Drivers
Reliability and maintenance: The path to world-class performance
HPI companies in a progressive culture strive for failure-free operations with defect elimination and uninterrupted operation.
HP Reliability: Upgrade the design of vertical, multistage centrifugal pumps in low-temperature services
The overall mechanical design of most API-style vertical-column pumps (Fig. 1) comes close to meeting the expectations of modern pump users. Such pumps are often equipped with self oil-lubricated bear..
HP Reliability: Closed-oil-mist systems and maintenance cost avoidance
A recent Hydrocarbon Processing (HP) article conveyed an industry finding that dates back several decades: Oil mist successfully lubricates operating machinery, protects and preserves standby equipmen..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 70: Twenty rules for troubleshooting
In previous Engineering Case History columns, I have discussed checklists and their value in avoiding errors during startups. While the rules cannot replace common sense or a logical and methodical ap..
Modernize your compressor lube- and seal-oil systems
Each pipe or control line should be traced to its origin, the design intent must be well understood, and all owner-purchaser questions answered by the vendor-manufacturer.
Consider new developments for variable-speed electric motors
New challenges, recent developments, the latest mechanical issues and main reliability factors for large variable-speed electric motor drivers in HPI plants are presented here.
Improve performance monitoring of your turbomachinery
This case study documents the performance variables to consider and apply when monitoring and tracking the efficiency deterioration for a steam turbine using DSs in a PI process book.
Case history: Improve refrigeration compressor performance
This case examines the mechanical distress and performance deterioration of a critical refrigeration compressor that was installed at a world-scale petrochemicals complex.
Apply new guidelines to select compressors for low-temperature service
The writer calls on design and process engineers to take extra precautions when selecting and sizing their reciprocating compressors for low-temperature gas service.
HP Reliability: Consider best-of-class lubrication practices
Last month’s column explained that all hydrocarbon processing (HP) facilities use machinery, and these machines require lubrication. Periodically auditing one’s lubrication practices is part..
- Petrobras delivers LPG sold at steep premiums despite Lula move to annul auction 4/3
- Plug Power to supply 275-MW GenEco electrolyzer system for Hy2gen’s Courant decarbonized ammonium nitrate project 4/3
- Vietnam refinery boosting jet fuel production 4/3
- China plans to upgrade some petrochemical plants, phase out others by 2029 4/3
- Morocco has diesel stocks for 51 days, energy ministry says 4/3
- Nigeria's Seplat Energy hit by strike amid push for higher output 4/3

