Maintenance & Reliability
Examination of design temperature allowance on creep range piping
This article delves into the effects of providing standard design temperature allowances for piping systems operating in the creep range. The aim of examining this practice is to enhance the understanding of its implications for pipe engineering.
SMR feed effluent hairpin exchanger: Once upon a time—An unusual thermal mix-point failure—Part 1
This article presents a review of a failure that happened in a hairpin heat exchanger type on the shell side in a hydrogen (H2) reformer unit. This mechanism was not identified during the design phase and led to a failure after only two years of operation. This article also reviews the situations encountered during the design stage and how they affected the material selection.
Refinery/petrochemical makeup water treatment: A general guide for technical personnel—Part 3
A very important—and sometimes overlooked—unit operation within hydrocarbon processing facilities is makeup water treatment for steam generators and other processes. Many cases have been documented in which makeup system upsets have led to boiler tube failures that partially or completely shut down unit processes. The three parts of this article (August, September and October 2024) serve as a guide for those employees who may be on a steep learning curve when it comes to makeup system understanding.
Shell restarting hydrocracker at Louisiana refinery (U.S.)
Shell began restarting the diesel-producing hydrocracker (HCU) at its 233,702-bpd refinery in Norco, Louisiana.
Oil exports from Russia's western ports to fall 13% in Nov. as refinery maintenance ends
Russia's crude oil exports from its three main western ports will drop by 13% in November from the previous month to 1.95 MMbpd (or some 8 MM tonnes) as refinery maintenance season is over.
Iraq's Kerbala refinery to operate at 50% in coming days
Iraq's Kerbala refinery will operate at around 50% capacity in the coming days. The refinery will process around 60,000 bpd as four of its eight heat exchanger units will stay offline for extensive maintenance
Ampol to carry out further maintenance at Lytton, 3Q output plunges
Ampol, Australia's top fuel retailer, said on Tuesday it would undertake further maintenance at its Lytton refinery next month after the company reported a sharp drop in 3Q output, sending its shares to a 21-month low.
Russia's idle oil refining capacity revised up 10% for October
Russia plans to take offline 4.4 MM tonnes of refining capacity in October, an increase of 10% from an earlier plan, increasing the amount of crude oil available for export.
Fulkrum diversifies its service portfolio with new offerings
Fulkrum, a leader in inspection, expediting, auditing and technical staffing services has expanded its service portfolio with the introduction of new offerings: Asset Integrity Management (AIM) services.
Orlen's Lithuanian Mazeikiai oil refinery undergoing October maintenance
Orlen's Mazeikiai oil refinery in Lithuania is undergoing October maintenance works on several of its units.

- LyondellBasell to sell select European petrochemical assets to AEQUITA 6/9
- Shell reports June 4 fire at ethylene cracker plant in Pennsylvania (U.S.) 6/9
- Plug Power, Allied Green Ammonia partner for $5.5-B, 2-GW electrolyzer project to produce SAF, green urea and green diesel 6/9
- Carbon Clean, MODEC to accelerate the scale-up of CycloneCC for offshore carbon capture 6/9
- Ebara Elliott Energy signs high-speed balancing bunker agreement to expand Middle East footprint 6/9
- Rotork joins Rockwell Automation’s Technology Partner Program 6/9