Asia/Pacific
Update on the catalytic cracking process and standpipes—Part 1
The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is a well-established technology used by complex refineries. It is a key profit center, as the FCC unit (FCCU) has the flexibility to produce transportation ..
Contain ‘normal’ leakage from primary seals
Dry containment seals have gained popularity over the last few decades and provided reliable service. The refinery sector has used this sealing technology to limit fugitive emissions in a cost-effecti..
HP Reliability: Consider oil-resistant cable terminations to increase electric motor reliability
Most engineers are familiar with adhesive-coated insulating tape used by electricians in the field and maintenance shop. If we use this tape in the engine compartment of an automobile, it will soon be..
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: How low oil prices are affecting new project announcements
Beginning in July 2014, the world began to witness a widespread fall in crude oil prices. With the decrease in global crude oil prices, what has this meant for new project announcements in the downstream sector?
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 83: What are useful questions to ask before starting a vibration analysis?
Periodically, this author receives questions from readers throughout the world addressing what performance issues could be wrong with a centrifugal compressor that is vibrating. Note: It is impossible..
HP Global: Latin America’s refinery product demand is decelerating
The trajectory of refined product balances in Latin America and the Caribbean is changing. With demand growth slowing and throughput expected to rise by 2020, the region’s combined deficits for p..
HP Project Management: Energy efficiency: Getting in early pays off exponentially
There are many situations and circumstances when it makes good sense to pursue energy efficiency for industrial processes. But when is the best time for such action?Better operating practicesIn existi..
HP Industry Perspectives: Notables from BP's Energy Outlook 2035
In mid-February, BP released its outlook for the next 20 years. As reminded by BP’s new chief economist, Spencer Dale, the outlook is a projection of what is most likely to occur based on the inf..
HP News
Labor union strike affecting US refining industryThere is no end in sight to the United Steelworkers Union (USW) strike affecting several US refineries. The USW has filed unfair labor practices charge..
HP Industry Metrics
The global market is experiencing a potential temporary recovery from a prolonged decline, possibly followed by the continuation of the downtrend. This is reflected in continued growth in the US tight..

- CNOOC completes construction on $2.9-B, 1.8-MMtpy integrated complex in east China 8/22
- bp's Whiting refinery (U.S.) continues to flare days after severe thunderstorm 8/22
- Bachmann introduces latest version M-Target for Simulink 8/22
- U.S. to rule on biofuel waivers, but big oil refiners may need to wait 8/22
- Chinese independent refiner Hongrun buys Canadian, Brazilian crude 8/22
- Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia 8/22