Middle East
Troubleshoot and optimize debutanizer columns in hydrocrackers
Saudi Aramco’s Riyadh refinery operates a series-flow, single-stage hydrocracking unit (HCU) in recycle high-conversion mode. The unit underwent a revamp in 1983 and presently processes a mixture..
Case history: New developments with lower catalyst-to-feed ratios for FCC units
A study was conducted using a series of FCC catalysts that included reduced rare-earth content and increased zeolite Y quantity systems. The goal was to raise gasoline yield along with greater yields of olefins.
How to select the ‘best’ fired heater for your operations
With the fluctuation of natural gas pricing, it is important to evaluate technically feasible solutions and choose the most economical alternative. Ultimately, this leads to a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
Successfully design fired heaters using ultra-low-NOx burners
Recent environmental regulations mandate that refinery and petrochemical industries reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Emissions legislations are constantly under review, and they differ from coun..
Can process automation increase energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency doesn’t imply producing less to reduce energy consumptions, but rather improving plant productivity and effectiveness, allowing plants to produce the same amount of product with fewer resources.
Tune up the ‘sweetening’ process for your facility
Novel catalysts can improve the oxidation of thiols (RSH) found in light oils. Thiols in petroleum products, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and light straight-run naphtha (LSRN), usually found ..
Optimize crude preheat train to balance efficiency and operability
Critical attention must be paid when designing the crude distillation unit (CDU) preheat train. Many pitfalls can easily lead to unnecessary expenditures or unsatisfactory operations. Key design crite..
Are you using pinch technology effectively in your daily operations?—Part 1
Pinch technology is the most rigorous, systematic and best documented methodology for process design.1–3 Nearly all optimization projects for heat recovery are conducted with some form of pinch a..
HP Reliability: Gain more flexibility with special liners for reciprocating compressor cylinders
By changing only the crank-end head, piston and rod assembly, the same cylinder body can be mounted on any of the common 5-in. to 7-in. stroke compressor frames that have been manufactured in the last five decades.
HP Viewpoint: Brief overview of India’s upstream
Over the last few decades, the Indian upstream sector has evolved through three different regulatory regimes—nomination, pre-new exploration licensing policy (NELP)/limited bid rounds and, finall..
- INEOS to invest €250 MM in Lavera cracker modernization project in France 11/19
- BASF adds ISCC EU certification to certified biomass-balanced methanol portfolio 11/19
- Siam Cement to invest an additional $500 MM in Long Son chemical complex 11/19
- LanzaJet produces first jet fuel from ethanol at a commercial scale 11/19
- Ducor Petrochemicals, Blue Circle Olefins partner to create a fully circular supply chain for polypropylene 11/18
- World's first: Air Liquide’s innovative technology converts ammonia into hydrogen at industrial scale 11/18

