Polymers
A new liquid-phase isomerization process for xylene loop debottleneck and energy savings
In a typical xylene loop, C<sub>8</sub> aromatics are fractionated out of a heavy reformate C<sub>8</sub>+ aromatics stream and collected in the xylene column overhead. Then, paraxylene (PX) from the C<sub>8</sub> aromatics stream is recovered as product—usually by an adsorption or crystallization process—in the PX recovery section.
HP Top Project Awards
The editors of <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> have identified nine projects that are anticipated to significantly impact the global or regional downstream industries. The winners and nominees of the HP Top Project awards will have a considerable impact on the HPI, whether through CAPEX, satisfying domestic or regional demand, diversifying product offerings, or adding to the resurgence in refining and/or petrochemical processing capacity.
Construction
Total plans to take a final investment decision (FID) on the Nigeria LNG expansion project by the end of this year. If greenlighted, the 7-MMtpy LNG train would increase the Bonny Island LNG terminal’s capacity to nearly 30 MMtpy. If built, Train 7 is expected to be operational by 2023.
Editorial Comment: Honoring the industry’s best … take 2!
Due to Tropical Storm Imelda, Hydrocarbon Processing issued its first force majeure in postponing the third annual HP Awards.
Hydrocarbon Processing Awards Winners
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing,</i> the downstream processing sector’s leading technical publication, has announced the winners for its third annual awards. The <i>HP</i> Awards celebrate innovative technologies and people that have been instrumental in improving facility operations over the past year.
Business Trends: One downstream—Strategic imperatives for the evolving refining and chemical sectors
Downstream executives will remember the present decade as a golden age for the industry, driven by low feedstock prices and healthy end-use demand.
Editorial Comment: Hydrocarbon Processing’s 2019 Top Project award nominees revealed
It’s that time again! <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> has announced the nominees for its annual Top Project awards.
Business Trends: Crude-to-chemicals—An opportunity or threat?
For most oil refiners and chemical producers, the need to improve margins and remain competitive has never been greater.
Hydrocarbon Processing Awards
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing,</i> the downstream processing sector’s leading technical publication, has announced the finalists for its third annual awards.
Editorial Comment: A shift in capital? Petrochemical projects take lead in active project market share
In mid-June, I joined Thad Pittman, Senior Research Analyst, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database, to provide <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> subscribers with a global analysis on the downstream processing industry’s capital projects landscape.

- 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