Americas
Keep liquid analysis invisible in refineries
The hidden heroes of hydrocarbon processing plants are the liquid analyzers, especially the pH and conductivity loops. Unlike their flashier cousins in gas analysis, these analyzers operate behind the..
Address inlet pressure loss concerns with restricted lift relief devices
For the past 30 years, standard-sized relief devices have been sized such that it is difficult to meet the installation criteria in American Petroleum Institute (API) standard (STD) 520. This problem ..
Reciprocating compressors running together—Is that a problem?
A new maintenance engineer is assigned the task of overseeing large, critical rotating equipment in a petrochemical facility (Fig. 1). In this example, the facility has vent-gas compressors that, in g..
HP Editorial Comment: The silent assassin: Corrosion
This month’s special report focuses on corrosion. Often, uncontrolled corrosion undermines the mechanical integrity of process equipment and infrastructure. It is often identified as the root cau..
HP Reliability: Consider single-point responsibility for compressors
Equipment purchasers are always interested in meeting the cost and schedule targets for projects. However, there could be conflicting goals when purchasing compressor drivers and/or auxiliaries from v..
HP Automation Strategies: Intelligent pumps offer potential for significant energy savings
Increasing energy costs over the last few decades have put more pressure on companies across all industries to find more efficient ways to utilize energy. Reducing energy consumption reduces both inpu..
HP Project Management: Use key elements for successful mega-plant startups
As new projects are more complex and larger in capacity, the successful startup of the mega-plant is crucial. Unfortunately, mega-projects are vulnerable to significant overruns in schedules and budge..
HP Petrochemicals: Rail safety becoming key issue for US, Canadian producers
The first five years of the modern shale revolution have been a boon for petrochemical producers throughout North America. While proposed energy exporters must go through lengthy approval processes an..
HP Gas Processing: US midstream expansion hits Utica shale
Significant expansion is planned for the midstream oil and gas sectors in 2014, following a 263% increase in midstream capital spending to $46.4 billion (B) in 2013, according to Deloitte.1 A five-yea..
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: 2014 global construction outlook—Part 1
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s HPI Market Data 2014, total capital spending in the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) is estimated to exceed $77 billion (B). This amount includes invest..
- BASF supports European 1,4‑butanediol supply security through increased production in Ludwigshafen 2/16
- Vitol backs proposed $3-billion LNG power plant for South Africa's Durban port 2/16
- HAMR Energy receives additional funding for low-carbon liquid fuels projects 2/16
- NASCAR names POET official bioethanol partner: Becomes first major motorsports series to utilize zero-carbon bioethanol 2/16
- ExxonMobil starts third advanced plastics recycling unit at Baytown complex 2/16
- Geoinform, subsidiary of the MOL Group, signs strategic cooperation agreement with Baker Hughes 2/16

