Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Europe

Total reports record European refining margin indicator in third quarter

Total, Europe's biggest refiner, said its European refining margins indicator (ERMI) rose to $54.8/ton in the third quarter of 2015. That's up from $54.1 in the previous quarter.

Global petrochemical prices fall to six-year lows

Petrochemical prices, expressed as a monthly average, fell $102/ton from August to $786/ton in September. This is the second straight month where the average price has fallen over $100.

Shell to install German hydrogen-fueling network

The hydrogen-fueling development is part of an effort to accelerate the growth in Europe of this low-carbon alternative transport fuel, according to Shell officials.

Total chooses Axens’ VGO technology to expand Donges refinery in France

The new vacuum gasoil (VGO) hydrodesulfurization unit is designed to process around 40,000 bpd, and it will allow Total to produce more low-sulfur fuels, thus meeting new EU specs.

Improve refinery margins with new crude selection concept

Statoil Refining Denmark: Knudsen, P. U.
Frontline Systems, Inc.: Maleki, S.

A refinery with an active crude selection strategy encompassing dedicated staff, preapproval of all new crudes and an updated crude acceptance window can gain $0.5/bbl–$1/bbl vs. a more passive strategy.

Maintaining gas system accuracy and reliability through calibration

AURA Gas Controls: Dickerson, D.

In the process industries, laser-based analytical techniques have emerged as a popular method of examining process line samples because of their high level of durability, fast response time and minimal maintenance requirements.

Managing the recovery from the Jaipur oil terminal fire

Oil Industry Safety Directorate: Dutta, H.

In October 2009, a devastating fire at the oil terminal in Jaipur, India, killed 11 people, injured many more and incurred a significant financial loss.

HP Automation Strategies: APC technology adapts quickly to economic changes

AspenTech: Singh, T.

With significant fluctuations in feedstock and energy prices, making economic changes quickly is vital to capitalize on the most profitable assets.

HP Industry Metrics

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

High US refinery utilization rates have continued, encouraged by strong gasoline demand amid lower crude prices.

Varied solutions to the challenges of sulfur management

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

As governments impose progressively stringent limits on the sulfur content of fuels, the refining industry and the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) are increasing their focus on sulfur removal to maximize profits from sulfur-rich oil and gas resources.