Economics
Reverse refining: A novel approach to the refining process
The crude oil refining processing sequence is based on the separation of distillate products from heavier ones and concentrating the heavy molecules of the barrel for processing at the end of the refining run.
Reliability: Thinking outside of the box
In late 1989, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District asked the author to present a three-day equipment maintenance course at one of its large effluent treatment facilities.
Key instrumentation technologies to tackle the toughest measurement challenges
Just as some people seek out extreme sports, process manufacturing has its extreme applications, and engineers who design for these environments must find ways to safely contain and monitor all manner of dangerous reactions and products.
Risk mitigation procedure following criticality assessment and FMEA
In asset performance management (APM), criticality assessment and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) are powerful tools that enable the identification of opportunities to minimize asset lifecycle costs during the development of equipment strategies.
Industry Perspectives
This month, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> will be hosting two events—one to showcase the latest in processing technologies in the refining and petrochemicals markets, and the other to provide an update on the latest trends, initiatives and capital project investments in the global hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI).
Separating from the competition: Recovering profits after the pandemic
As recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic begins, so will a return to normal life.
Quantum leap in chemical plant safety and reliability through mobile technology
The human factor has played a significant role in chemical plant accidents and production loss incidents over the past 60 yr.
Executive Viewpoint: It was the best of times
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”. Fortunately, this opening line from A Tale of Two Cities does not often present itself as an appropriate analogy to the oil and gas industry. Yet, here we are.
Business Trends: The economics of reliability—An interim report on the global refining industry
What is reliability? Most people think reliability is simply a measure of failure, or lack of failure. If something runs for a longer period without failing, then it is more reliable than something that runs for less time. However, reliability is a measure of how often something performs when you want it to.
Industry Perspectives: Will capital investments increase in 2021 and beyond?
Over the past several years, the world witnessed a significant increase in downstream capacity growth in all sectors of the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI). However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in demand for transportation fuels and certain petrochemical value chains.
- China's first coal-to-chemicals project with green hydrogen starts commercial operations 11/20
- Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem partner to turn captured carbon into long-lasting products 11/20
- Nigeria's Dangote refinery delays CDU maintenance to end of January 2026 11/20
- Technimont attends ground-breaking ceremony of Tengiz Gas separation Complex in Kazakhstan 11/20
- 42% of U.S. energy/critical infrastructure providers exposed to weaponized AI and email attacks 11/20
- EIA: U.S. crude stocks fall on higher demand, fuel inventories rise 11/20

