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| Achieving optimal visbreaker severity |
Gaetano Petralito, ISAB Marco Respini, Baker Hughes Europe
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2010 / Q1 |
A refinery has managed to run a visbreaker unit continuously for more than two years without any loss of conversion
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| Increasing diesel production from the FCCU |
Maurice Korpelshoek, Gary Podrebarac, Kerry Rock and Rajesh Samarth, CDTech
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2010 / Q1 |
FCC naphtha desulphurisation technology produces low-sulphur heavy catalytic naphtha as a separate product for blending into the diesel pool
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| Achieving excellence inprocess safety management |
Graham Bennett, DNV Energy
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2010 / Q1 |
The management of major accident hazards in refineries must recognise that all areas of the business have vital roles to play to ensure process safety management.
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| Choosing a hydroprocessing scheme |
Alpesh Gurjar, Fluor Daniel India
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2010 / Q1 |
A systematic approach to selecting hydroprocessing technology meets process objectives with optimal operating and capital costs
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| Interface management in complex projects |
Richard Collins and Robert Durham, Foster Wheeler Raafat Fayek and Walid Zeid, GASCO
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2010 / Q1 |
Managing the interface between contractors, owners and a host of authorities and affected groups is vital to the success of large and complex energy projects.
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| Can refiners afford carbon capture? |
Erich Mace and Thomas Yeung, Hydrocarbon Publishing Company
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2010 / Q1 |
CCS is not widely considered an economical way of reducing refiners' carbon footprints, but case studies indicate great variation in the cost of implementation.
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| Are there alternatives to an expensive overhaul of a bottlenecked flare system? |
Detlef Gruber and Dietmar-Uwe Leipnitz, BP Lingen Refinery Prasad Sethuraman, BP Refining Technology Miquel Angel Alos, Jose Maria Nougues and Michael Brodkorb, Inprocess Technology and Consulting
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2010 / Q1 |
Changes in regulation or the revamp of an existing plant need not require an upgrade to a refinery's flare system configuration.
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| Planning for a pipestill clean |
Cody Nath, Refined Technologies Uwe Klingler, BP
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2010 / Q1 |
A combination of proven technology, setting expectations and developming a detailed plan helped a refiner achieve optimum results from unit clearing and cleaning plans
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| Choosing quench interbed technology |
Ed Schouten, Jan Stolwijk and Ed Ouwerkerk, Shell Global Solutions International Sujatha Degaleesan, Wenhua Yang and Sandro Mazzini, Shell Global Solutions US
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2010 / Q1 |
A design for hydroprocessing interbed internals favours separate mixing of gas and liquid phases before contacting of the two phases occurs
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| Unique qualities of Canadian bitumen and synthetic crudes |
Pat Swafford, Spiral Software
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2010 / Q1 |
As production of Canadian bitumen and synthetic crude oil expands, North American refinery feed slates enter new territory in terms of crude oil quality.
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| Entrainment issues in vacuum column flash zones |
Mark Pilling, Mario Roza and S M Wong, Sulzer Chemtech
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2010 / Q1 |
For a vacuum tower to operate effectively, the flash zone and the wash section must work together to provide the best possible feed quality to the sections.
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| Installing a power recovery system on FCC or RFCC units |
Tek Sutikno, Samsung Engineering America
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2010 / Q1 |
Full examination of the design options and operating issues related to the installation of a PRS on a FCC or RFCC unit will increase energy efficiency and unit availability.
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| Monitoring heat exchange systems |
Loree Fields, URS Corporation
Jason Bradford, Marathon Petroleum Company
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2010 / Q1 |
Anticipating final federal standards, the cooling tower monitoring programs at two refineries have been beneficial in estimating VOC emissions from the towers.
