Engineering & Design

Manage reliability and asset management performance by implementing a reliable operations committee program

This article examines how the author's company instituted a reliable operations committee program at its refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the program is to oversee the implementation and performance of maintenance and reliability programs to ensure a culture of optimum reliability and endorse new initiatives and programs that enhance maintenance performance in the facility.

Improve plant maintenance programs by keeping CUI in check

If not adequately addressed, corrosion under insulation (CUI) has dangerous and costly consequences, including a greater risk of heat losses, increased energy usage, unplanned downtime, leaks and spills.

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins—Part 2

Part 1 of this article appeared in the February issue. Part 2 here will explore the role of FCC and hydrocracking in crude-to-chemicals and the challenge of cracked feeds, among other topics. 

Heat exchanger modifications during hydrocracking and lube oil basestock units’ revamp at BPCL’s Mumbai refinery

This article provides insights into several possibilities for modifying heat exchangers that will help refinery owners/operators and consultants to plan similar revamp activities. 

Sizing PRVs for homogeneous non-equilibrium saturated flashing liquids

Driving operational excellence: Integrate digital solutions for a smarter supply chain

Siloed systems lead to isolated data and inefficiencies in decision-making due to a lack of visibility. To address these challenges, the authors' company built a strategic digital command and control center. The goal was to resolve daily operational issues by integrating various systems into a unified data ecosystem, enabling real-time, integrated decision-making and driving operational excellence.

Phase-gate process for optimal turnaround performance: Long-range turnaround planning

The volume of turnaround (TAR) work in a limited physical space and within a compressed timeframe presents challenges for securing the required qualified workforce and ensuring quality control and health, safety and environment. For these reasons, excellent TAR planning is critical for successful outcomes. 

The role of coatings in the transition to renewable feedstocks

One often overlooked aspect of the shift to renewable feedstocks involves the critical role of coatings in protecting infrastructure. While advanced coatings have long supported the industry, new innovations must address the evolving demands of renewable feedstocks. These enhanced coatings will safeguard infrastructure from the more aggressive chemical environments introduced by renewable feedstocks, ensuring long-term durability and operational efficiency. 

First European-built offshore CO2 carrier to be christened and launched on May 14

The completion of Europe’s first offshore carbon dioxide (CO2) carrier marks a pivotal milestone in the energy transition and the advancement of carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure within Europe.

Ningbo Refining & Chemical awards ECI a technology licensing contract for an EVA/LDPE plant in China

ECI Group announced a contract award from Ningbo Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited (NZRCC) for a 200,000-tpy EVA/LDPE plant using ECI Group’s proprietary hybrid reactor technology.