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| Revamp options for improved diesel |
Gary L Hamilton, ABB Lummus Global Bert van der Linde, Shell Global Solutions
Dave DiCamillo, Criterion Catalyst Company
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2001 / Q1 |
Integration of cocurrent and countercurrent reactor systems into existing hydrotreaters makes various revamp options possible, providing opportunities for meeting changing specifications for diesel.
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| Implications of producing ultra low sulphur diesel |
Bradford L Bjorklund, Timothy L Heckel, Neil D Howard, David A Lindsay, David J Piasecki, UOP LLC
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2001 / Q1 |
The practical implications of producing an ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) are reviewed in this article. The authors define ULSD as a diesel transportation fuel with 5ppm or less of sulphur and with no other specification changes imposed.
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| Calculating atmospheric residue FCC product slate |
William Gilbert, Claudia Baptista, Marco Antonio Teixeira, Petrobras
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2001 / Q1 |
A set of atmospheric residues was cracked in a circulating riser pilot plant and the results interpreted with the help of a process simulation model. New heavy feed properties were identified as being important factors in product yield prediction.
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| Hydrocracking: past, present and future |
David V Law, Chevron Texaco
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2001 / Q1 |
Modern hydrocracking continues its importance as a refining process of choice in the current era of rapidly changing product specifications, particularly for transportation fuels. Its process and catalyst characteristics are reviewed here.
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| Beating pressure drop with a trash baskets redesign |
Byron G Johnson, Phillips Petroleum Company
Brian M Moyse and Kenneth Lee Smith, Haldor Topsoe Inc
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2001 / Q1 |
Unscheduled turnarounds of hydrotreaters can be expensive in terms of catalyst and manpower costs, as well as the value of lost production. The authors describe how a refiner saved three such turnarounds per year on a naphtha hydrotreater.
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| Oxygen enrichment to reduce Nox emissions |
Kirk Limbach, Satish Tamhankar, Subodh Ganguly, Vijay Balse, Raghu Menon, Ram Ramachandran, BOC Gases
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2001 / Q1 |
An account of studies of the effect of FCC regenerator oxygen enrichment on NOx and SO2 emissions, showing that oxygen enrichment significantly decreases NOx emissions and those of SO2 when SOx transfer agent is present.
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| Catalyst management for ultra low sulphur gasoil |
Constant Bruyninckx, Belgian Refining Corporation Daniel J Neuman, Maarten van Vliet, G Karl Semper, Tricat Companies
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2001 / Q1 |
By purchasing high quality regenerated catalyst rather than regenerating its own catalyst during turnaround, a Belgian refinery was able to reduce downtime from 12 days to six and also shorten startup with the XpresS presulphiding process.
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| Use of rigorous models in refinery-wide optimisation |
Dale R Mudt and Clifford C Pedersen, Sunoco Inc P R Robinson, M D Jett, S Karur, J M Thiessen, P J Hanratty, B McIntyre, Aspen Technology Inc
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2001 / Q1 |
A description of how rigorous models are being used for closed-loop real time optimisation at a refinery in Canada. The authors show how combinations of rigorous models can quantify important non-linear relationship between units.
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| Clean fuels: a strategy for today's refiners |
Uday Hattiangadi, Michiel Spoort, Subhas C Pal, Washington Group Int.
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2001 / Q1 |
After addressing the current status of "clean fuels" and the technology options for both diesel and gasoline, the authors present a novel linear programming model for analysing complex scenarios and arriving at a cost effective solution.
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| Software for scheduling a multi-plant complex |
Wolfgang Liebenau, Veba Oel Verarbeitungs GmbH Tony Cutting, Haverly Systems Inc
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2001 / Q1 |
A description of the vendor selection, requirements and actual status of a project to install a new computerised scheduling system at one of Germany's major refineries, with an outline of the complexity of its operations.
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| Artificial neural networks in lube oil refining |
F G Martins, J J C Aparicio, J A Coelho, M A N Coelho, C A V da Costa, Oporto University Manuel A S Jeronimo, Lusiada University
Carlos Martins and Artur S Braga, Petrogal
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2001 / Q1 |
The authors describe how feedforward artificial neural networks are used to model rotating disc contactors for deasphalting and for furfural extraction - an approach proving valuable in solving complex problems in the refining business.
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| Improving FCC operations with predictive upgrade |
Ulisse Spanu, Saras Sonia Sulis, Sartec
Henrik Terndrup, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions
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2001 / Q1 |
Robust multivariable control and optimisation technology applied to an FCC unit in Italy has boosted operational efficiency and yielded financial benefits. And in a short period of time it has paid back the cost of the entire project.
