|
|
| Catalyst addition in ebullated-bed units |
Scott Sayles and Jim Bailor KBC Advanced Technologies Inc |
2005 / Q2 |
A simple theoretical approach is available for calculating the catalyst metals content, catalyst physical properties and the effect on catalyst activity. Different catalyst addition rates are reviewed and compared
More
|
|
|
| Turnaround preparation |
Don Turner Jacobs Field Services
|
2005 / Q2 |
Several work processes have been developed for maintenance turnarounds. Incorporating these processes into a master cost-control and scheduling system ensures materials availability as well as correct staffing levels and timely execution
More
|
|
|
| Maximising gas plant capacity |
Tony Barletta and Scott Fulton Process Consulting Services Inc |
2004 / Q2 |
Water entrapment and foaming must be avoided to maximise LPG recovery and minimise downstream unit contaminants. Fundamental process and equipment design principles that cause water entrapment and foaming are reviewed
More
|
|
|
| Fluidised catalytic cracker hydrotreater revamp |
Raj Patel Haldor Topsoe Inc
Howard Moore Harrell Duff Brian Hamari Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC
|
2004 / Q2 |
Primary revamp of reactors, exchangers and other FCC pretreater components provided return on investment for a complex refining facility. Improved FCC yields, even from heavier feedstocks, increased the facility’s ULS fuels capacity
More
|
|
|
| ULSD production: improved feed stream quality |
Daryl Hanson and Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2003 / Q2 |
Much of hydrotreater revamp investment costs in future will be in dealing with the most difficult-to-remove sulphur species, because of their low reaction rates. But upstream fractionation improvements could bring significant cost benefits.
More
|
|
|
| Maximising profitability with FCC revamps |
Mark W Schnaith and Larry A Lacijan, UOP |
2003 / Q2 |
Three case studies of the way increased capacity and product flexibility were achieved in the face of equipment limitations and operating constraints. Optimising feed injectors and riser disengagers was among the strategies employed.
More
|
|
|
| Hydrogen optimisation at minimal investment |
Nick Hallale and Ian Moore, AspenTech Ltd
Dennis Vauk, Air Liquide |
2003 / Q2 |
Refiners making long-term investments to meet clean fuel specifications could at the same time, with already-available technology, improve their existing hydrogen resources to boost profitability in the short term. The authors review the options.
More
|
|
|
| C2 splitter retrofit and performance |
Sabah Kurukchi and Joseph Gondolfe, Stone and Webster
Antonio Joao Dias Prestes and Sergio Peter, Companhia Petroquimica do Sul (Copesul)
Peter McGuire, UOP |
2003 / Q2 |
High capacity valve trays have been replaced during a tower revamp with a different tray design, providing greater capacity plus ethylene product. The trays operate at higher turndown in reflux and feed rates and still produce on-spec products.
More
|
|
|
| Diesel and VGO recovery |
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2005 / Revamps |
Fundamental design considerations influencing diesel and vacuum gas oil (VGO) recovery when revamping existing or designing grassroots crude units. By increasing vacuum column diesel recovery, crude throughputs via major conversion units may also be increased.
More
|
|
|
| Corrosion monitoring improvements |
Richard E Mathers, Nalco Ltd |
2005 / Revamps |
Case study examines prediction, monitoring and mitigation of corrosion-related effects at a West European refinery operating in a high temperature, naphthenic acid environment, and shows how metal loss was prevented when processing heavy acidic crudes.
More
|
|
|
| Crude unit preflash drums and columns |
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2005 / Revamps |
Preflash drums and preflash columns have a significant effect on crude charge hydraulics. The reasons for using preflash equipment are discussed, including general design considerations and problems that are created if they are designed incorrectly.
More
|
|
|
| The role of maintenance in start-ups |
Brian Pritchard, Shell Canada Ltd |
2005 / Revamps |
A multi-billion dollar heavy oil upgrader project emphasised the importance of maintenance management considerations during project development. The author reviews the critical role that maintenance played in this successful start-up. Key phase considerations are outlined.
More
|
|
|
| Maximise VGO yield |
Greg Cantley, Kevin Basham and Steve Barnett, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC
Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc. |
2005 / Revamps |
Fundamental operating principles of vacuum ejectros are discussed, including incidents leading to sudden increases in ejector suction pressure, known as breaking. Proper ejector component selection and design can significantly prevent breaking and increase VGO yield, while reducing resid production
More
|
|
|
| Dynamic corrosion appraisal |
Russell D Kane, Dawn C Eden and David A Eden, InterCorr International Inc |
2005 / Revamps |
Monitoring time-varying corrosion with technology that inputs corrosion as a real-time process variable lets operators correlate corrosion excursions with operating and process parameters and helps manage chemical and other corrosion prevention treatments.
More
|
|
|
| Improving sulphur recovery |
Lorenzo Micucci, Siirtec Nigi SpA |
2005 / Revamps |
Use of high Claus ratio technology permits operating Claus plants off-ratio, regardless of tail gas technology employed. Sulphur recovery at 99.8% is possible regardless of flow rates and/or composition changes to sulphur recovery units.
More
|
|
|
| Maximising plant productivity |
George DeBakey, AP Netowrks LLC
Bassam Samman, CMCS
Sulaiman Sultan Mohammad, Kuwait National Petroleum Company
Kirk Blanchard, Valero Energy, St Charles Refinery
Dean Edmundson, Primavera Systems Inc |
2005 / Revamps |
Combined project management, risk assessment and asset management tools and methodologies can achieve the optimum systems integration capable of addressing every aspect of a project.
