Equipment
Consider pitot tube pumps for low-flow, high-head applications
Low-flow, high-head pumping requirements in refining and petrochemical plants make up less than 2% of the total pump population. This minor percentage is creating significant reliability concerns, which result in low mean-time between failures (MTBF), as well as high maintenance costs.
Reliability: Dry gas sealing technology replaces segmented carbon rings in small steam turbines
Since the late 1800s, small steam turbines have incorporated bushing-type, single-piece and/or segmented carbon gland components to reduce and prevent steam leakage along the shaft.
Migrating from Fortran to ISA S-88
A major refiner operates two catalytic reforming units for gasoline octane improvement and aromatics production in Texas. In each of these units, five reactors filled with catalyst are operated continuously in series to reform paraffinic hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen (H2). During this process, some byproduct coke is unavoidably produced and deposits on the catalyst, which leads to gradual catalyst deactivation.
Advancing export terminal technology: An optimized process for the refrigeration of cryogenic hydrocarbons
Ethane production in North America (NA) has expanded dramatically with the onset of shale production and associated hydraulic fracturing. Ethane concentrations in fractured shale gas are typically 10% or higher vs. a traditional range of 4%–7% in associated gas.
Maximizing energy efficiency in paraxylene production—Part 2
Due to reduced margins, higher energy costs and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide content, energy efficiency has never been more important in refining and petrochemicals. This is particularly true in the modern aromatics complex, which produces paraxylene (pX), benzene and other aromatics from naphtha.
Case histories of amine plant equipment corrosion problems–Part 2
Past corrosion incidents provide insight into the causes of corrosion and the preventive actions required to protect plant equipment and reduce costly plant downtime.
Incorporate assurance into an operational readiness program—Part 1
This two-part article will examine how to address common issues on large projects, and how to make an ordered, structured transition in a systematic and repeatable way.<sup>a</sup>
Construction—The cornerstone of a successful project
Construction is essentially a cyclical business.
Burckhardt Compression awarded revamp contract at PAZ refinery
The Israeli government tightened its health, safety and environment (HSE) regulations so that they now reflect the highest level in this field. As a result, PAZ Ashdod Refinery had to revamp their existing process gas compressors for hydrogen application in order to be compliant with the new strict HSE standards.
Innovations
ABB has introduced a new MID/OIML R117 certified high-accuracy CoriolisMaster Coriolis mass flowmeter for custody transfer applications in the oil and gas industry (FIG. 1).
- px Group signs LOIs for major SAF and green hydrogen/ammonia projects in Europe 6/19
- How TotalEnergies is utilizing hydrogen to decarbonize its refineries in Europe 6/19
- Oil tanker market signals more Middle East energy disruption ahead 6/19
- Yokogawa collaborates with Shell on robotics and AI technology for plant maintenance 6/19
- Alder Process Technology uses APS to produce low-carbon marine fuels 6/19
- Yokogawa celebrates 50th anniversary of CENTUM DCS: A pioneering achievement 6/19