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| Establishing an information platform for three refineries |
Jens H Schroeder, IT Consult GmbH Markus Muth, BayernOil Raffinerie GmbH
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2001 / Q1 |
An account of how an integrated refinery information system was devised when a group of refineries was merged and needed consistent information technology to replace their individual systems for running software and hardware.
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| Fluidised bed propanne dehydrogenation |
Roberto Trotta and Domenico Sanfilippo, Snamprogetti SpA
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2001 / Q1 |
The authors foresee propane dehydrogenation playing a major part in meeting a shortage in the supply of propylene. Fluidised bed dehydrogenation (FDB) offers an opportunity to make propylene supply independent of that of ethylene.
More
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| Expanding the properties of polypropylene |
Anton de Vries, Montell Technology - Europe
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2001 / Q1 |
The author sees the future for polypropylene expanding as new materials, some of which are described here, rejuvenate existing applications and create new opportunities based on competition between materials and product differentiation.
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| FCC cyclones - a vital element in profitability |
Robert McAuley, Shell UK Oil Products Huub Driess, Shell Global Solutions International
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2001 / Q2 |
When it was found that standard cyclone designs did not always work reliably, an extensive development programme was initiated to design and produce cyclone systems specifically to form part of a refinery's overall FCC operations.
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| Advanced recycle paraffin isomerisation technology |
Bruno Domergue, IFP Industrial Division
Russel Matthews, Holborn Europa Raffinerie GmbH
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2001 / Q2 |
An examination of how combining chlorinated catalyst, molecular sieves and well designed process configurations can maximise the value of C5/C6 streams. A case study outlines a refinery's programme for meeting Euro 2005 specifications.
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| Preventing salt fouling in FCC main fractionators |
David O Martin, Nalco/Exxon Energy Chemicals
Richard O Allen, Texaco Ltd
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2001 / Q2 |
Results of using sale dispersant additives on a badly fouled FCC unit has shown that the method allows refiners to avoid more costly methods of naphtha fractionation and, potentially, water washing of the main fractionator.
More
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| Steady state simulator to monitor treater performance |
Michael C Hu and Robert T Powell, KBC Advanced Technologies Naoki Yomoji and Danichiro Ohshima, Kashima Oil Company
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2001 / Q2 |
A description of a procedure used successfully at a Japanese refinery in which a steady state hydrotreater model was used to monitor the effects of feed quality, so that changes in key process factors could be matched against catalyst age.
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| Economic treattment options for effluent caustics |
Malcolm G Sharpe and Ramiro G Vazquez, Merichem Chemicals and Refinery Services LLC
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2001 / Q2 |
The authors describe how selective application of technologies involving partial oxidation, total oxidation and deep neutralisation could add value to caustic streams while meeting environmental quality standards.
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| An economic approach to future fuel specifications |
Jorg Reinhard, Veba Oel Verarbeitungs GmbH Ulrich Balfanz, Aral Forschung FDT
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2001 / Q2 |
In anticipation of the extra burden forthcoming fuel specifications will impose on the industry, a joing venture in Germany has gone ahead with a project to convert a surplus heating oil based stream to high-value petrochemical feedstock.
More
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| Treating options to meet clean fuel challenges |
Rik B Miller, Aristides Macris and Arthur R Gentry, Kellogg Brown & Root Inc |
2001 / Q2 |
The multiple challenges of meeting fuel specifications and upgrading low value streams, such as LCO and heavy naphtha, call for a comprehensive understanding of various hydroprocessing options. This article discusses some of them.
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| CO2 management - a refiner's perspective |
Simon C Clarke, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
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2001 / Q2 |
A review of the general issues of carbon dioxide emission that concern the refiner - and an indication of how some smart targeting and decision-making, with enhanced operation, can establish the business in the global marketplace.
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| Removal of silica particles from flue gases |
G Gentilini, M Giovinazzi, B Manduca, G Iaquaniello, Kinetics Technology International SpA (KTI)
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2001 / Q2 |
Venturi scrubbers combined with wet electrostatic precipitators have been found to achieve more than 99 per cent removal of fine particle pollution. The authors look at the efficiency of flue gas treatment in the removal of very small particles.
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| Intelligent hydrogen network management |
L McGregor and G Colantuoni, Gensym D Lupica and M Tarantino, AgipPetroli
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2001 / Q2 |
Real-time intelligent systems can make significant improvements to the H2 utilisation efficiency of petroleum refining operations. This article examines the application of a hydrogen network management system at a refinery in Italy.
