Americas
Process control in the HPI: A not-so-sentimental journey
As long as there have been hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facilities to process crude oil and intermediates, there have been instruments in place to assist plant operators in measuring, recordi..
Benchmark oil, gas prices poised for divorce
In the global HPI, changing market dynamics are putting a premium on petrochemical and refining units that can crack ethane.
The military and the hydrocarbon: A love affair of over 100 years
The relationship between the military and the petroleum industry dates back to the years before World War I (WWI), when the US and British navies started to switch from coal to oil as a fuel source. M..
Largest ethane cracker: Borouge’s Ruwais manufacturing complex
The latest expansion project includes an ethane cracker (EU3), two PE and two PP plants, and a low-density PE (LDPE) unit.
Largest hydrocracker in China
Refiners are leveraging hydrocracking to respond to momentum in global dieselization, with crude prices forcing refiners to process distressed crudes and difficult feedstock.
HP Reliability: Rethink your auditing of lubrication practices
All hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facilities use machinery, and every one of these machines requires lubrication of some type. Modern, profitability-minded plants thoughtfully manage their lub..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 69: Heat-up rate and rubs on a steam turbine
This column has suggested using simple analytical models to troubleshoot equipment. However, in some cases, a more detailed solution may be required. The following case histories examine the heat up o..
HP Water Management: Avoid failures in water projects: Part 2
Last month, we discussed the need for project engineers to talk to process engineers about the water systems as a capital project takes shape. This month’s column discusses additional ways to bri..
HP Brief
Air Liquide starts up SMR in La Porte, TexasAir Liquide recently celebrated the formal startup of a new steam methane reformer (SMR) in La Porte, Texas. The 120 million scfd of gaseous hydrogen (H2) p..
HP Impact: E15 ethanol fuel can damage auto engines
Auto repair costs for consumers could rise due to adverse effects of fuel containing 15% ethanol blends (E15), according to new results from a two-year study on engine durability.The study was conduct..
- Eneos plans to shut Marifu CDU in mid-January for maintenance 12/26
- China's 2026 first batch fuel export quotas steady year on year 12/26
- Singapore fuel oil stockpiles rise to two-week high 12/26
- Asia refinery 2025–2026 maintenance/outages 12/26
- Serbia's NIS gets U.S. approval to negotiate sale of Russian stake 12/26
- India's Reliance gets one-month US concession to buy Rosneft oil 12/24
