Environment & Safety
Managing complex changeover processes for integrated cracking furnace safety
Cracking furnace operations (e.g., for the steam cracking of naphtha feedstock into olefins) are an essential part of hydrocarbon (HC) refining; however, they are known to be potentially dangerous and complex to manage.
Viewpoint: Create a culture of safety: Protecting people while boosting your bottom line
Implementing safety best practices helps reduce employee risk, which helps minimize the number of workplace accidents and ensures compliance with industry and government regulations.
Useful tips for a successful HAZOP study
The products we use on a daily basis comprise a variety of chemicals.
Editorial Comment: Unintended regulatory consequences: Lessons learned
Over my 40-yr professional career in the oil and gas processing, refining and petrochemical industries, I have seen many well-intended government regulations completely backfire, cause irrational responses or get lip service.
Several injured, some missing after explosion at BASF German chemical plant
At least two people died and six were severely injured in an explosion and fire at chemicals maker BASF's biggest production site in Germany.
EPA fines Eco Services Corp. for sulfur dioxide leak
The EPA has reached a settlement with Eco Services Operations Corp., located in Carson, Calif., for violations of federal laws related to a large release of 65,049 pounds of sulfur dioxide in 2013.
Monitor medium-voltage switchgear in refineries
When medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) in a refinery fails, it can force a process unit or even an entire refinery to shut down.
Innovations
Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.
Emerson to acquire UK-based Permasense Ltd.
Emerson has agreed to acquire UK-based Permasense Ltd., a provider of non-intrusive corrosion monitoring technologies for heavy industries, including refining, chemical, and pipelines.
Wika reduces risk of undetected diaphragm ruptures
Wika’s PG43SA-D diaphragm pressure gauge is unique in featuring an integrated diaphragm monitoring and eliminates the risk of an undetected diaphragm rupture.
- Ketjen announces pricing adjustment for hydroprocessing catalysts effective January 15, 2026 1/9
- Germany's Uniper nears agreement to buy green ammonia from India 1/9
- Digital Exclusive—Valve maintenance: An open and shut case? 1/9
- Serbia's Russian-owned NIS refiner buys first crude since U.S. sanctions waiver 1/9
- U.S. refiner Marathon Petroleum says it will be bidding for Venezuelan crude oil 1/9
- Shell flags chemicals and products unit loss, raising doubts over $3.5 B buyback 1/8