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| Maximising fuels from the FCC unit |
Bruce Adkins and Ken Bruno, Albemarle Yen Yung, Albemarle Catalysts
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2010 / Catalysis |
Developments in catalyst pore structure engineering aim for higher yields of transportation fuels from FCC operation
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| Active site developments for improved productivity |
Kevin Carlson, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies
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2010 / Catalysis |
Developments including improved active site dispersion and assembly are designed for higher-value operation in a range of processing units
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| Ring-shaped catalysts make the grade |
Brian Moyse, Haldor Topsoe
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2010 / Catalysis |
Shape-optimised topping materials, together with ring-shaped hydroprocessing catalyst, provide a solution for units that are pressure drop limited.
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| Reducing sulphur oxide emissions from the FCC unit |
Colin Baillie, Renaud Kieffer and Maria Luisa Sargenti, Grace Davision Refining Technologies Europe
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2010 / Catalysis |
Application of a SOx-reduction additive enabled a refiner to meet a pressing requirement to reduce emissions from its FCCU
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| Maximising FCC distillate production |
Joe McLean, BASF Catalysts
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2010 / Catalysis |
A novel catalyst manufacturing process forms matrix material and zeolite in a single stop. Trials indicate high matrix stability and low sodium content.
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| Advances in methanol synthesis |
Terry Fitzpatrick and Tom Hicks, Johnson Matthey Catalysts
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2010 / Catalysis |
Catalysts with higher and more stable activity enable cost savings and boost output in methanol production
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| Catalytic steam generation |
Franck Letellier and Dave Wardle, Oxford Catalyst Group
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2010 / Catalysis |
Exploration of an unconventional fuel mixture has resulted in a novel catalyst-based technology
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| Anode-grade coke from traditional crudes |
Mitra Motaghi, Kanu Shree and Sujatha Krishnamurthy, KBR Technology
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2010 / Q2 |
A combination of solvent deasphalting and delayed coking is an option to minimise fuel oil production and produce anode-grade coke.
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| Catalytic reforming options and practices |
Tom Zhou, Fluor Enterprises Frederik Baars, Fluor BV
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2010 / Q2 |
Design and practice in catalytic reforming is evolving to meet refinery challenges, including lower gasoline pool benzene content and increased demand for hydrogen.
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| Planning for carbon capture |
Suzanne Ferguson, Foster Wheeler
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2010 / Q2 |
An investment planning roadmap for a project incorporating carbon capture should address the scheme's basic objectives and its viability in the market.
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| Online cleaning and decontamination of a butadiene unit |
Dino Polverini and Cosimo Cucinelli, Polimeri Europa Marcello Ferrara, ITW
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2010 / Q2 |
Chemical treatment by closed-loop recirculation reduced cleaning time for a butadiene unit turnaround from a typical 20 days to 24 hours.
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| Optimisation of product yield and coke formation in a RFCC unit |
Sepehr Sadighi, Seyyed Reza Seif Mohaddecy, Omid Ghabouli and Mehdi Rashidzadeh, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry
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2010 / Q2 |
Simulation studies of a commercial resideue fluid catalytic cracking unit indicate the conditions for an optimum balance of product yield with low coke deposition.
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| Optimising steam systems: part 1 |
Ian Fleming, Spirax Sarco
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2010 / Q2 |
Simple techniques to reduce the cost of ownership of a refinery's steam distribution system and condensate return using steam traps and separators
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| Calculating column relief loads |
Haribabu Chittibabu, Amudha Valli and Vineet Khanna, Bechtel India PVT Ltd Dipanjan Bhattacharya, Bechtel Corporation
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2010 / Q2 |
Conventional, steady-state and dynamic simulation techniques are compared in a study of relief loads for failure modes applied to a distillation column.
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| Crude oil selection: optimisation by weight or by volume? |
M D Pawde and Sachin Singh, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)
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2010 / Q2 |
The LP model should optimise crude and products in their trading units for accurate assessment of crude oil worth and maximisation of gains from product blending.