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| Fractionator and gas plant revamp for best returns |
Krish Nangia, David Schulte, Ed J Smet, Fluor Daniel Bernard Demulder, TotalFinaElf
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2001 / Q2 |
A review of a combination of options available for switching modes of operation for the FCC main fractionator and the gas plant, bringing an improvement in selectivity, together with the ability to operate at a higher throughput.
More
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| Reboilers behind distillation tower problems |
Edward L Hartman and Daryl W Hanson, Koch-Glitsch Inc
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2001 / Q2 |
A review of common reboiler designs, with a discussion of case studies of reboiler problems that caused towers to fail to meet expectations. The aim in each case was to undertake simple modifications to reboiler circuits without costly revamps.
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| Avoiding unscheduled shutdowns |
Gary L Martin and Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2001 / Q2 |
Case studies have demonstrated that correct heater design and consequent performance will determine crude unit run length. This article reviews two case histories that highlight some of the problems that result in rapid coking.
More
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| Instrumentation: the key to revamp benefits |
Andrew W Sloley, The Distillation Group Inc
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2001 / Q2 |
The author presents some examples from recent troubleshooting experiences at plants with ineffective instrumentation, all of which caused major losses before they were found and fixed.
More
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| A reformer model for a petrochemicals complex |
Hyun Chul Kim and Hae Sup Yoon, Samsung General Chemicals Lee Turpin, Ajay Lakshmanan, Nam Soo Park, Aspen Technology
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2001 / Q2 |
A recently built petrochemical complex has been working on a programme to predict the yield patterns for a variety of feeds and operations, using case studies to determine how actual performance compares with the plant's potential.
More
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| Developing a process for the new century Developing a process for the new century |
J Mark Houdek, Charles L Hemler, Rusty M Pittman, Larry L Upson, UOP LLC
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2001 / Q2 |
With petrochemical product values and environmental pressures adding new demands to FCC technology and operations, a process has been developed which has been producing particularly high yields of light olefins and aromatics.
More
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| Simulation of styrene monomer reactors |
M Sadrameli and A Irankhah, Tarbiat Modares University E Nateghi, Tabriz Petrochemical Plant
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2001 / Q2 |
Agreement between the simulated and the experimental results in an exercise involving three reactors at a petrochemical plant established the accuracy of the proposed model and the simulation programme.
More
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| Using laboratory lessons to maximise profitability |
Steven J Yanik, Akzo Nobel Catalysts
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2001 / Q3 |
A review of the progress made in catalyst evaluation methods, brought about by the formulation of new and improved testing equipment and methodology plus an understanding of the mechanisms driving catalyst deactivation processes.
More
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| A hydrocracking strategy for a competitive market |
P Marion, D Duee, E Benazzi, IFP
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2001 / Q3 |
A description of a novel hydrocracking technology that offers refiners a cost effective way of complying with European 2005 diesel specifications, taking into account new configurations necessary to meet capacity and quality targets.
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| Hydrocracking solutions for reducing sulphur |
D R Cash, A S Krishna, D Farshid, G J Forder, Chevron Products Company Laszlo Toth, MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas
Edmund Monkiewicz, Rafineria Gdanska
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2001 / Q3 |
A growing requirement to produce higher yields of high quality products call for significant modifications to many of the world's singe-stage hydrocrackers. How two refineries successfully met this challenge is discussed by the authors.
More
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| FCC catalyst technology for maximum residue upgrading |
James R D Nee, Paul A Diddams, Steven S Paloumbis, Grace Davison
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2001 / Q3 |
New zeolite and matrix components, designed with high intrinsic stability and low delta coke and metals tolerance properties, have demonstrated an ability to process high boiling range feedstocks, with improved FCC gasoline quality.
More
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| Bioslurping treatment for subsurface contamination |
E Gidarakos and J Thomas, Battelle Ingenieurtechnik GmbH I Gaglias and D Lambrinoudis, Hellenis Petroleum Aspropyrgos Refinery
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2001 / Q3 |
An unconventional bioremedial technology has been used to clean up the contamination of subsoil and ground water resulting from a refinery's leaking oil tanks, at the same time achieving a cost effective recovery for lost product.
More
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| Ultra low sulphur - low aromatic diesel |
Alain P Lamourelle and Douglas E Nelson, Haldor Topsoe Inc Jerry McKnight, San Joaquin Refining Inc
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2001 / Q3 |
Moves to minimise sulphur emissions are causing refiners to consider more active hydrodesulphurisation catalysts in revamp projects. For obtaining ultra low diesel, the authors discuss the benefits of NiMo and CoMo catalyst combinations.
