Greenhouse Gases
Improving resource efficiency of industrial processes with TOP-REF methodology—Part 1
The processing industry consumes significant amounts of resources, such as materials and energy, to produce valuable goods for society.
Technical considerations for the Heydar Aliyev refinery revamp
The following case study describes the early development phases of SOCAR’s ongoing major revamp project at the Heydar Aliyev Refinery (HAR) in Baku, Azerbaijan, and its interface with the associated Azerikimya (AZK) steam cracking complex near Sumgait. References are made to the related SOCAR polymer project in Sumgayit, as well.
Business Trends: A strategic energy solution
Refining is the process of separating crude oil into different hydrocarbon groups through distillation.
Hydrocarbon Processing Awards
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i>, the downstream processing sector’s leading technical publication, has announced the finalists for its second annual awards.
Viewpoint: Toward a world of cleaner fuels
Fuel is a necessary requirement of global economic development.
Viewpoint: Electric vehicles vs. the perfect battery
It is no surprise that electric vehicles (EVs) are getting a lot more attention, now that carmakers have announced plans to increase production of them.
Industry Metrics
Reduced refinery output caused by planned and unplanned refinery outages, and record-breaking gasoline export levels and strong diesel inventory drawdowns, drove US margins to a record 3-yr high in April.
Novel FCC technologies based on reaction chemistry of catalytic cracking
The increased use of opportunity crude oils in refinery processing, the growing demand for light fuel, and the efficient conversion of petroleum resources to refined fuels and basic chemical raw materials have become the basis of green and low-carbon refining technology developments.
Energy losses from the radiant firebox wall of pyrolysis furnaces
The steam cracking unit is highly energy demanding, requiring high-severity pyrolysis furnaces to break the carbon-carbon bonds, as well as high pressure for the purification of its products.
Editorial Comment: The future of refining—sulfur need not apply
According to multiple industry reports, crude oil consumption will continue to increase over the short term.

- Kumho Mitsui Chemicals begins operation of chlor-alkali plant using thyssenkrupp nucera technology 6/16
- MAIRE, Azerbaijan partner to increase sustainability projects in Azerbaijan 6/16
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, RITE partner to convert captured CO2 into methanol 6/16
- Yara Clean Ammonia supports groundbreaking ammonia bunkering pilot in Pilbara (Australia) 6/16
- Syensqo signs carbon fiber composites recycling contract with Fairmat 6/16
- OCI Global receives U.S. regulatory approval for the sale of its global methanol business to Methanex Corp. 6/16