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| Vacuum unit design for high metals crudes |
Scott W Golden, Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services
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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.
More
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| Converting a DHT to ULSD service |
Kirit Sanghavi, Alon USA Sal Torrisi, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies
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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.
More
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| Avoiding boiler feed water corrosion |
Kari J Enqvist, Borealis Polymers Oy
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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.
More
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| Exploiting unconventional heavy oils |
Jeffrey S Plotkin, Nexant Inc
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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.
More
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| Gamma scanning fractionators |
Brian Kirmse and Kevin Krase, Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company Dave Ferguson, Tracerco Inc
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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.
More
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| Optimising heat recovery with CPHEs |
Eva Andersson, Alfa Laval Packinox
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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.
More
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| Asset management strategies |
William D Turner, Jacobs Constructors Inc
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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.
More
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| Magnetic imaging of pyrolysis feedstocks |
Preetinder S Virk, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Verifying VOC emissions |
David Furry and Joshua Furry, Leak Surveys Inc
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Deployment of Foundation Fieldbus technology |
David Wood, David Wood & Associates
Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Planning an automation system's lifecycle |
Peter Jofriet, Honeywell Process Solutions.
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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.
More
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| Solutions for improved biodiesel |
Patrick Merlin, Albemarle
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2007 / Biofuels |
Use of antioxidants can help meet the DIN EN 14214 European standard and other requirements for biodiesel oxidation stability.
More
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| Bioethers impact on the gasoline pool |
Kerry Rock and Maurice Korpelshoek, CDTech
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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.
More
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| The evolution of biodiesel |
Adrienne M Blume and Amy K Hearn, Hydrocarbon Publishing Company
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2007 / Biofuels |
The expanding market presence and the breakthrough of refiners into the biodiesel sector are discussed along with commercialised and emerging production technologies.
More
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| Evaluating biodiesel catalysts |
Adam Khan, University of Brisbane
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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.
More
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| Model predictive control in biofuels production |
Michael Tay, Pavilion Technologies Inc
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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.
More
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| Increasing biodiesel production |
Paulo Roberto Costa, Petrobras
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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.
More
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| Elemental analysis of biofuels |
Dirk Wissmann and Olaf Schulz, Spectro Analytical Instruments
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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.
More
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| Refining biofuels |
Rene G Gonzalez, PTQ
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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.
More
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| Catalyst industry trends |
Rene G Gonzalez, Editor
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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.
More
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| Meeting ULSD challenges |
Chris Egby, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies Robert Larsson, Preem Petroleum AB
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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.
More
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| FCC process fundamentals: coke basics |
Ziad Jawad, Shaw Stone & Webster
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Towards sulphur-free fuel production |
Hideshi Iki, Nippon Oil Corporation
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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.
More
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Increasing xylene production |
Alberto Carimati, Cassey Lim and Jenny Law Ping Fung, Singapore Pte Ltd
Gary Marr, UOP LLC
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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.
More
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| LNG industry expansion |
Rene G Gonzalez, Editor, PTQ
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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.
More
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| Improving mercaptan solubility |
Stephen A Bedell, Linda L Pirtle and John M Griffin, The Dow Chemical Company
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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.
More
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| Improving operator efficiency in gas processing |
William A Poe and Andrew Saunders, Invensys Process Systems Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming
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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.
More
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| Fugitive emission management |
Hans Hooyberghs, The Sniffers nv
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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.
More
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| Pipelines and production plants: dynamic interaction |
Saeid Mokhatab, Consultant
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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.
More
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| Hydrogen from refinery offgas |
Harald Klein, Linde Engineering Division.
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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.
More
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| Commercial status of Fischer-Tropsch technology |
Tony Pavone, SRI Consulting
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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.
More
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| Using butane feedstock in a hydrogen plant |
Ashley J Winsper, Johnson Matthey Catalysts Inigo Crespo Irizar, Repsol YPF
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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.
More
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| Olefins plant cracker gas compressor fouling |
Sheri Snider, Nalco Company
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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.
More
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| Gasification technologies for hydrogen manufacturing |
Joachim Wolff, Shell Global Solutions International BV
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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.
More
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| Hydrogen plant safety |
V G Bahad, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd
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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.
More
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| Hydrogen recovery from refinery offgases |
A K Jain, G D Goyal and M K Joshi, Engineers India Ltd
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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.