More
|
|
|
| Reducing refinery heater revamp costs |
Tony Tindall, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd |
2005 / Revamps |
The current condition of thousands of fired heaters built since the second half of the 20th century requires urgent attention. This article discusses the importance of being able to deliver a safe, cost-effective heater revamp, in the shortest possible shutdown.
More
|
|
|
| Optimising plant steam systems |
Kerrigan Mendicino, Pipe Line Development Co. |
2005 / Revamps |
How one process facility avoided excessive boiler feed water leaks and steam venting between major turnarounds. A shear plug system helped maintain steam system temperatures at the desired letdown rates, eliminating significant imbalances.
More
|
|
|
| FCC gas plant stripper capacity |
Dave Langdon, Total Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR) Ltd
Tony Barletta and Scott Fulton, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2004 / Revamps |
Deethaniser operating difficulties can be caused by water phase formation, water entrapment, foaming and other factors. "Short-term" capacity improvements implemented at one refinery were able to eliminate these difficulties.
More
|
|
|
| Revamping automation systems |
Terry Gebert, Ronnie Villarreal and Frank R Whitsura, Honeywell |
2004 / Revamps |
To achieve a safe and profitable upgrade, the many factors affecting revamp project scope must be taken into account. The authors focus on the automation components that maximise performance of process equipment.
More
|
|
|
| Process Equipment specification and selection |
Christopher F Dean, Saudi Aramco
Scott W Golden and Richard E Pulley, Process Consulting Services |
2004 / Revamps |
Process design as well as equipment specifications and selection can cause unintended problems following unit revamps. Identification of the true constraints may result in significant capital savings.
More
|
|
|
| Conditions influencing coke formation |
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2004 / Revamps |
Hotspots in fired heaters can lead to accelerated rates of coking and tube failure. Two examples show how integrating fireside and oil-side calculations can help identify and correct conditions leading to high localised peak flux rates.
More
|
|
|
| Steam reboiler system operations |
Ken Weston, CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2004 / Revamps |
Basic heat exchange principles are used to explain gas plant thermosiphon reboiler hydraulic constraints. Field measurements help clarify "off-design" operations that were not apparent and were causing high condensate levels.
More
|
|
|
| Producing sulphur-free diesel |
Gordon Low Haldor Topsoe Inc
Jamie Townsend and Tim Shooter BP |
2004 / Revamps |
A systematic approach to revamping a low-pressure HDT. 10 ppm diesel production at the BP Coryton refinery was possible without the expense of building a new high-pressure unit.
More
|
|
|
| Vacuum ejector performance break |
Norm Lieberman, Process Improvement Engineering
Edward Hartman and Daryl Hanson, Process Consulting Services Inc |
2004 / Revamps |
Understanding vacuum ejector performance is the key to maintaining reliability and distillate yields. A low VGO yield may result from a breaking ejector system, but bypassing a fouled inter-condenser can restore lost yield.
More
|
|
|
| Targeting overhead exchanger failures |
Richard Mathers, Nalco Energy Services LP |
2004 / Revamps |
A complete risk assessment of severe crude unit overhead corrosion reduced corrosion-related failures. Costly equipment upgrades were avoided and significant savings generated without any increase in operating expenditure.
More
|
|
|
| FCC vapour line coking |
Christopher F Dean, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Identifying the causes, penalties and possible solutions to coking in the FCC reactor vapour line, particularly with regard to inlet nozzle coking affecting unit capacity, conversion, reliability, pressure and heat balance.
More
|
|
|
| Accurate FCC yield for unit optimisation and revamp |
Robert Campagna and Dennis Kowalczyk, Refining Process Services, Cheswick Pennsylvania, USA
Jeffrey Sexton, Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC, Findlay, Ohio, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Measurement of yields and defining key process parameters from reaction mix sampling can be used to tune process models, update LP vectors, audit revamp or catalyst changes and determine optimum process conditions.
More
|
|
|
| Crude column revamp using radial temperature profiles. |
Glaucia Alves Da Silva Torres and Silvia Waintraub, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Edward L Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, TX, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Designers need to be aware of all the factors influencing packed bed performance such as feed zone mixing problems. Accurate assessment of temperature variations above and below fractionation zones can pinpoint efficiency problems.
More
|
|
|
| Hydrotreater revamps for ULSD fuel. |
R E (Ed) Palmer, Mustang Engineers and Constructors Inc, Houston, Texas, USA
Salvatore P Torrisi, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies
|
2003 / Revamps |
Scope and capital investment for revamping an existing diesel hydrotreater to meet the 15wppm sulphur standard. The base design is typical of hydrotreaters commissioned in the early 1990s to meet on-road specifications of 500 wppm sulphur.
More
|
|
|
| FCCU gas plant revamp boosts C3 recovery. |
Keith Whitt and Charlie Herron, Shell Global Solutions, Houston, Texas, USA
Jenifer Suffridge, Shell Deer Park Refining Company, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
The plant of a large refinery has been revamped using high-capacity trays and other hardware revisions to significantly increase the recovery of C3s and to reduce the C4s content of the FCCU gasoline.
More
|
|
|
| Vacuum unit troubleshooting. |
Norman P Lieberman, Process Improvement Engineering, Metairie, Louisiana, USA.
Daryl W Hanson, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Case studies show how accurate field-measured differential pressure can be interpreted incorrectly when troubleshooting refinery vacuum columns.
