Refining
Why robotic process automation is quickly becoming a must for downstream companies
For the refining operation that wants to relieve its planning team of mind-numbing manual data-management tasks, there are bots for that.
History of the HPI: The 1930s: Catalytic cracking, polyethylene, synthetic fibers, resins and jet engines
The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) has a rich history of discovery, challenges, breakthroughs, trial and error, collaboration and success. <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> continues its reflection on the history of the HPI.
Process Controls, Instrumentation and Automation: Reduce maintenance costs by optimizing pressure transmitter calibration intervals
Pressure instrumentation is crucial for the functionality and safety of hydrocarbon processing facilities worldwide.
Executive Viewpoint: What is the future for the HPI?
<i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> sat down with Helion Sardina (HS), Chief Commercial Officer, Lummus Technology.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 115: A method for analyzing catastrophic type failures
A portion of my consulting career involved investigating catastrophic type failures on machines, pressure vessels and structures in the industry.
Case study: Challenges in the selection of a helical baffled exchanger
In a greenfield project, a proprietary heat exchanger<sup>a</sup> has been found to be preferable to conventional shell-and-tube (S&T) exchangers to optimize the total lifecycle cost (i.e., capital, operating, installation and maintenance costs).
Reliability: Resourcefulness solves problems
In the now almost 32 yr since this monthly column was first published, we have had more than a few occasions to highlight the pitfalls of trial-and-error solutions in plants that process toxic, flammable or explosive materials.
Web-based software for predicting crude compatibility and optimization for increasing heavy oil processing
Refineries in oil-importing nations typically process a blend of crude oils, rather than a single crude oil, to ensure that an optimum product mix can be obtained at the minimum costs.
Editorial Comment: Adoption of digital technologies is a mainstay in the HPI
A few years ago, <i>Hydrocarbon Processing</i> started to include digital technologies in its monthly article focus.
Optimize refining operations using plant digital twin based on molecular modeling
A new era of the energy revolution has arrived with the rapid growth of innovative technologies that utilize alternative energy resources, such as electricity, solar, wind and hydrogen, and an increasing demand for sustainable use of natural resources.
- China's first coal-to-chemicals project with green hydrogen starts commercial operations 11/20
- Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem partner to turn captured carbon into long-lasting products 11/20
- Nigeria's Dangote refinery delays CDU maintenance to end of January 2026 11/20
- Technimont attends ground-breaking ceremony of Tengiz Gas separation Complex in Kazakhstan 11/20
- 42% of U.S. energy/critical infrastructure providers exposed to weaponized AI and email attacks 11/20
- EIA: U.S. crude stocks fall on higher demand, fuel inventories rise 11/20