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| Designing for sulphur removal and storage: part 1 |
Shamim Gandhi, Wayne Chung and Krish Nangia, Fluor Corporation
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2010 / Q2 |
Selection of technologies for the sulphur block must serve legislative demands and the efficient operation of upstream processes.
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| When MTBE outscores ETBE for bioenergy content |
Eelco Dekker, BioMCN
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2010 / Q2 |
If MTBE is produced from biomethanol, its bioenergy content as a fuel additive will be counted twice, according to EU biofuels regulations.
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| Microchannel reactors in fueld production |
Derek Atkinson, Oxford Catalysts Jeff McDaniel, Velocys
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2010 / Q2 |
A demonstration plant aims to confirm the potential for microchannel and other technologies in the distributed production of biofuels
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| Hydrotreating in the production of green diesel |
Rasmus Egeberg, Niels Michaelsen, Lars Skyum and Per Zeuthen, Haldor Topsoe
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2010 / Q2 |
A novel scheme enables co-processing of light gas oil and tall diesel to produce a renewable diesel meeting EN 590 specifications.
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| Selecting technologies for onshore LNG production |
Saeid Mokhatab, Tehran Raymand Consulting Engineers
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2010 / Q2 |
For optimal design of LNG production plants, selection of the individual units must be made on the basis of an integrated approach.
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| Estimation of heat losses from process piping and equipment |
Alireza Bahadori and Hari B Vuthaluru, Curtin University of Technology
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2010 / Q2 |
An accessible predictive tool calculates surface heat losses from refinery piping and equipment
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| Enhanced sulphur recovery from lean acid gases containing COS and mercaptans |
Angela Slavens, Justin Lamar, Sara O'Dell and Laura Francoviglia, Black & Veatch
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2010 / Gas |
Claus configurations are available for more effective sulphur recovery from lean acid gas containing significant concentrations of organic sulphur compounds
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| An optimum line-up for sour gas processing |
Saeid Mokhatab, Tehran Raymand Consulting Engineers
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2010 / Gas |
Analysis of technical, economic and licensing considerations in the selection of an optimum gas treating line-up recommends a choice of technologies
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| Detecting and dealing with hydrate formation |
Bahubali Chandragupthan, PL Engineering Girish Babu Nounchi, L&T - Gulf
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2010 / Gas |
A review of cause, detection and treatment of hydrate plug formation in gas pipelines
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| Tray hydraulic operating regimes and selectivity |
Ralph Weiland, Nathan Hatcher and Jaime Nava, Optimized Gas Treating
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2010 / Gas |
Tray hydraulics is discussed in terms of froth and spray operating regimes, and possible impacts on selectivity are pointed out by reference to performance data
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| Processing NH3 acid gas in a sulphur recovery unit |
Michael Quinlan and Ashok Hati, KBR
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2010 / Gas |
The feasability and economics of a two-stage sour water stripper with an SRU for NH3 contents of 25% and higher are discussed
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| Resid FCC catalyst technology for maximum distillates yield |
Martin Kraus, Qi Fu and Natalie Kiser, BASF Corporation, Catalyst Division Orson Thornton, Big West Oil
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2010 / Q3 |
A catalyst developed for residuum applications with high contaminant metals levels showed a reduction in bottoms, with increased LCO and naphtha production.
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| Estimation of steam losses using a predictive tool |
Alireza Bahadori and Hari B Vuthaluru, Curtin University of Technology
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2010 / Q3 |
A predictive mathematical tool estimates condensate flow rate and flow correction factor to obtain steam losses in steam traps.
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| Reliability analysis to determine environmental emissions from units |
Chiron Mukherjee, DNV
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2010 / Q3 |
Reliability analysis determines the extent to which plant can meet emission limits and supports estimates of possible financial penalties for non-compliance.
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| Designing for sulphur removal and storage: part II |
Shamim Gandhi, Wayne Chung and Krish Nangia, Fluor Corporation
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2010 / Q3 |
Selection of technologies for the sulphur block must serve legislative demands and the efficient operation of upstream processes.
