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.
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- 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
