Petrochemicals

Harness the power of asset performance management to transform reliability

As the energy industry navigates the shifting energy landscape and macroeconomic uncertainties, it must adopt collaborative and innovative solutions to enhance the productivity and quality of value chain operations, while also remaining focused on efficiency improvement projects that protect the bottom line. Spurred by this need for increased resilience and recent advancements in artificial intelligence, the market is seeing growth in the deployment of asset performance management (APM) solutions.

Improve plant maintenance programs by keeping CUI in check

If not adequately addressed, corrosion under insulation (CUI) has dangerous and costly consequences, including a greater risk of heat losses, increased energy usage, unplanned downtime, leaks and spills.

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins—Part 2

Part 1 of this article appeared in the February issue. Part 2 here will explore the role of FCC and hydrocracking in crude-to-chemicals and the challenge of cracked feeds, among other topics. 

Driving operational excellence: Integrate digital solutions for a smarter supply chain

Siloed systems lead to isolated data and inefficiencies in decision-making due to a lack of visibility. To address these challenges, the authors' company built a strategic digital command and control center. The goal was to resolve daily operational issues by integrating various systems into a unified data ecosystem, enabling real-time, integrated decision-making and driving operational excellence.

Phase-gate process for optimal turnaround performance: Long-range turnaround planning

The volume of turnaround (TAR) work in a limited physical space and within a compressed timeframe presents challenges for securing the required qualified workforce and ensuring quality control and health, safety and environment. For these reasons, excellent TAR planning is critical for successful outcomes. 

Ningbo Refining & Chemical awards ECI a technology licensing contract for an EVA/LDPE plant in China

ECI Group announced a contract award from Ningbo Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited (NZRCC) for a 200,000-tpy EVA/LDPE plant using ECI Group’s proprietary hybrid reactor technology.

Fitesa to use Braskem's I'm green bio-based polyethylene grade for nonwovens

Braskem and Fitesa, one of the world's largest nonwoven manufacturers, announced the use of Braskem's I'm green bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) designed specifically for nonwoven applications.

SIBUR preparing to produce heat-resistant polyethylene in Kazan

Russian petrochemical group SIBUR has begun developing production of PE-RT, or polyethylene with raised temperature resistance, at its Kazanorgsintez plant, the company said.

MAIRE announces awards for an overall value of approximately €900 MM

MAIRE announced that its subsidiaries TECNIMONT and KT-Kinetics Technology have been granted additional works of previously announced orders and new awards for a total amount of approximately €900 MM.

INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Carbon tax and high energy costs are killing off manufacturing in Britain