Loss Prevention
Hybrid model using first principles and AI/ML for analyzer-less fuel blending
This article discusses first-principle blend model architecture used traditionally by refineries, including its pros and cons. This text also explores the concept and trend of using artificial intelligence and machine-learning hybrid models for blending for cases where online analyzers may not be installed or may be nonfunctional, sometimes causing quality giveaways and violations.
Improve reliability with predictive maintenance insights
Machine-learning-equipped advanced analytics platforms empower SMEs to solve some of the toughest process problems efficiently, implement effective process improvements, transition from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies, increase productivity and uptime, and operate more profitably.
Use AI to replace spectrometric analyzer chemometric modeling
This article compares the two approaches in blending practices—classic chemometrics and AI—highlighting the superiority and practicality of using AI.
IT dependencies complicate OT security
Cyber-securing oil and gas automation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient physical operations is becoming more challenging. This article explores the modern yet evolving threat environment, how expectations for cybersecurity are changing, how information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) dependencies have emerged as an important issue in most cybersecurity programs, and how owners and operators are addressing this new issue.
Strategies to resolve process variability via regulatory process control
This article discusses strategies to address process instability for effective process control.
Optimize process design and commercialize newly developed processes through close collaboration between licensor and client
This case study follows the installation of new sulfur recovery units in Kuwait by Kuwait Oil Co. This article highlights key aspects of collaboration and technological advancement in process design development and project execution between the operator and licensor to the benefit of both parties.
Straight talk on fire risk assessments
For refineries, chemical plants, oil and gas pipelines and oil/gas exploration, fire and explosion hazards are omnipresent. Process hazard analysis (PHA) and fire risk assessments (FRAs) play a vital role in managing fire risk at an acceptable level. While there are various causes for fires and explosions, robust FRAs based on pragmatism and optimum allocation of resources could help minimize fire/explosion mishaps.
Thai SCG Chemicals unit seeks Vietnam tariffs as operations at new complex remain suspended
Vietnam's Long Son Petrochemicals, a unit of Thailand's SCG Chemicals, is lobbying Vietnam to impose tariffs on imported polyethylene and polypropylene, as operations at its new $5.4 billion petrochemical complex remain suspended due to low margins.
Zeeco offering presents comprehensive industrial-scale pilot plant solutions
Zeeco’s Advanced Research Complex (ARC) is the newest addition to Zeeco’s Global Technology Center (GTC) in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (U.S.), which is also home to the world’s largest industrial-scale combustion research and test facility. Company leaders say the ARC concept was designed to provide heavy industries with multiple fully equipped pad sites ready to be utilized for the design, development and testing of new combustion and pollution control technologies.
Chevron to lay off up to 20% of global workforce
Chevron will lay off 15% to 20% of its global workforce by the end of 2026, the U.S. oil company said, as it seeks to cut costs, simplify its business and complete a major acquisition.

- Britain will not bail out bioethanol industry hit by Trump trade deal 8/15
- Russian energy facilities targeted recently in drone attacks 8/15
- Shell: Norco, Louisiana (U.S.) refinery gasoline unit work to start on Friday 8/15
- Sanctions-hit Indian refiner Nayara in talks with govt to sustain operations 8/15
- The API challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits 8/15
- IAG selects record 29 startups for accelerator program 8/15