More
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| Selective H2S removal for the refining industry |
Harald Linga, Erik Nilsen, Finn P Nilsen, Framo Purification Per Age Sorum, Sigfred Johansen, Tore Pedersen, Statoil Mongstad Refinery
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2001 / Q3 |
An account of the development and testing of a unit designed to remove H2S more efficiently from offgas process streams. The authors conclude that it enables offgases to be purified to an exceptional level with minimum CO2 co-absorption
More
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| Maximising performance with new internals |
Richard R Rall, Koch-Glitsch Inc Bernard DeMulder, TotalFinaElf
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2001 / Q3 |
In ther past few years a structured packing alternative to conventional
tray design has been developed which, among other effects, maximises
stripping performance. Initial results from the technology's first
commercial installation are presented here.
More
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| Vacuum pressure control: impact on profitability |
Gary R Martin and Jason M Nigg, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2001 / Q3 |
Optimisation of flash zone pressure and temperature can improve feedstock quality to downstream units. This article discusses control of column flash zone pressure through the first stage ejector pressure control system.
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| Cost efficient rervamps in hydrogen plants |
James D Fleshman, Foster Wheeler, USA
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2001 / Q3 |
In the quest for acquiring more hydrogen at lower cost, revamping of existing equipment is often seen as the cheapest and most cost effective solution, but this calls for a thorough knowledge of the plant, its capabilities and its limitations.
More
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| Recovery system to increase ethylene plant capacity |
Robert V McDonald and Colin P Bowen, Stone & Webster
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2001 / Q3 |
An examination of the issues facing European producers and the way they are being resolved, particularly with the options available for steam cracker revamps. Two case studies are presented.
More
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| Organising the plan for turnarounds |
Rod Oliver, Meridium Inc
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2001 / Q3 |
In the preparations for any turnaround, a work process must be a part of the company's overall business plan, says the author, so that it takes into account the changing business environment as well as developments in the plan itself.
More
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| Property estimation method for accurate process design |
Leonidas Constantinou, Cyprus Petroleum Refinery Ltd
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2001 / Q3 |
A recently developed property estimation methodology has been used to obtain accurate and reliable estimates of a wide variety of low molecular weight compounds, mixtures and polymers for the analysis and design of new processes.
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| Benefits from a profits improvement plan |
Yuji Takao and Minoru Horike, Kao Oil Co Ltd Paul Kennedy and Sanjay Bhargava, KBC Process Technology Ltd
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2001 / Q3 |
This article describes how a Japanese refinery set about improving its profitability by adopting a detailed plan for optimising every aspect of plant operation as well as encouraging a "profit culture" among its workforce
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| Working with an extractive distillation process |
Gerd Emmrich, Helmut Gehrke, Uwe Ranke, Krupp Uhde GmbH
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2001 / Q3 |
A cost comparison between progressive extractive distillation of aromatics versus a more conventional technology has shown there can be considerable savings in operating costs during the production of high purity benezene.
More
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| Cost eeffective hydrogen from refinery offgases |
Sanjiv Ratan and Paul Wentink, Technip Benelux
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2001 / Q3 |
Efficient utilisation of refinery offgases can prove to be attractive for hydrogen production by employing hybrid or integrated systems. But attention must be given to specific operational requirements to achieve flexibility and reliability.
More
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| Metathesis: refinery and ethylene plant applications |
Ronald M Venner and Stephen I Kantorowicz, ABB Lummus Global
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2001 / Q3 |
With the demand for propylene now exceeding that for C4S, the authors see the integration of the metathesis process in FCC units and steam crackers as a low capital cost way of increasing propylene production and reducing the C4s product.
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| Technology for redcucing para-xylene costs |
Scott Ramsey, ExxonMobil Chemical
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2001 / Q3 |
Recently introduced technologies are offering para-xylene producers the option of lowering production costs by reducing feedstock requirements and, says the author, enabling para-xylene production increases without hardware modifications.
More
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| Overcoming constraints to maximise FCCU feed rates |
John Black and Jon Petrunia, KBC Advanced Technologies Inc
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2001 / Q4 |
A discussion of the typical restraints encountered in FCC operation and the methods available to alleviate them, specifically through changes in operation or catalyst, or both - the objective being to increase the fresh feed to the FCC unit.
