Management
Automation Strategies: Drive maximum asset capability with operational technologies
Owner-operators across the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) strive to gain maximum business value from their process plant assets. Here, automation assets and other operational technology (OT) typically play a major role.
Modularization: The key to success in today’s market
The world economic order is rapidly changing. A transition is underway, led by the sudden collapse of crude oil and natural gas prices. Here, the pros and cons of modularization vs. field construction are outlined.
Managing complex changeover processes for integrated cracking furnace safety
Cracking furnace operations (e.g., for the steam cracking of naphtha feedstock into olefins) are an essential part of hydrocarbon (HC) refining; however, they are known to be potentially dangerous and complex to manage.
Viewpoint: Create a culture of safety: Protecting people while boosting your bottom line
Implementing safety best practices helps reduce employee risk, which helps minimize the number of workplace accidents and ensures compliance with industry and government regulations.
Useful tips for a successful HAZOP study
The products we use on a daily basis comprise a variety of chemicals.
Project Management: Performance excellence culture improves processes, giving lasting results
In the downstream industry, where production is at an all-time high and uncompromised safety is imperative, plant owners and operators are responding by implementing the latest time-saving technologies and systems to automate and improve human processes.
People
Abdulaziz F. Alkhayyal has been elected to the board of directors of Marathon Petroleum Corp., increasing the board’s size to 11.
Use dynamic simulation to maximize plant operating performance
The oil and gas industry has witnessed seismic downward shifts in barrel prices and uplifts in market competitiveness.
Monitor medium-voltage switchgear in refineries
When medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) in a refinery fails, it can force a process unit or even an entire refinery to shut down.
Use process knowledge management systems to accelerate innovation
The amount of stored digital data is doubling every two years, and the rate of data acquisition is close to exceeding our ability to process it and sort out what is valuable.

- Kumho Mitsui Chemicals begins operation of chlor-alkali plant using thyssenkrupp nucera technology 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
- Israel's Oil Refineries says pipelines, transmission lines in Haifa damaged in strikes by Iran 6/16