Economics
Catalyst developments: The past 90 years
While catalysis has made many advances in the last 90 years, the application of new technologies developed in other areas may offer great promise for future breakthroughs.
Impact of advanced engineering and design software on the HPI
Future industry innovations may include more integration of tools and information, improved hardware/software access, and the development of new energy resources.
The psychology of energy pricing: A look at market behavior during oil shocks
A review of the energy price shocks of the 1970s and 2000s shows the range and extent to which fundamental and technical factors may influence oil market sentiment.
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 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..
HPI major events and trends, 1920s to present
1920s: THE FORMATION OF THE MODERN HPIDuring this period, a new industry was evolving focused on the refining of crude oil into fuels and other products. New demand for crude oil-based products, such ..
Cyber security for industrial plants
Consider five core elements to develop secure plant automation networks.
Case 68: Pneumatic testing dangers
Use caution on what defines a true ‘safe distance’

- CF Industries starts Donaldsonville (U.S.) Complex CO2 dehydration and compression unit, permanent CO2 sequestration 7/15
- Emerson introduces GenAI-enabled automation for power and water industries 7/15
- Trump's sanctions threat looms over Russian oil exports to China, India and Turkey 7/15
- China state refiners ramp up output on rising demand, stock rebuild 7/15
- Neste to supply SAF to DHL Express at Singapore Changi Airport 7/15
- Baker Hughes, PETRONAS collaborate on lubricants and biofuels for turbomachinery supply chain 7/15