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).
- 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