More
|
|
|
| Turnarounds and process control. |
Lyman Gilbert, Lyman Gilbert Consulting Inc, Alta Loma, California, USA
Guy Weismantel, Weismantel International, Kingwood, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Smart sensors with self-diagnostic capabilities, advances in closed-loop process controllers, and instruments that monitor online conditions and anticipate problems can be integrated into a plant's monitoring and control netowrk during a turnaround.
More
|
|
|
| Managing vanadium from high metals crude oils. |
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Improvements in process and equipment design with regard to crude unit and delayed coker distillation column performance can reduce metals content. Vacuum units with a stirpping section and upgraded coker main fractionator wash zones should be considered.
More
|
|
|
| Better feed entry ups debutaniser capacity. |
Henry Z Kister, Fluor, Alison Viejo, CA, USA
David E Grich and Ryan Yeley, BP America Inc, Texas City, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Points of transition, where streams enter or leave the tower, are some of the most common and sever tower bottlenecks. Combining hydraulic evaluation with field data and gamma scan analysis is key to identifying and eliminating such bottlenecks.
More
|
|
|
| Catalyst circulation in a pressure-balanced FCCU |
David Spires, Farmland Industries Inc, Coffeyville, Kansas, USA
David Hunt, Davison Catalysts, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Significant improvements have been made in FCC reactor temperature control at Farmland's Coffeyville refinery. Data interpretation is presented along with points to consider when troubleshooting a pressure-balanced FCCU operation.
More
|
|
|
| Crude unit start-ups: the results of a high liquid level. |
N M "Tinus" Erasmus, Sasol, South Africa
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc, Houston, Texas, USA |
2003 / Revamps |
Pressure-measurement techniques can avoid the dangers of rapidly changing flow rates and levels during start-up. Also, column internals directly above and below flash zones need to be designed for higher uplift forces.
More
|
|
|
| Revamping a crude converstion unit to VSS riser technology. |
Jorgen Pedersen, Statoil Mongstad |
1999 / Q3 |
An account of the problems encountered - and lessons learned - during a major upgrade of a reduced crude conversion unit, and the efforts of an alliance of specialists that finally brought about a successful revamp.
More
|
|
|
| Improviing profitability of an FCC |
Richard J Higgins, Hans A Dirkse, Ron A van Wijk, Shell International Oil Products BV |
1999 / Q3 |
A review of the hardware modifications that can be applied to FCC units to increase their profitability. The authors also go through the planning and decision-making process for what to apply at a scheduled turnaround.
More
|
|
|
| Keeping down the cost of revamp investment. |
Gary R Martin, Process Consulting Services Inc
Bryon E Cheatham, Fina Oil & Chemical |
1999 / Q3 |
A comparison of the standard versus practical approach to the revamping of a crude unit. In this article the focus is on optimising the use of existing equipment, changing the process flow scheme to minimise flash zone pressure and thereby maximising the yield.
More
|
|
|
| Opportunities for optimising utilities in major refineries. |
Ian Dewar, MDC Technology |
1999 / Q3 |
The author deals with the nature of optimisation problems, along with an explanation of applications, such as performance monitoring and equipment selection, which are used to come up with a solution.
More
|
|
|
| Achieving an accident-free turnaround. |
Jim Cripps, AMEC Process and Energy Ltd. |
1999 / Q3 |
The emphasis in the planning of a plant overhaul was that everybody should feel personally responsible for safety on the project: the result has been more than a million manhours without one serious accident.
More
|
|
|
| Converting VGO HDS units to moderate pressure hydrocracking |
David A Pappal, Mobil Technology Co
Michael G Hunter, M W Kellogg Technology Co
Lucas R Groeneveld, Akzo Nobel Chemicals BV |
1997 / Q3 |
An introduction to the technology of MAK Moderate Pressure Hydrocracking (MPHC), together with details of a successful revamp at the Chiba refinery of Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Japan.
More
|
|
|
| Revamp process design - optimum crude unit product yields |
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
Designing a new crude unit is an unconstrained process, limited only by capital investment targets, while revamping an existing unit to optimise product yields is constrained by the existing equipment performance and design.
More
|
|
|
| Cost effective upgrading of middle distillates |
Lee Granniss and Art Suchanek, Criterion Catalyst Co LP |
1997 / Q3 |
SynShift, a process for upgrading poor quality cracked distillate feedstocks, is shown in this article to achieve cost effective deep heteroatom reduction, aromatics removal and cetane/'API gain with substantial liquid yield.
More
|
|
|
| An alkylation unit refrigeration expansion |
Anne Z Jezak, STRATCO Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
Revamp case studies have been made for a North American refinery using Freon-12 to cool the reaction zone of its sulphuric acid alkylation unit. Supply of Freon-12 is running out now that manufacture of the CFC-based chemical has been banned, and the refinery is having to seek alternative methods.
More
|
|
|
| Oxygen enhanced Claus operation: a case study |
Churl-Hee Lee, Hanwha Energy Co Ltd
Andy Moore, TPA Inc |
1997 / Q3 |
An alternative to building an expensive new sulphur recovery complex under an expansion programme is to increase existing Claus unit capacity by using oxygen. This article highlights the successful implementation of TPA's Oxygen Injection system at Hanwha Energy's Inchon refinery sulphur recovery unit.
More
|
|
|
| Revamping crude units to increase capacity |
Kirtan Trivedi, Helmy Andrawis, Arif Habibullah, Parsons Energy & Chemicals Group Inc |
1998 / Q3 |
Existing crude/vacuum unit capacity can be increased by revamping heat transfer, distillation columns and other equipment, applying Process Integration concepts. The authors discuss new approaches to revamping crude columns, incorporating recent innovations in tray technologies.
