Process Optimization
Editorial Comment: The tools advancing the HPI into the digital age
The HPI has been going through a digital transformation, increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve existing processes and structures to improve performance.
Cyclic distillation: A novel enhanced technology for processing hydrocarbons and derivatives
Distillation is the most widespread separation method in history.
Optimize processes with a spreadsheet
Hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI)/continuous process improvement (CPI) processes are often characterized by complicated kinetics and simultaneous heat and mass transfer.
Industry Perspectives
With the increasing prominence of hydrogen technologies circulating into the global market, Gulf Energy Information—publisher of <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> and <i>Gas Processing & LNG</i>—has launched our latest publication: <i>H2Tech</i>.
FCC NOx reduction methods: Complying with regulations without capital investment
As fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) nitrogen oxides (NO<sub>x</sub>) emissions regulations become increasingly strict, refiners are driven to find the most economic compliance option.
Optimize the selection of sulfur unit blocks and process technology combinations
Since the 1940s, the present form of the Claus sulfur recovery unit (SRU) has been successfully applied in the refining and gas processing industries.
Optimizing methanol plant operations through minimal capital investments
In the constant search for improvement, Methanex has developed a state-of-the-art project to improve plant operation at its methanol production facility in Punta Arenas, Chile (FIG. 1).
Applying tools to strengthen safety and risk management
The same characteristics that make hydrocarbons useful as fuels can also make refineries, and any other areas where processing or storage takes place, potentially dangerous.
Dividing wall columns for fatty acids fractionation
The use of dividing wall columns (DWCs) has been a hot topic over the past decades, as DWCs can potentially bring huge savings in operational costs and capital investment.
Driving higher return with fuel-grade butanol at the refinery
Since the advent of the combustion engine, gasoline and automobile manufacturers have utilized additives as a means of improving overall fuel characteristics.
- Phillips 66 greenlights new gas plant and fractionator projects, advancing integrated wellhead-to-market strategy 5/18
- OXEA and Air Liquide renew syngas and hydrogen supply agreement for Oberhausen site 5/18
- BASF boosts refinery catalyst innovation with new R&D center in Attapulgus, Georgia (U.S.) 5/18
- Aster and Puraglobe sign MoU to bring world-leading re-refining technology to Asia 5/18
- U.S. oil refiners finally profit from biofuels due to mandates, high fuel prices 5/18
- China's April oil throughput hits lowest since August 2022, inventories rise 5/18
