Equipment
Use new methods to optimize energy efficiency of hydrogen compressors
Hydrogen (H2) is a key to efficient operation of refinery desulfurization units (DSUs). Process H2, both pure and recycled from DSUs, must be compressed to pressures up to 85 kg/cm2. Centrifugal compr..
HP Reliability: Reassessing and updating electric motor bearing lubrication
Over the past 25 years, this column has often dealt with electric motor lubrication. As listed in the recommended reading list, this subject is often asked and, of course, there are updates to the rec..
HP Automation Strategies: Developing the best practices for operator effectiveness in the age of collaboration
Multiple converging trends make operator effectiveness even more important today than ever before. These include: loss of expertise in industrial plants and the transition to a new workforce, business..
HP Project Management: Build a better bid, or how to achieve a competitive advantage in capital projects
As backlogs and revenues continue to be strong and on an upward path for most global engineering and construction (E&C) firms, competition for the best projects has increased. The energy industry’..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 84: Remaining service life of plant equipment can be determined
For new plant machines and equipment, the life expectancy is determined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Yet, different analysis techniques are often required in a failure analysis. In a ..
Safety and environmental updates for HPI storage tanks
   © leungchopan—Shutterstock.com Storage tanks are common in any hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facility or receiving/shipping terminal. Crude oil, refined produc..
Top seven causes for lost olefin production
Long-term trends in production losses, showing total loss production measured in seven biennial studies, are discussed in this article to determine if these losses are increasing or decreasing over time.
Use vapor distributors to improve fractionation column performance
Vapor distribution has often been neglected in fractionation columns. Although the importance of liquid distribution is well understood and has been a consideration in column design from the early sta..
Bolivia expands petrochemical capability with Bulo Bulo ammonia complex
The Bulo Bulo ammonia-urea facility will be Bolivia’s first petrochemical venture. This new facility is expected to produce sufficient urea/ammonia supplies for domestic demand and will provide surplus product for export.
Update on the catalytic cracking process—Part 2
One of the prime challenges in the operation of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is keeping the catalyst circulating. Compared to other challenges with FCC operations, correcting erratic catalys..

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