More
|
|
|
| Speeding up revamps with modern technology |
Richard Elliott, Kvaerner Process |
1998 / Q3 |
Greater emphasis on safety and environmental issues is obliging process plant operators to revamp existing equipment, but new technology can now be used to facilitate the process, save time and costs, and enhance safety of the plant.
More
|
|
|
| Hydrocracker revamp for Grangemouth refinery |
Marco Giannelli, BP Oil Grangemouth Refinery
Nigel Unsworth and Dave North, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd |
1998 / Q3 |
BP Oil's Grangemouth refinery has completed an extensive revamp of its hydrocracker and FCC, reducing production of fuel oil and upgrading to middle distillates to meet a growing market need. A case history of the project is given.
More
|
|
|
| Troubleshooting vacuum unit revamps |
Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc |
1998 / Q3 |
While Vaccum unit revamps increase gasoil yield, management is pushing the intervals between turnarounds to four or five years. To meet the higher operating temperatures, vacuum unit process equipment must be designed for low residence time.
More
|
|
|
| Maximising asset utilisation for improved profitability |
Steven F Eshelman, Michael J Humbach, Michael J Wilcox, UOP
|
2000 / Q3 |
The authors describe how the profitability of two plants have been enchanced by programmes for getting the best out of existing facilities, and without the need for heavy investment.
More
|
|
|
| Cost effective revamps to meet the environmental challenge |
Nigel Unsworth and Philip Brown, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd
|
2000 / Q3 |
Expected legislation in Asia for cleaner transportation fuels face refiners there with a challenge to stay profitable, say the authors, and they suggest the new laws can be met in a way that could still generate profitable returns.
More
|
|
|
| Gas plant revamps for higher capacity and efficiency |
Daryl W Hanson and Edward L Hartman, Koch-Glitsch Inc
|
2000 / Q3 |
Revamping high pressure distillation columns has become prevalent, with increasing throughput and concerns to keep production costs down. Two case studies of revamps are presented here: of a C3 splitter and a debutaniser.
More
|
|
|
| Fixed bed reformer revamps for gasoline improvement |
Jean de Bonneville and Jean Luc Nocca, IFP
|
2000 / Q3 |
With total or partial bans on MTBE and limitations on olefins and benzene, an octane gap is created in the gasoline pool. The authors indicate how this can be recovered at minimum cost through some ingenious revamp solutions.
More
|
|
|
| Increasing hydrocracker capacity at low cost |
Gurunath G Bharne and Christine A Groenendaal, Shell Global Solutions International BV
|
2000 / Q3 |
Detailed case studies are presented, illustrating the planning and working methods that were followed in revamping the hydrocrackers at two refineries, in Germany and Canada.
More
|
|
|
| Low-cost methods to improve FCCU energy efficiency |
Scott W Golden and Scott Fulton, Process Consulting Services
|
2000 / Q3 |
The first step to finding low-cost ways of improving FCC unit efficiency under new enironmental regulations is to determine the true limits of the existing process equipment and flow scheme, say the authors. They describe ways of influencing heat source temperatures and modifying the flow.
More
|
|
|
| The importance of grasping new technology |
Andrew W Sloley, The Distillation Group Inc
|
2000 / Q3 |
Part of pushing plant productivity is successful use of technology, says the author, and achieving revamp objectives means moving outside the experieince base - making good use of technology separates the survivors from the failures.
More
|
|
|
| Maximising performance with new internals |
Richard R Rall, Koch-Glitsch Inc Bernard DeMulder, TotalFinaElf
|
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
|
|
|
| Vacuum pressure control: impact on profitability |
Gary R Martin and Jason M Nigg, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
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.
More
|
|
|
| Cost efficient rervamps in hydrogen plants |
James D Fleshman, Foster Wheeler, USA
|
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
|
|
|
| Recovery system to increase ethylene plant capacity |
Robert V McDonald and Colin P Bowen, Stone & Webster
|
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
|
|
|
| Organising the plan for turnarounds |
Rod Oliver, Meridium Inc
|
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
|
|
|
| Vacuum unit design effect on operating variables. |
Gary R Martin, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2002 / Q3 |
To revamp vacuum units, process modelling and equipment design know-how are needed, and the understanding of connected equipment performance can lead to higher gasoil quality and yields, with fewer unscheduled shutdowns.
More
|
|
|
| Crude unit integrated energy analysis |
Rakesh Mehta, Onward Technologies Ltd
|
2002 / Q3 |
Opportunities for process debottlenecking and improving energy efficiency can be identified with the use of pinch analysis. This article documents a refinery revamp where this method produced a large increase in crude distillation capacity.
More
|
|
|
| Answering the big turnaround question |
James Thompson, Lyondell Chemical Company Chalres Etter, Equistar Chemicals
|
2002 / Q3 |
An account of a risk based model for quantifying the probability and cost of an unplanned outage. The result is that a defined risk based analysis of turnaround costs and timing is a useful tool for both plant and business management.
More
|
|
|
| Revamps 2006 |
Rene G Gonzalez, PTQ.
|
2006 / Revamps |
Today's refinery revamps are commissioned with the aim of increasing transportation fuel production by adding
conversion capacity. Higher reactor capacity needs significant scope to improve the throughput and efficiency of associated product recovery systems.
