Economics
Improve the isomerization of alkanes by catalytic distillation
The isomerization of light gasoline fractions is crucial to producing high-octane fuels and to reducing the benzene content in gasoline. One of the most promising options for isomerization is catalytic distillation.
A biofuels roadmap for Europe to 2030
What will the transport sector use as an energy source in 2030? If you answered gas, electricity or hydrogen, you could be on the right track. These sources are becoming increasingly useful to meet cl..
Consider robust tank overfill prevention and independent alarm and gauging systems
Elimination of tank overfills is a significant problem for the petroleum industry. Since most tank receiving operations are manual, the operators rely heavily on tank level gauges and alarms for overf..
Project management: Construction of modern-day hydrogen capacity in the Middle East
Refining heavier and high-sulfur crude oils consumes high volumes of hydrogen (H2). Most refineries have exhausted process-based H2 supplies and must use on-purpose sources. This article follows the d..
HP Editorial Comment: What’s next for the energy industry?
Year-end always leads to insightful predictions for the upcoming 12 months and possibly some longer-term insights. In writing this editorial at the end of December, HP reviewed several 2014 outlooks t..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 77: Random deck vibration with beats
When something vibrates, it is usually in a predictable manner. Motors, pumps, compressors, turbines and centrifuges all vibrate when they are out of balance. Vibration analysis can help predict the s..
HP Industry Perspectives: New crude oil supplies stabilize oil prices
A new US Energy Information Administration (EIA) report highlighted a positive trend unfolding within the global energy market. The rise in US crude oil production has greatly contributed to stabilizi..
HP News
US senator suggests lifting ban on oil exports    The Trans-Alaskan pipeline terminus in Valdez, Alaska. Photo courtesy of The Center for Land Use Interpretation. Senator Lisa Murk..
Update on ambient heat transfer for storage tanks
Heat gain from ambient or heat loss to atmosphere is discussed in standards and technical publications.1, 2 However, the work on fluid/ambient thermal interactions rarely includes an important factor&..
Update on lubrication systems
Several case histories illustrate the pros and cons for maintaining rotating equipment under various plant conditions.Example 1In late May 2013, a US oil-mist provider in one of the Great Lakes states..

- Orlen signs 1-yr deal with Equinor for supply of 15% oil it uses 8/29
- Novatek partially resumed processing at Ust-Luga complex 8/29
- Phillips 66 to begin winding down Los Angeles-area refinery next week 8/29
- Update: Mexico's Minatitlan refinery back online, Olmeca still down 8/29
- SIBUR produces test batch of first hexane plant in Russia 8/28
- Universal Fuel Technologies’ SAF accepted into ASTM Clearinghouse for qualification 8/28