Process Optimization
Piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs): Part 2—Causes and management of change
It is difficult to categorize or group the many reasons for routine or late changes to a P&ID. Some causes are listed here.
Intensification of sulfur processing units by oxygen enrichment and process flowsheet optimization
The consistent global trend toward improvements in air quality and tighter regulations on emissions, as well as the International Maritime Organization’s shipping regulations, continue to mitigate sulfur levels—not only in conventional transport fuels (petrol and diesel), but also in jet fuels, fuel oils and other heavier distillates.
Best practices for aromatics extractive distillation in integrated complexes
Integrated refining/aromatics/olefins complexes are an efficient and effective configuration to maximize crude oil feedstock value and optimize the value of the entire product chain.
Maximizing diesel hydrotreater profit by multivariable optimization: A case study
A diesel hydrotreater (DHT) is a critical unit within an oil refinery. A DHT processes the diesel range fractions obtained from different units of the refinery—such as from the crude distillation unit and the delayed coker unit—to adhere to diesel fuel market specifications.
Selecting the right gas analyzer to optimize monitoring of NOx and other emissions
Combustion processes of all types generate emissions of one kind or another.
Flow modeling as a tool for WHRU performance optimization
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have become a growing concern for many industrialized countries over the past few years.
Use CFD modeling to improve burner design and operation
Process heaters are essential pieces of equipment in the refining and petrochemical industry that are used to heat hydrocarbons to a desired temperature.
Rapid crude yield: Merging DHAFE with HTSD
Rapid crude yield (RCY) combines a detailed hydrocarbon analysis of the front end (DHAFE) with high-temperature simulated distillation (HTSD), creating a true boiling point (TBP) curve for a crude oil sample.
Refining: Despite decline, Group 1 base stocks are here to stay
Given increasingly stringent automotive specifications and the advent of the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 sulfur regulations, the continued decrease in Group I base stocks demand should come as no surprise for anyone in the industry.
Industry Perspectives: The Main Column podcast: Crucial topics shaping the industry
In the February issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, the editors asked our global readership what topics they would like to hear on the publication’s new podcast series: The Main Column.
- UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product 12/19
- Stamicarbon awarded technology licensing contract for new urea plant in Eastern China 12/19
- Ford takes $19.5-B writedown on EV business 12/19
- Babcock & Wilcox awarded $40-MM contract for advanced wet gas scrubbing technology at Canadian petroleum refinery 12/19
- Aarti Industries secures methanol and toluene feedstock supply through multiple long-term contracts 12/19
- bp picks first outsider CEO Meg O'Neill after abrupt Auchincloss exit 12/19