More
|
|
|
| Vacuum unit pressure control |
Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2006 / Revamps |
Nowhere is attention to detail more important than in vacuum column presure control. Operational issues such as higher heater duty and column pressure must be weighted against avoiding residue entrainmnet in HVGO.
More
|
|
|
| Distributor design and testing |
Deepak Dhabalia and Mark Pilling, Sulzer Chemtech Inc.
|
2006 / Revamps |
A new main fractionator designed to separate a range of feed streams incorporates multiple layers of structured packing and a slurry section. Flow testing to verify the distribution quality of the column distributors is essential.
More
|
|
|
| Fast-tracking an FCC revamp |
Michael Whatley, Navajo Refining Company
Scott Golden and Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services
|
2006 / Revamps |
The design, detailed engineering and installatioin of one revamp took just four-and-a-half months. Unit feed rate, product recovery and product quality objectives were all met after the revamp.
More
|
|
|
| Improving FCCU conversion and yields |
Warren S Letzsch, Shaw Stone & Webster Inc
|
2006 / Revamps |
A revamp of a Romanian FCCU included the replacement of old equipment, such as a hot wall reactor with a cold wall design, which significantly improved yields, operation and reliability.
More
|
|
|
| Main fractionator water wash systems |
Christopher F Dean, Saudi Aramco Scott W Golden, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2006 / Revamps |
When properly designed and operated, main fractionator wash water systems can remove salt with little upset. Misconceptions concerning the minimum column overhead temperature and operation when producing FCC heavy naphtha are discussed.
More
|
|
|
| Increasing deisobutaniser capacity |
Guiseppe Mosca, Gitta Van Hemel and Roberto Tocco, Sulzer Chemtech Bruno Lestrade, Total Group
|
2006 / Revamps |
Insight into procedures and details involving a distillation revamp can be gained by looking at a project carried out on a deisobutaniser unit separating isobutane from normal butane and heavier hydrocarbons.
More
|
|
|
| Vacuum heater installation |
Giampiero Caronno, Foster Wheeler Italiana SpA
|
2006 / Revamps |
One refinery has proved it is possible to revamp any process unit by modification and/or replacement of key process equipment in situ. The project was completed in less than 12 months and included a 350-ton fired heater module.
More
|
|
|
| Digitising plants using laser scanning |
James McGill, Quantapoint
|
2006 / Revamps |
In a typical revamp situation, a lack of accurate as-built documentation is frequently encountered. Digitising plants using laser scanning can provide detailed unit dimensional and layout information, as well as yield significant ROI.
More
|
|
|
| Identifying poor heat exchanger performance |
Mark Fernsby and Abe DuPont, Natref Tony Barletta and Steve White, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2007 / Revamps |
Identifying root causes of poor crude unit debutaniser reboiler performance and low-cost solutions that help meet exchanger original design conditions. Of primary importance is the impact factors such as fouling have on the service heat-transfer coefficient.
More
|
|
|
| FCC gas concentration unit stripper revamp |
Dave Langdon, Total Lindsey Oil Refinery Scott Golden and Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2007 / Revamps |
Unit charge rate and reactor conversion were increased by the elimination of stripper column flooding. Chemical-grade propylene specifications were met and C2 excursions in mixed C2/C3 streams were eliminated.
More
|
|
|
| Lube vacuum column revamp |
Kevin Basham, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC Edward Hartman, Process Consulting Services Inc
|
2007 / Revamps |
The basis of a lube vacuum column revamp and its results are discussed. The primary goals were to increase lube product fractionation, minimise HVGO product contaminants and improve vacuum bottoms specifications for asphalt production.
More
|
|
|
| Reducing a plant's turnaround schedule |
Mike Lippold, BJ Process & Pipeline Services
|
2007 / Revamps |
The removal of asphaltenes and residual hydrocarbons from vessels during the cool-down and steam-out phases can eliminate the source of VOC off-gassing and reduce a plant's turnaround schedule by several days.
More
|
|
|
| Revamping atmospheric crude heaters |
Michael Whatley, Navajo Refining Company Scott Golden and Jason Nigg, Process Consulting Services inc
|
2007 / Revamps |
The revamp of an atmospheric crude unit heater, which was suffering from coking caused by asphaltene precipitation and poor burner stability, resulted in a significantly increased heater run length.
More
|
|
|
| Optimising turnaround maintenance performance |
Salah Massoud Elemnifi, Arabian Gulf Oil Company Farag E Elfeituri, University of Garyounis
|
2007 / Revamps |
Case study of a risk-based inspection technique where maintenance and inspection activities were moved from a traditionally reactive or time-based approach to proactive maintenance. The optimisation of both turnaround duration and interval is discussed.
More
|
|
|
| OSBL considerations for expansion projects |
Dominic M Varraveto, Burns & McDonnell
|
2007 / Revamps |
Example cases of refinery revamp and expansion projects, where the aim is to identify and compare the various OSBL requirements for each project. Guidelines are presented for improving the accuracy of the OSBL definition early in project development.
More
|
|
|
| Revamps 2008: exceeding expectations |
Rene G Gonzalez
|
2008 / Revamps |
Overall post-revamp performance is expected to be exceptional against a background of unexpected costs, larger infrastructure requirements and market pressures.
More
|
|
|
| Leading mega projects and revamps |
Paul Hayes and Christne A de Vlaming, Fluor
|
2008 / Revamps |
How to effectively lead a mega project, turnaround or revamp in a highly constrianed resource environment. The leadership approach for successfully delivering a project with an entire team in stretch roles is discussed.