More
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| Alkylating isolbutylene with isobutane |
Todd Vogt, Catalytic Distillation Technologies (CDTECH)
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Sulphuric acid alkylation developments |
Amarjit Bakshi, Refining Hydrocarbon Technologies LLC
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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.
More
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| Meeting changes in plant production targets |
Dieter Krenz, Linde AG
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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.
More
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| Integrated treating options for sour natural gases |
T J Brook, Shell Global Solutions International BV
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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.
More
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| Reformer technology for hydrogen |
Suresh Chandra Gupta and Kamalesh Karkun, NOIDA, Projects & Development India Ltd
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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.
More
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| Ethylene cracking furnaces influence burner design |
Richard Martin, Callidus Technologies LLC
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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.
More
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| FCC fundamentals: coke yield/delta coke |
Ziad S Jawad, Shaw Energy and Chemicals
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Maximising hydrogen availability |
Mahendra C Shah, Dharnendra C Jawali and Rajesh K Patel, Reliance Industries Ltd
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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.
More
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| Advanced combustion system for cracking furnaces |
Roger Poe, Ashok Patel, Charles E Baukal and Daniel Wright, John Zink Company LLC
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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.
More
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| Determination of crude properties |
Didier Lambert, Topnir Systems
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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.
More
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| Turbine oil conditioning in process facilities |
Brian McNeil and Tim Mills, Kaydon Custom Filtration
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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.
More
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| Realities of rising costs |
John Jenkins, Jacobs Consultancy Inc
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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.
More
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| FCC propylene production |
Ketih A Couch, James P Glavin, Dave A Wegerer and Jibreel A Qafisheh, UOP LLC
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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.
More
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| The FCC unit as a propylene source |
Charles Radclife, Intercat Inc
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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.
More
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| Crude overhead system design considerations |
Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Evaluation of sulphur-reducing technologies |
Lauren Blanchard, Grace Davison Craig Borchert and Min Pu, Valero Energy Corporation
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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.
More
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| Selective hydrogenation of hydrocarbons |
Amarjit Bakshi, Refining Hydrocarbon Technologies LLC
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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.
More
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| Upgrading an olefin polymerrisation unit |
David Verbitsky, Mitrajit Mukherjee and James Nehlsen, Exelus Inc
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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.
More
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| Fieldbus technology in LNG and GTL plants |
David Wood, David Wood & Associates Saeid Mokhatab, Tehran Raymund Consulting Engineers
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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.
More
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| Expanding FCCU wet gas compressor capacity |
Tek Sutikno, Fluor Corporation
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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.
More
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| Dynamic simulation of a FCC unit |
Yiannis Bessiris and Vassilis Harismiadis, Hyperion Systems Engineering Ltd
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Refining biofeedstock innovations |
Jennifer Holmgren, Chris Gosling, Keith Couch, Tom Kalnes, Terry Marker, Michael McCall and Richard Marinangeli, UOP-Honeywell
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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.
More
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| Distillate fuels from Coal-to-liquids processing |
J Mark Landrum and Jon Warzel, Baker & O'Brien Inc
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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.
More
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| Industrial flaring: efficiency and smokeless combustion |
Olavo C Leite, Flare Industries Inc
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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.
More
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| Recycling of polyethylene production wastes |
A S Sultanov and S A Berdiev, NHC Uzbekneftegaz Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex
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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)
More
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| Identifying poor heat exchanger performance |
Mark Fernsby and Abe DuPont, Natref Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc
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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.
More
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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
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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.
More
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| Lube vacuum column revamp |
Kevin Basham, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc
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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
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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.
More
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| Revamping atmospheric crude heaters |
Michael Whatley, Navajo Refining Company Scott Golden and Jason Nigg, Process Consulting Services inc
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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.
More
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| Optimising turnaround maintenance performance |
Salah Massoud Elemnifi, Arabian Gulf Oil Company Farag E Elfeituri, University of Garyounis
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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.
More
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| OSBL considerations for expansion projects |
Dominic M Varraveto, Burns & McDonnell
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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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| Engineering emails for success |
Gregory M Lilburne, Hafedh Al-Qassab and Savas Soydaner, The Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (c)
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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
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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
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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.
More
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| Unconventional crude upgrading challenges |
Scott Sayles, KBC Advanced Technologies Inc
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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.
More
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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