Process Optimization
Manage the impacts of high-solids crude oil more effectively
Solids in crude oils present refiners with many challenges. Processing higher-solids-content crude oils increases the need for the management of such solids even more. The Canadian Association of Petr..
HP Reliability: Can integrally geared compressors be successfully used with variable speeds?
A recent HP webinar answered a number of compressor-related questions. This same webinar also generated a few additional ones. A viewer thought that two statements from this presentation were in contr..
HP Automation Strategies: Virtualization in process automation systems
Virtualization involves separating an information technology (IT) resource from specific physical hardware. This is usually managed by a specialized software layer called a hypervisor, which provides ..
HP Global: European refining—Cornered, with no way out?
2013 was a dismal year for European refining in terms of record low crude runs, which reflect weaked demand outlook and increasing competition from other regions. Out to 2020, we envisage European ref..
HP Automation Safety: It is easier to sit on the couch than go exercise
I like a routine each morning where I get up early and work on long-term projects—important tasks that lack the urgency of a short deadline, like reading that new safety critical systems book, wr..
HP News
EPA: GHG emissions from refineries increase 1.6% in 2013The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its fourth year of GHG data, with over 8,000 large facilities reporting 2013 emissions..
HP Industry Metrics
Mid–October crude oil prices slumped as the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced a slight increase in global oil demand by 700 Mbpd. In contrast, oil production is forecast to increase by ..
HP People
Willbros Group has announced that Robert R. Harl, who joined Willbros in 2006 and has served as CEO of the company since January 2007, is retiring as CEO and director when his current employment agree..
Wanted: Future leaders
The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) has known for some time that a great shift change is eminent. The experienced engineers, chemists and crafts hired in the 1970s and 1980s are reaching retirem..
Foster Wheeler acquires South African services group MDM Engineering
MDM is a South African based provider of services from feasibility studies through to the engineering, procurement and construction phase.
- 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