More
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| Crude oil cargo selection and time frame of LP optimisation |
M D Pawde and Sachin Singh, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), India
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2010 / Q3 |
Combinatorial selection is the most rigorous and theoretically correct method of crude oil cargo evaluation. Efficient algorithms are key to its implementation.
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| Dealing with mercury in refinery processes |
Raymond Hadden and Tina Moss, Johnson Matthey Catalysts
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2010 / Q3 |
The effects of mercury contamination on operations, and its treatment, are emerging issues for refiners.
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| Process and energy analysis for cost savings and CO2 reduction |
Mehmet Alkan and Osman Karan, Tupras Maryro Mendez and Juan Gomez-Prado, KBC Advanced Technologies
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2010 / Q3 |
Applying heat pinch technology and process know-how to maximise energy savings.
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| Naphtha cracking for light olefins production |
Michael J Tallman and Curtis Eng, KBR Sun Choi and Deuk Soo Park, SK Energy
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2010 / Q3 |
As an alternative to steam cracking, an FCC-type process provides on-purpose production of propylene.
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| Improving performance through low-cost modification of tower internals |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch
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2010 / Q3 |
Low-cost revamps of tower internals improve production from existing assets with a payback period of less than a year.
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| Developments in cyclone technology imrpove FCC unit reliability |
Ye-Mon Chen and Mart Nieskens, Shell Global Solutions S B Reddy Karri and Ted M Knowlton, PSRI
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2010 / Q3 |
Developments in FCC cyclone technology reduce problems of abrasion that cause unscheduled unit shutdowns.
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| Optimising steam systems: part II |
Ian Fleming, Spirax Sarco
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2010 / Q3 |
A second article on steam system optimisation addresses steam at point of use and good engineering practice to remove and return condensate.
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| Residue conversion options to meet marine fuel regulations |
Dan Gillis, Grant Yokomizo, Mark Van Wees, Rich Rossi and Ed Houde, UOP LLC, A Honeywell Company
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2010 / Q3 |
Slurry hydrocracking to match demand for lower-sulphur marine fuel oils and to maintain distillate production targets.
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| Corporate energy optimisation |
Fred Hampton, Jason Mooney, Darryl Seillier and Jose Bird, Valero Energy Corporation Nicholas Spates, Modular Process Control
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2010 / Q3 |
An energy management system can deliver major cost savings in a refinery from a relatively low outlay.
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| Developments in impulse line blocking diagnosis |
Neil Hankey, Yokogawa Electric Corporation
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2010 / Q3 |
Impulse line blocking diagnosis is emerging as a versatile approach to the production of process disruption.
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| Amine contactor revamp |
Vilas Lonakadi, Amistco Separation Products Inc
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2010 / Revamps |
With the old trays in the scrap yard and no working drawings available, an amine still revamp called for engineering detective work.
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| Additional hydrogen production by heat exchange steam reforming |
Jack Heseler Carstensen, Haldor Topsoe
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2010 / Revamps |
Applying the heat exchanger principle in hydrogen manufacture can significantly reduce the consumption of hydrocarbon feedstock.
More
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| A step-by-step approach to managing emissions |
Barney Racine and Brendan Sheehan, Honeywell Process Solutions William De Los Santos, Callidus Technologies Jeffrey Rafter, Honeywell ECC Maxon
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2010 / Revamps |
A comprehensive review of combustion systems and controls underpins a strategy for emissions reduction.
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| Optimising the FCC regenerator for reduced emissions |
Ray Fletcher and Martin Evans, Intercat
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2010 / Revamps |
Increasing scrutiny of FCC stack emissions calls for special attention to be paid to the regenerator's combustion zone.
