Engineering & Design
EPC/construction contracting—Start with the end in mind
Large capital projects continue to be challenged by budget issues.
Best practices in boiler maintenance and replacement
Refineries cannot afford a sudden boiler failure (FIG. 1). Regularly assessing the condition of boilers is vital.
Resolving vibration problems in a crude booster pump
The pumps referred to in this article are 2,600-HP vertical pumps utilized as booster pumps for the shipment of crude oil.
Improving resource efficiency of industrial processes with the TOP-REF methodology—Part 2
The European TOP-REF research consortium has developed and applied a methodology to improve the resource efficiency of industrial production processes.
Feed nozzle effects on yields and operation of FCCUs
The first-generation, proprietary feed distributorsa had open-pipe bayonets that were located at the base of the wye section/riser.
Welded plate heat exchangers cut refinery process costs—Part 1
Plate and frame (P&F) heat exchangers were first manufactured 100 yr ago for use in the dairy industry.
Hyper-duplex stainless steel can improve on duplex steel and nickel-based superalloy
Duplex materials have been around for a long time.
Fabrication of clad equipment and piping—Part 1
For pressure vessels, heat exchangers and piping in corrosive services, the materials in contact with the process are often required to be high alloys to provide a reliable service life.
Retrospective: Then and now— Looking toward the future
In 1982, I wrote an article called “Using process computers as robots for refining operations,” which was published in the May issue of <i>Hydrocarbon Processing.</i>
AI: How AI and machine learning benefit refineries and petrochemical plants
Embedding machines with artificial intelligence (AI) allows them to learn from their past experiences.

- SIBUR develops new polyethylene grade for FMCG packaging 8/13
- L&T Energy GreenTech partners with Japan’s ITOCHU for 300,000-tpy green ammonia project 8/13
- VINCI wins major contract for innovative biofuels plant in Spain 8/13
- Orlen Unipetrol to shut ethylene unit at Litvinov plant for several days 8/13
- Dangote Refinery cuts fuel price before planned sales to local Nigerian market 8/13
- Chevron Phillips Chemical completes low-viscosity PAO expansion in Belgium 8/12