Maintenance & Reliability
Process Controls, Instrumentation and Automation: Improved methods for trace element analysis of challenging petrochemical samples
There is no doubt that the purpose of refining crude oils into natural raw materials is crucial to produce a vast array of fuels and products used in our daily lives.
Reliability: Disregarding storage preservation has consequences
As a rule, equipment to be installed at a plant site initially arrives at an outdoor storage yard.
Business Trends: Executives’ focus on lean management leaves companies exposed to risk during crises
In the wake of an extraordinary year marred by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the author’s company released the results of its 2021 Operational Risk Management Survey<sup>1</sup> of executives, a barometer of the topics that dominate boardroom discussions around the world.
Mitigation actions to prevent vibration during factory tests of SAGD boiler feedwater pumps
The most vital information on the condition of boiler feedwater (BFW) pumps is vibration.
How one analyzer technology can improve a semi-regenerative catalytic reforming process
Going back to the earliest days of the industry, oil refiners have found that breaking down crude oil into marketable fractions does not always result in high volumes of the most profitable products.
Impact plant performance by improving the steam system
Petrochemical plants and refineries face production and profitability challenges on multiple fronts.
Digital: Digital twin for refinery production optimization
Digitalization is fundamental to Repsol’s strategy for the future.
Reliability: Houston: We have another problem
The state of understanding science and facts on one side and distinguishing these from anecdotes and far-fetched opinions on the other side, should be concerning to us.
Editorial Comment: In pursuit of operational excellence: A thank you from Hydrocarbon Processing
In late September, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> hosted the International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC).
Vertically suspended molten sulfur pumping challenges and best practices
The objective of this article is to share industry experience related to the reliability challenges with vertically suspended molten sulfur pumps. Due to the operating temperatures and the unique chemical properties of sulfur, several operational and reliability challenges are inherently present across the industry.

- China's Shandong Yulong Petrochemicals to invest > $16 B to incorporate petrochemicals production at Yantai refinery 7/30
- Supertanker delivers oil to sanctioned Nayara Energy's Vadinar refinery 7/30
- Update: Microsoft restores services to Russia-backed Nayara Energy 7/30
- U.S. crude stocks and distillate inventories rise, gasoline inventories fall 7/30
- Mexico exports 39% less crude oil in June, refining and fuel production increase significantly 7/30
- CLG and INA successfully produce SAF from biogenic feedstock 7/29