Refining
Global: The slow closing of Africa’s refining technology gap
Technology gaps in the crude oil refining sector of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are making it difficult for crude oil processing plants to achieve energy efficiency, produce high-quality products or adhere to international carbon emissions requirements.
Refining: Use of Alloy 400 for hydrofluoric acid corrosion in a refinery alkylation unit
Alkylation units can be based on sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid as a catalyst.
Editorial Comment: Is the refining market oversupplied, or is the capacity needed?
Over the past two years, the editorial comment in our September issue has focused on the topic of overcapacity in the global refining sector.
Upgrade the ALARP model as a holistic approach to project risk and decision management
The ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) model was developed by the UK Health and Safety Executive to establish and justify risk acceptability limits.
Dividing wall column applications in FCC naphtha splitter columns
Dividing wall column (DWC) technology is becoming more widely accepted throughout the process industries as a means to increase efficiency and reduce capital and energy costs.
HF alkylation conversion is finally within reach—Part 1
Because of its clean-fuel properties (paraffinic, high octane, low vapor pressure and very low sulfur), alkylate is considered one of the most desired components in the gasoline pool.
Iron poisoning investigations enable opportunities for success
The function of fluid catalytic cracking units (FCCUs) is to maximize profits from a given barrel of oil.
FCC collector tray leaks impact column operation
In the collective experience of the authors, one of the most troublesome pieces of refinery fractionation equipment is the collector tray.
China's teapot plants form new club to beat rivals
BEIJING (Reuters) — A group of independent Chinese oil refiners is clubbing together to survive an onslaught by state-owned giants and the rise of private chemical giants, but industry analysts said the new alliance may find it hard to stick.
Harvey may pinch some Gulf Coast refining, chemical projects
NEW YORK/HOUSTON (Reuters) — Oil and petrochemical plants along the US Gulf Coast intend to go ahead with plans for near record spending on expansions next year, despite Hurricane Harvey driving up labor costs and slowing work, experts said.
- XRG to expand its global chemicals reach with takeover of Covestro 11/21
- thyssenkrupp Uhde selected by Dangote Fertilizer Ltd. to license four urea granulation units in Nigeria 11/21
- Indian and Chinese refineries are moving to comply with U.S. sanctions on Russia 11/21
- 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

