Refining
Iowa Caucus results seen as setback for ethanol
Ted Cruz, the conservative senator from Texas and outspoken opponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, upset Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses.
Maximize petrochemicals in the FCCU to boost refinery margins, improve gasoline pool quality
In light of the current market dynamics, challenging the FCCU to move out of its “maximum gasoline” comfort zone is a winning strategy to drive overall refinery profitability.
Build a solid GHG BACT cost-effectiveness calculation to avoid CCS costs
Determining which technology constitutes greenhouse gas (GHG) best available control technology (BACT) for a new or modified facility often hinges on the GHG BACT cost calculation.
Use discrete event simulation as decision support for storage and shipping—Part 2
Over the past decades, one engineering firm has been using discrete event simulation (DES) to study shipping and storage as an integral part of project execution throughout all phases of a process facility’s design, construction and operations.
Troubleshoot operation of a steam ejector vacuum system
A crude vacuum unit operating properly generates high gasoil yield vs. low-value vacuum residue.
Enhance PSM design with metrics-driven best practices
This study shows the attributes and benefits of a data- and metrics-driven system focused on the process safety design integrity, reliability and control of process plant flares and pressure relief systems.
Utilize APC solutions to resolve hydrocracker conversion optimization challenges
Improving profits and reducing costs remain priorities for owner/operators and management.
Industry Perspectives: Downstream disputes breaking the 10% ‘blend wall’ for US ethanol
US refiners are set to break the 10% “blend wall” for using ethanol in gasoline, but downstream professionals are certainly not happy about it.
Industry Metrics
US product markets weakened despite unseasonably strong gasoline demand, and the gasoil crack spread hit the lowest level seen in more than five years, under pressure from increasing supplies amid thin demand due to warmer winter weather.
Innovations
In a market with reduced capital investment budgets, revamps and upgrades are becoming increasingly prevalent to extend asset service life.
- Kazakhstan to build a new $10-B, 10-MMtpy refinery 2/18
- U.S. EPA expected to send 2026 biofuel blending quotas to White House this week 2/18
- Kent awarded pre-FEED contract for Eq.flight, an advanced power-to-liquids SAF project 2/18
- ABB launches integrated carbon capture measurement solution to accelerate industrial decarbonization 2/18
- CONSER awarded technology licensing/PDP contract for DMS and BDO plant in China 2/18
- Singapore marine fuel sales maintain strong start in early 2026 2/18
