Environment & Safety
HP Impact: Poll says US citizens want more solar, wind and natural gas
No fewer than two in three US citizens want the country to put more emphasis on producing domestic energy using solar power (76%), wind (71%) and natural gas (65%). Far fewer want to emphasize the pro..
HP Innovations: Innovations
Membrane element improves gas processingUOP's new Separex Flux+ membrane element is designed to increase natural gas processing capacity, compared with existing technology, allowing producers to captu..
Overflow systems are the last line of defense
The overflow system is the last line of defense against the excessive container filling. An overflow system consists of an overflow nozzle with internal and/or external piping and, in some cases, a si..
Enbridge offers online training to first responders on pipeline emergencies
The online training program features 3-D, interactive graphics to help first responders better visualize response to pipeline incidents. Content includes the basics of gas and crude pipeline operations, how to safely handle products transported by pipelines and emergency response tactics.
Union workers threaten strike at ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown
About 850 union employees could halt work on June 15 at the 584,000-bpd refinery unless new contract language is agreed to. The USW has raised concerns about safety in Baytown since June 2011, after a worker suffered burns on 25% of his body because of a problem with a steam vent valve.
Neste Oil to upgrade heaters at Porvoo refinery
As part of the investment, fired heaters at the refinery's crude distillation unit will be replaced with new-generation heaters, which Neste says will help ensure more consistent, incident-free operations at the site and yield annual energy savings worth an estimated €4 million.
Chevron begins restart of Richmond refinery CDU
The crude distillation unit (CDU) was shuttered last Aug. 6 when a leak in associated piping caused a major fire. Other plants at the refinery have been operating at reduced rates since then.
Two fuel barges explode in Alabama; three injured
Early indications were that a spark ignited residual gasoline vapors while a crew was cleaning the barges, said Lt. Mike Clausen of the US Coast Guard, which was still conducting an investigation late Thursday. "That's where the investigation is currently leading," he said.
Praxair installs new emissions control technology at Valero Oklahoma refinery
Praxair says its proprietary CONOx system is a practical, low-capital cost technology for refiners searching for a way to reduce emissions. It also allows refiners more flexibility to modify the operation of the FCC unit as needed while ensuring FCC limits are always being met.
Ammonia tank sparks massive Texas explosion
The West Fertilizer Co. plant caught fire and exploded late Wednesday, killing up to 15 people, injuring at least 160 and destroying dozens of homes and businesses. The facility was located close to homes and an apartment complex, where many of the injuries occurred, according to reports.
- AVTL to develop ammonia terminal in Pipavav, India 6/20
- Chevron seeks buyers for 50% stake in Singapore refinery 6/20
- Asian refiners seek more Mideast oil after spot premiums jump on Israel-Iran conflict 6/20
- Mexican authorities discover clandestine mini-refinery in crackdown of illegal hydrocarbon trade 6/20
- Italy's Eni eyes new unit to manage oil refineries 6/20
- Inatech's Techoil implemented by Flint Hills Resources for a modern, integrated future 6/20