More
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| Getting the maximum from hydroprocessing reactors |
Justin Swain, Criterion Catalyst & Technology Co Marja Zonnevylle, Shell Global Solutions Int
Dieter Pohl and Franz Geerdes, SRS Salzbergen
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2001 / Q4 |
Recent advances in hydrotreater catalyst formulations mean that, with careful attention to distributor design and other mass transfer improvements, it is possible to effectively overcome reactor volume limitations.
More
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| Meeting the low sulphur mogas challenge |
Norman H Sweed and Edward S Ellis, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
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2001 / Q4 |
Aimed at helping refiners to understand the issues in selecting the appropriate technology for meeting new limitations on sulphur in gasoline, this article reviews current and future specifications and offers a range of available options.
More
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| High capacity distillation revamps |
Daryl Hanson and Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc
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2001 / Q4 |
A review of fundamental tray design principles used to increase column capacity. It is argued that understanding how high-capacity trays work assists in the selection and design process and can also help in the avoidance of failures.
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| Benzene reduction in naphtha catalytic reforming |
Rafael Larraz, University of La Laguna
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2001 / Q4 |
Refiners in Europe and elsewhere are having to deal with new specifications for gasoline, which are likely to be followed by even tougher regulations in the future, including benzene and aromatics restrictions affecting naphtha reforming.
More
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| Online gasoline and gasoil blending optimisation |
C Bozzini, C Swart, H van de Kamp, Invensys Process Systems M Sinatra, G Di Battista, G Petrillo, D Longhitano, ERG Petroli SpA
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2001 / Q4 |
Rising crude oil prices and proliferating regulations have persuaded a major European refinery to increase the efficiency of its product blending and offsites operations by replacing analogue controls with a new computerised system.
More
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| An interface to make unit operations interoperable |
Bertrand Braunschweig, Didier Paen, Pascal Roux, Philippe Vacher, Institut Francais du Petrole
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2001 / Q4 |
A cooperative effort among a group of major companies within the industry has resulted in a software program that allows users of simulators to employ elements from other suppliers directly in their simulations, without any programming.
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| Improved catalyst stripping from cold flow modelling |
Brian W Hedrick, Jeff P Koebel, Ismail B Cetinkaya, UOP LLC
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2001 / Q4 |
An account of the application of fluidisation theory and mass transfer principles to the study of tray design, which has resulted in the development of stripper internals capable of increasing catalyst handling capacity by as much as 50 per cent.
More
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| An inferential model for distillation columns |
Y Zak Friedman, Petrocontrol Gwilym T Reedy, Texaco Pembroke
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2001 / Q4 |
An account of the setting up of a group of first principle inferential control models for distillation at a UK refinery, what they were set up to do and why, and how they performed in a closed loop control environment.
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| Avoiding problems with compressor mechanical seals |
Roger E blanton, Tuthill Pneumatics Group
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2001 / Q4 |
Positive displacement, rotary lobe blowers, says the author, are a cost effective solution to problems that can arise in gas compression applications. He presents an in-depth review of the functions and proper handling of this equipment.
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| Better furance performance with new alloy radiant coil |
Keizo Hosoya, Nobuo Shiratori, Kenji Satoh, Katsumi Yamamoto, JGC Corporation
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2001 / Q4 |
By reducing the amount of coke deposition, a new ethylene furnace tube is described by the authors as being capable of extending run lengths under existing operating conditions and doubling the interval times between decokings.
More
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| Catalysed revamp of older ethylbenzene plants |
Sam E Knipling, Partec Resources Inc
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2001 / Q4 |
There are options that operators of older plants should consider for maintaining high yields and quality while still avoiding byproduct generation and the capital cost of a new unit.
More
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| A cost effective methanol to propylene route |
Hans-dieter Holtmann and Martin Rothaemel, Lurgi Oel Gas Chemie GmbH
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2001 / Q4 |
A detailed review of a proprietary technology that reduces methanol production costs wherever low cost natural gas is available. With rising oil prices, low cost methanol is seen as a profitable feedstock for conventional petrochemical processes.
More
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| Simulation of furnace run length |
J Towfighi, M Sadramel, A Niaei, Chemical Engineering Department, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran
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2001 / Q4 |
Decoking means a loss in production capacity, so assessment of coke formation is vital, along with the need to predict a furnace's run time. This article describes a simulation network for the prediction of radical reactions and firebox calculations.
More
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| Improved predictions for amine sweetening facilities |
Gavin D McIntyre, Vicente N Hernandez-Valencia, Kevin M Lunsford, Bryan Research & Engineering Inc
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2001 / Q4 |
A wide-ranging review of the work that has been done towards avoiding the severe problems that benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and some other hydrocarbons can impose on sulphur recovery assets.
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