Refining
Lessons learned in commercial scale-up of new chemical processes
Commercializing a new chemical process can be as simple as installing one or more homogenous batch reactor(s), or as complex as designing a fully integrated chemical complex requiring one or more heterogeneous reaction steps processing gas, liquid and/or solids, with other units required to prepare feeds, recover products/byproducts and recycle streams.
Monitor medium-voltage switchgear in refineries
When medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) in a refinery fails, it can force a process unit or even an entire refinery to shut down.
The effect of various parameters on tray point efficiency
Distillation as a volatilities-based process is used to separate components of a mixture to a liquid phase richer in less volatile components, and a vapor phase richer in more volatile components.
Remove sulfur and nitrogen from liquid hydrocarbons with absorption process
Adsorption is a well-known and simple separation technique finding application in water treatment, specialty chemicals production, gas separation and removal of trace impurities.
Build a diesel fuel performance additive, the right way—Part 1
Many diesel fuel additive companies in North America supply different additive products formulated for diesel-powered equipment.
The history, and possible future, of model-less multivariable control
Terms such as “model-less,” “small-matrix” and “operational” do not, as yet, evoke the same excitement that accompanied the historic arrival of model-based predictive multivariable control three decades ago.
Qatar's Ras Laffan 2 condensate splitter to launch in October
Qatargas will start operations at its new Ras Laffan 2 condensate splitter by the end of October, doubling the Gulf state's capacity to process condensate.
Optimize a CDU using process simulation and statistical modeling methods
A methodology was implemented to optimize the operation of a refinery crude distillation unit (CDU) using a combination of process simulation and statistical modeling methods.
People
Dr. Christoph Wegner will become president of BASF’s Information Services and Supply Chain Operations division, effective December 1, 2016.
Innovations
Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.

- Transition Industries signs agreements for the Pacifico Mexinol Project, an ultra-low carbon chemical production facility 7/3
- Bangkok Airways introduces SAF on commercial flights 7/3
- EcoCeres secures SAF contract with British Airways to help reduce carbon emissions 7/3
- Air Liquide to invest up to $200 MM in Louisiana, U.S. to support industrial growth 7/3
- MOL completes the acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals 7/3
- BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fueled vessels 7/3