Maintenance & Reliability
Engineering Case Histories: Case 89: Cracking of welds due to weld fatigue
Pressure vessels, piping and fabricated structures adhering to recognized welding codes rarely fail in static loading, unless they are damaged or severely overloaded.
Troubleshoot operation of a steam ejector vacuum system
A crude vacuum unit operating properly generates high gasoil yield vs. low-value vacuum residue.
Improve facility safety by understanding process and personal safety
The lack of knowledge and understanding about process safety is still apparent in many industries where hazardous materials are processed and handled.
Control fouling on preheat trains with a two-stage approach
Fouling in heat exchanger preheat trains is a well-known problem in the refining industry.
Reliability: Interpreting API Standard 618 for reciprocating compressors
A rotating machinery engineer working for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor in India is often involved in selecting reciprocating compressors for hydrocarbon processing plants.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 88: Normal operating loads do not usually cause failures
Equipment of all types are designed for normal operating conditions, usually with some margin for unknowns.
HP Innovations
The FM-approved FireChek thermal shutoff valve with resettable memory shape alloy can now be used to automatically shut down a pneumatic control system when a nearby fire occurs, or when the ambient temperature reaches 135°F, 150°F or 165°F.
Use dynamic simulation to increase reliability of hydrogen generation
Through this plant study, a licensor demonstrates effective use of rigorous dynamic simulation tools to implement the new control schemes and configurations.
HP Reliability: Consider high-pressure throttle bushings made from fluoropolymers
In February 2004, I reported on how horizontal multistage pumps could be upgraded with a high-performance plastic produced by DuPont, Vespel CR-6100.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 87: How an engineering consultant can help your company
While engineering consultants are available for a wide range of client requirements, such as developing or reviewing specifications for new equipment, this article is only concerned with analyzing equipment failures.
- GTT receives order from Samsung Heavy Industries for the tank design of two new very large ethane carriers 2/11
- Emerson introduces hybrid continuous gas analyzer for improved regulatory compliance and emissions control 2/11
- BASF to further strengthen Global Business Services through global hub setup 2/11
- Morocco signs agreement with ORNX consortium for $4.5-B green ammonia complex 2/11
- Rosneft oil refinery in Germany warns of risks from U.S. sanctions 2/11
- TotalEnergies takes over Zeeland refinery operations, Lukoil still owns 45% 2/11