More
|
|
|
| Starting up a world scale ULSD hydrotreater |
Hafedh Al-Qassab, Gregory M Lilburne, Savas Soydaner, Sayed Hamza Alawi and Mark Jones, The Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (c)
|
2008 / Revamps |
During a successful ULSD hydrotreater revamp, valuable experience was gained in overcoming commissioning and post-start-up problems. Issues that emerged and lessons learned can be used to avoid pitfalls and enhance start-ups on similar projects.
More
|
|
|
| Phased investment for H2S removal |
Jim Abbott and Vince A Row, Johnson Matthey Catalysts
|
2008 / Revamps |
Awareness of H2S removal process steps and how they can be combined to reduce costs compared to the use of a single sweetening unit operation. Modular process design and a phased investment to project implementation can reduce capital spending.
More
|
|
|
| Regenerator head replacement project |
John Payne, Foster Wheeler Energy Rob Tarbard and Peter Johnson, Esso Petroleum Company
|
2008 / Revamps |
How one of the world's largest FCC regenerator heads with cyclones was removed and replaced during a 30-day turnaround. Meticulous attention to pre-planning aided by 3D modelling helped overcome tight space limitations and clearances during construction.
More
|
|
|
| Identifying very small equipment leaks |
Dave Ferguson, Tracerco Troy Witherill
|
2008 / Revamps |
Very small leaks in feed/effluent exchangers can be identified using chemical tracing. This online technique can detect leaks as low as 5.0 ppm, avoiding off-specification effluent and reducing the length of costly shutdowns.
More
|
|
|
| Process design benefits of laser scanning |
Julie Martin, Foster Wheeler South Africa (Pty)
|
2008 / Revamps |
The effectiveness of laser scanning and 3D modelling is considered from lessons learned in the field, providing better ways to capture process data. 3D modelling can enhance the process and piping partnership that is so critical to revamp project success.
More
|
|
|
| Automated crude oil tank cleaning |
Carlos Legoretta, Oreco
|
2008 / Revamps |
The benefits of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis to automated tank cleaning are discussed. Examples of tank cleaning in practice are provided by independent tank cleaning service providers who use automated non-man entry tank cleaning methods.
More
|
|
|
| Enchancing heat transfer in Texas Towers |
Peter Ellerby and Peter Droegmueller, Cal Gavin ltd Edgar Vazquex-Ramirez and Graham Polley, University of Guanajuato Sebastian Erlenkaemper, BP
|
2009 / Revamps |
Retrofit technology enhances heat recovery in feed-effluent exchangers, increases throughput, reduces furnace load and provides cost benefits
More
|
|
|
| Stepwise simulation of vacuum transfer line hydraulics |
Harry Ha, Fluor Canada Matthew Reisdorf, Fluor Enterprises Abdulla Harji, Fluor Canada
|
2009 / Revamps |
A stepwise hydrauliic calculation determines the pressure profile of a vacuum transfer line by linking the hydraulic model to process simulation results.
More
|
|
|
| Revamping hydrogen and sulphur plants to meet future challenges |
Adrienne Blume, Patrick Christensen, Brett Goldhammer and Thomas Yeung, Hydrocarbon Publishing Company
|
2009 / Revamps |
Revamp opportunities for hydrogen and sulphur plant operations in the era of clean fuels production offer significant benefits for refiners.
More
|
|
|
| A novel process to reduce aromatics and benzene in reformates |
Mikhail Levinbuk, A Meling, V Zuber and A Lebedev, Moscow Oil Refinery V Khavkin, All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Petroleum Processing
|
2009 / Revamps |
A catalytic scheme for reducing the aromatics and benzene content in reformates without octane barrel loss uses existing reforming units at Moscow Oil Refinery.
More
|
|
|
| Hydroprocessing upgrades to meet changing fuels requirements |
Jay Parekh and Harjeet Virdi, Chevron Lummus Global
|
2009 / Revamps |
Adapting installed hydroprocessing units through a variety of schemes enables refiners to shift their fuels slates to meet changing demand and specifications.
More
|
|
|
| CFD Study of a VDU feed inlet device and wash bed |
Debangsu Ray, Indian Oil Corporation Ajay Arora and Anne Phanikumar, Sulzer Chemtech
|
2009 / Revamps |
Analysis of vapour velocity profiles at the entry to the wash zone of a VDU column enables a higher feed rate and improved output quality
More
|
|
|
| Application of CFD and NOx reduction |
Shahebaz Mulla and G Raman, Technip USA
|
2009 / Revamps |
A study of parameters affecting Nox formation in an ageing boiler unit confirmed the measures needed to meet emissions targets.
More
|
|
|
| Amine contactor revamp |
Vilas Lonakadi, Amistco Separation Products Inc
|
2010 / Revamps |
With the old trays in the scrap yard and no working drawings available, an amine still revamp called for engineering detective work.
More
|
|
|
| Additional hydrogen production by heat exchange steam reforming |
Jack Heseler Carstensen, Haldor Topsoe
|
2010 / Revamps |
Applying the heat exchanger principle in hydrogen manufacture can significantly reduce the consumption of hydrocarbon feedstock.
More
|
|
|
| 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
|
2010 / Revamps |
A comprehensive review of combustion systems and controls underpins a strategy for emissions reduction.
More
|
|
|
| Optimising the FCC regenerator for reduced emissions |
Ray Fletcher and Martin Evans, Intercat
|
2010 / Revamps |
Increasing scrutiny of FCC stack emissions calls for special attention to be paid to the regenerator's combustion zone.
