Maintenance & Reliability
Failure analysis of a steam–hydrocarbon reformer
Catalyst and tube performance should be monitored to prevent problems
HP Reliability: HPIn Reliability
Deviations add up to become exponential failure risks
Improve vertical reboiler piping analysis
Vertical reboilers (shell-and-tube heat exchangers) are widely used in the petrochemical industry for performing the necessary vaporization function for various types of distillation columns/separatio..
Optimum specification and quality requirements for pressure vessels
Most pressure vessels are custom designed because of the specific requirements of the process. Depending on the service conditions, some of these vessels will fall under the category of lethal service..
HP Reliability: When is a good practice a bad practice
For years, it has been our contention that root-cause failure analysis (RCFA) is a skill that must be taught, absorbed and consistently practiced. We certainly concur with the CEO of an RCFA training ..
Case 36: Pipe bowing stresses due to thermal differences
A pipe partially filled with a hot cycling fluid can cause weld failures
Selecting turbine oil filtration systems
Follow these guidelines to improve reliability
HP Reliability: Win or lose – it's the customer's choice
This January marks the 30th anniversary of the article on eliminating cooling water from general-purpose pumps and drivers.1 The article documented why, in the early and mid-1970s, many of the world's..
Multiobjective genetic algorithms optimize maintenance
Overall equipment effectiveness and cost criteria are considered
HP Reliability: Avoid three-dimensional compressor impeller failures
 Fig. 1     Three-dimensional impeller with integral blading being machined (Source: Babcock-Borsig, Berlin, Germany Cl..
- 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

