Crude oil
US crude output rose to 42-year high in March
March inventories are at the highest level in 85 years, and the production of natural gas liquids also set a record for the month.
HP Industry Metrics
US commercial crude oil inventories are at elevated levels and are expected to increase. Lower crude oil prices have supported consumption in developed economies, removed budgetary constraints in emer..
Saudi Arabia offers crude discounts to hold market share with Asian refiners
Saudi Arabia is forced to act, as other crude suppliers have been making steady inroads in to Asia in the last few years and reducing Saudi Arabia’s market share, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Striking USW workers at top refinery approve deal
Union workers at the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, unanimously approved a new contract.
EIA: Crude glut helps lift US oil storage capacity
The EIA crude oil inventory data shows that total utilization of crude oil storage capacity in the US is at approximately 60%, compared with 48% at the same time last year.
Extend heat exchanger lifecycle with hyper-duplex stainless steel
Intensifying performance demands in refineries, coupled with the ongoing decline in crude oil quality, require a new and improved duplex SS grade to withstand increasingly tough operating conditions. This need has led to the development of hyper-duplex stainless steels.
Improve the operation of fired heaters
Fired heaters or “process furnaces” are used extensively by the refining and petrochemical industries. These heat transfer units generate the much needed process energy through the combustio..
Shale oil characterization optimizes refining process
The abundance of shale oils is an unexpected gift for US refiners. These new crude oils have different characteristics from conventional oils that will affect refining processes and the operation of p..
Update on the catalytic cracking process and standpipes—Part 1
The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is a well-established technology used by complex refineries. It is a key profit center, as the FCC unit (FCCU) has the flexibility to produce transportation ..
HP Editorial Comment: Downstream has good news for 2015
The outlook is optimistic for downstream companies. Independent refiners are positive on present and future demand for transportation fuels.
- Hydrocarbon Processing launches AI platform to accelerate decisions in the downstream sector 7/7
- Digital Feature: The critical interdependency of relief valve analysis and flare system considerations during HAZOP 7/7
- Trafigura to use Babcock's ammonia fuel supply system onboard gas carriers 7/7
- Lotte Chemical Titan secures $3-B ethylene supply deal in Indonesia 7/7
- Diesel East-West price spread nears 1.5-yr high amid supply concerns West, stable East 7/7
- U.S. Gulf Coast fuel oil imports at record low as refiners opt for heavier crude 7/7