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| Debottlenecking a refinery fuel gas absorber |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch Canada Michael Beshara, Irving Oil Refining
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2010 / Revamps |
A refinery fuel gas absorber was revamped to increase capacity while maintaining H2S in the product well below specification
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| Debottlenecking hydrogen plant production capacity |
Gregory Panuccio, Troy Raybold, James Meagher, Ray Drnevich and Venkatarayaloo Janarthanan, Praxair
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2010 / Revamps |
Retrofitting a steam methane reformer with oxygen enhanced reforming can substantially boost hydrogen production capacity at low capital investment
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| Revamping centrifugal compressors at an ethylene plant |
Gerald Oving, Thomassen Compression Systems
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2010 / Revamps |
Technical improvements and increased throughput justify the revamp of a Russian ethylene plant's compressors
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| Processing high TAN crude: part I |
Wu Qing, CNOOC
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2010 / Q4 |
Huizhou, which is the first refinery for processing 100% high TAN crude, started up in 2009. This article describes the challenges of an opportunity crude operation.
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| Strategic options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions |
Bill Keesom, Amalia Pantazidis, Ian Moore and Jon Moretta, Jacobs Consultancy
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2010 / Q4 |
Refiners need to develop a roadmap of their future business and technology requirements to address emerging climate change legislation.
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| Partial upgrading of heavy oil reserves |
Mitra Motaghi, Priyanka Saxena and Rahul Ravi, KBR Technology
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2010 / Q4 |
Partial upgrading using solvent deasphalting addresses multiple issues associated with the recovery of stranded heavy oils.
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| Improvements in random packing performance |
Izak Nieuwoudt, Christine Corio and Jeff Degarmo, Koch-Glitsch
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2010 / Q4 |
Developments in random packing design aim for increased efficiency and capacity
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| Energy management: raising profitability, reducing CO2 emissions |
Claire Weber and Thomas Yeung, Hydrocarbon Publishing Company
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2010 / Q4 |
Case studies show how lower energy demand via revamps and improved maintenance can save money and abate CO2 emissions in refinery operations
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| Monitoring and controlling corrosion in steam generation |
Jerry Jones, Nalco Energy Services
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2010 / Q4 |
At-temperature oxidation reduction potential (ORP) technology enables real-time measurement and control of corrosion potential in steam generation
More
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| Designing trays for selective gas treating |
Ralph Weiland, Nathan Hatcher and Jaime Nava, Optimized Gas Treating
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2010 / Q4 |
Field data from eight gas treating plants show how tray design parameters can be selected to improve contactor performances.
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| Online real-time optimisation helps identify energy gaps |
Marcelo Galleguillos and Michel Maffet, ENAP Refinerias Marcos Kihn, Ruben Monje and Carlos Ruiz, Soteica
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2010 / Q4 |
Real-time supervision of a refinery's energy system enables optimisation of its fuel consumption and emissions levels.
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| Real-time downstream dashboard |
Toto Nugroho Pranatyasto and Agus Witjaksono, Pertamina Craig Harclerode, OSIsoft
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2010 / Q4 |
Real-time infrastructure enabled an organisational transformation to achieve integration in a highly complex downstream supply chain.
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| Separation in ethylene plants |
Lee Siang Hua and Yang Quan, Sulzer Chemtech
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2010 / Q4 |
Separation technology is not complex, but separators deliver a range of benefits in ethylene cracking.
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| Advances in FCC catalyst performance |
Charles Keweshan and Daniel Neuman, BASF Corporation Jeffrey Sexton, Mike Skurka and Scott Simon, Marathon Oil Company
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2010 / Q4 |
Upgraded manufacturing processes have produced an FCC catalyst with increased gasoline yield and high hydrothermal stability at high severity operation
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| Estimating compressor power and condenser duty in a refrigerant system |
Alireza Bahadori and Hari Vuthaluru, Curtin University
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2010 / Q4 |
A simple-to-use predictive tool calculates compressor power and condenser duty per refrigeration duty in a three-stage propane refrigerant system.
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