More
|
|
|
| Debottlenecking a refinery fuel gas absorber |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch Canada Michael Beshara, Irving Oil Refining
|
2010 / Revamps |
A refinery fuel gas absorber was revamped to increase capacity while maintaining H2S in the product well below specification
More
|
|
|
| Debottlenecking hydrogen plant production capacity |
Gregory Panuccio, Troy Raybold, James Meagher, Ray Drnevich and Venkatarayaloo Janarthanan, Praxair
|
2010 / Revamps |
Retrofitting a steam methane reformer with oxygen enhanced reforming can substantially boost hydrogen production capacity at low capital investment
More
|
|
|
| Revamping centrifugal compressors at an ethylene plant |
Gerald Oving, Thomassen Compression Systems
|
2010 / Revamps |
Technical improvements and increased throughput justify the revamp of a Russian ethylene plant's compressors
More
|
|
|
| Refinery expansion and oil quality upgrading |
Sun Lili, Sinopec Engineeering Incorporation
|
2011 / Revamps |
Optimisation of current resources and effective integration of clean fuels technology enable older refineries to better match the economic performance of new plants.
More
|
|
|
| Tray revamp for demethaniser ethane recovery |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch Canada
|
2011 / Revamps |
As a first step in an ethane extraction plant's operational improvement plan, a tray revamp was performed to improve both tray efficiency and ethane recovery.
More
|
|
|
| Improved performance from reforming |
Anthony Poparad, Beatrix Ellis, Bryan Glover and Stephen Metro, UOP LLC, A Honeywell Company
|
2011 / Revamps |
Process and equipment solutions help to improve the profitability and reliability of reforming units
More
|
|
|
| Revamping FCC emissions control |
Merle Fritz, HollyFrontier R&M Kevin Linfield, Airflow Sciences Corporation Dennis Salbilla, Haldor Topsoe
|
2011 / Revamps |
An upgrade of FCC unit emissions reduction at a Tulsa refinery relied on computational modelling to develop optimal flow control systems
More
|
|
|
| Optimising and revamping a refinery hydrogen network |
Zhao Jianwei, Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Company Lou Yuhang, Zhang Nan and Keith Guy, Process Integration Ltd
|
2011 / Revamps |
Pinch analysis and mathematical programming support hydrogen network design and retrofit
More
|
|
|
| Updating plant information |
Clive Wilby and Gary Farrow, AVEVA |
2012 / Revamps |
Bringing the structures of existing refineries into the digital information age transforms the processes of upgrading and operating
More
|
|
|
| Hydroprocessing to maximise refinery profitability |
David Brossard, Natalia Koldachenko, Theo Maesen, Dan Torchia and H Alex Yoon, Chevron Lummus Global |
2012 / Revamps |
Low-cost changes in catalyst systems can significantly enhance operational flexibility and increase returns on investment
More
|
|
|
| Fast-track FCC installation |
Whitney Strickland and Chad Beckemeyer, AltairStrickland |
2012 / Revamps |
Upgrading a 1990s millisecond catalytic cracking unit to a 2012 FCC unit took just 60 days at St Charles refinery
More
|
|
|
| Revamp of Slovnaft's hydrocracking unit |
Ole Frej Alkilde, Haldor Topsoe
Filip Stancl, Slovnaft |
2012 / Revamps |
A revamp to maximise middle distillate production and increase unit reliability and safety
More
|
|
|
| Performance audits for burners and flares |
Jesse Chambers, Jim Smith and Keith Wade, Zeeco Inc |
2012 / Revamps |
Performance audits and pre-retrofit checks identify issues and help specify the correct equipment for process heater and flare revamps
More
|
|
|
| Platformer debutaniser revamp and optimisation |
Rakan Bilaus, Sajeesh Padmanabhan and Neelay Bhattacharya, Saudi Aramco |
2012 / Revamps |
Recommendations following a study of high reformate RVP delivered a range of benefits including a significant increase in gasoline production
More
|
|
|
| Planning for Revamps |
Alexey Rodikov, NIS - Gazprom Neft |
2012 / Revamps |
Serbia's petroleum refinery describes its plans for a continuing programme of plant revamps and updates
More
|
|
|
| Improving the distillation energy network |
Soun Ho Lee, GTC Technology
Kwang Gil Min, GS Caltex Corporation |
2013 / Revamps |
Energy -efficient design applied to the refit of a distillation unit was achieved through optimisation between the distillation column and heat network system
More
|
|
|
| Strategies for improved naphtha processing |
Mike Armstrong and Martin Brandt, Jacobs Consultancy |
2013 / Revamps |
To take advantage of dilbit from Alberta and light oils from shale formations, refiners must develop a strategy for processing additional naphthas and light components
More
|
|
|
| Laser surveying a revamp |
Gary Farrow, AVEVA |
2013 / Revamps |
Efficient project workflow in a revamp can be achieved using 3D design technology that integrates with laser scan and engineering data sources.
