

A review of the use of chloride guard beds to treat liquid phase and gas phase streams to prevent operational problems from hard-to-detect organic chlorides, while at the same time avoiding side reactions and high partial pressures.
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Burning sulphur compounds, with byproduct recovery.

Olavo C Leite, Thermica Technologies

2003 / Q2

Improved methods are required to recover elemental sulphur from a gas stream containing H2S and thereby reduce SO2 emissions.  For refining, natural processing and coal gasification, the sulphur recovery unit is the primary area of concern.
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