More
|
|
|
| Retrofitting a glycol contactor to prevent carryover |
Anne Phanikumar and Yang Quan, Sulzer Chemtech Switzerland |
2013 / Revamps |
A revamp of glycol contactor column internals, following CFD studies, resolved problems with gas production caused by glycol carryover
More
|
|
|
| Reactor effluent air cooler safety through design |
Eric Lin and Peter Risse, Chevron Lummus Global |
2013 / Revamps |
Quality-controlled replacement of carbon steel with Duplex 2205 for revamps can increase the service life and reliability of the REAC in the high-pressure loop
More
|
|
|
| Wet scrubbing modifications to reduce emissions |
Edwin Weaver and Nicholas Confuorto, Belco Technologies Corporation |
2013 / Revamps |
Modifications to existing wet scrubbing systems for FCC units can readily be made to achieve additional reductions in particulates, SO2 or NOx
More
|
|
|
| Online cleaning of an integrated distillation unit |
Mariusz Holowacz and Rafal Zaprawa, Grupa Lotos
Marcello Ferrara, ITW |
2013 / Revamps |
Online cleaning technology was validated during a scheduled turnaround at the second largest refinery in Poland
More
|
|
|
| Maximising energy efficiency in grassroots designs |
Tim Shire, Andrew Hoyle and Mike Rutkowski, KBC |
2014 / Revamps |
A novel approach is required to achieve the full potential for energy performance of new plants
More
|
|
|
| Increasing distillate production at zero capital cost |
Joe Musumeci, Steven W Stupin, Stephanie Schlosser and Thomas Scholten
Ascent Engineering |
2014 / Revamps |
Significantly increasing distillate production can at the earliest stages require no more than process tweaks before significant capital revamps are required
More
|
|
|
| Laser scanning for revamps |
Gary Farrow, AVEVA |
2014 / Revamps |
A review of benefits, best practices and emerging opportunities in laser-enabled revamp projects
More
|
|
|
| Revamping heat exchanger tubing |
Eduardo Perea, Sandvik Materials Technology |
2014 / Revamps |
Corrosion aggravated failures in carbon steel tubes prompted a refiner to replace heat exchanger tubing with hyper-duplex stainless steel
More
|
|
|
| Estimating bitumen viscosity for revamps |
Tek Sutikno and Carlos Mesta, Fluor Enterprises |
2014 / Revamps |
Accurate viscosity data for dilbit and its heavy residues define the scope of revamps required to process the feed in crude and vacuum units
More
|
|
|
| Options for CO2 capture from SMR |
Goutam Shahani, Linde Engineering North America
Christine Kandziora, Linde Clean Energy and Innovation Management |
2014 / Revamps |
As CO2 capture from steam methane reforming becomes increasingly important, the economics of retrofit for recovery from process gas streams need to be considered
More
|
|
|
| FCC profitability assessment via advanced modelling |
Sayantan Chatterjee, Cian Carroll, Michael Basden and Kevin Kunz, Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc
Charles Burton, MOTIVA Refining
Steve Nelson, Shell Oil Products US |
2015 / Revamps |
Process and computational fluid dynamic modelling were applied to validate the technology used in an FCC unit revamp at Shell's Puget Sound refinery
More
|
|
|
| On-stream refractory measurement |
Dave Ferguson and Carl Tipton, Tracerco |
2015 / Revamps |
Precise assessment of refractory condition can avoid unwelcome discoveries during unit turnarounds
More
|
|
|
| Energy efficiency in capital projects |
Alan Rossiter, Rossiter & Associates |
2015 / Revamps |
The best economics for energy efficiency improvements occur in new plant designs and major plant expansions
More
|
|
|
| Low cost revamp to process heavy sour crudes |
Chiranjib Haldar and Tanmay Taraphdar, Technip India |
2015 / Revamps |
A significant improvement in refining margin can be achieved through a low to moderate cost revamp to enable processing of heavy sour crudes
More
|
|
|
| Laser scanning for revamps |
Michael Smith, Intergraph Corp |
2015 / Revamps |
3D laser scanning as-built refinery structures and post-processing the data provides an accurate starting point for revamp design
More
|
|
|
| Heat exchanger network retrofit for energy savings |
Akram Kamel and Mahmoud Bahy Noureldin, Saudi Aramco |
2015 / Revamps |
Identifying cost effective energy savings by optimising plant heat integration in the crude preheat section
More
|
|
|
| Advances in benchmarking capital project costs |
Shawn Hansen, Asset Performance Networks |
2017 / Revamps |
A scope based approach to benchmarking project costs can provide insights to improve competitiveness
More
|
|
|
| Silencing hammering in a condenser system |
Henry Kistor, Fluor
Casey Mueller and Matt Gunn, HollyFrontier
|
2017 / Revamps |
Detailed analysis leading to correct diagnosis meant that only minor equipment changes were needed to cure severe hammering in a naphtha splitter
More
|
|
|
| Controlling contaminants in vacuum gasoil |
Kaushik Majumder, Shell Global Solutions International |
2017 / Revamps |
How revamps can increase VDU capacity and reliability while controlling contaminant levels to acceptable limits
More
|
|
|
| Planning for a turnaround |
Mike Asquini, T A Cook |
2017 / Revamps |
Without the effects of professional craft planners and logistics professionals, turnarounds will be a serious challenge
More
|
|
|
| Advances in HF acid alkylation conversion and expansion |
Shane Presley, Randy Peterson, Diwakar Rana and Jason Nunez, DuPont Clean Technologies |
2017 / Revamps |
Recent technology developments offer economic conversion and expansion of HF acid alkylation units for sulphuric acid operation
More
|
|
|
| Upgrading an FCC unit |
Jag Lall and Michael Bell, UOP Limited
Detlef Abe and Steffen Gorlich, PCK Raffinerie GmbH |
2017 / Revamps |
Collaboration between technical and project teams enabled the fast-track replacement of an FCC unit
More
|
|
|
| Retrofitting crude furnace burners |
Ryan Roberts, Zeeco |
2017 / Revamps |
A burner retrofit has delivered more robust operation with reduced NOx emissions from a crude process furnace
More
|
|
|