Refining
Unload the SRU to reduce operating costs and plugging problems
The SWAATS process can unload SRU capacity and reduce plugging problems and operating costs in a safer and environmentally-friendly way, especially as refiners find rising amounts of ammonia and SWSG.
Enabling the refinery of the future—Safety first
Within this “new” economy, automation systems must be capable of delivering new levels of productivity and scalability, while ensuring safety, managing globalizations and addressing new workforce demographics.
Implement best practices in enterprise-wide operations management
Several lessons learned were identified during the refinery project implementations.
Central America: A downstream outlook to 2020
Due to the growth in the region’s middle class, Latin America has seen tremendous petroleum products demand growth over the past decade.
Determine fouling margins in tubular heat exchanger design
Fouling, which is caused mainly by the deposition and accumulation of an undesired layer of solids on a heat transfer surface, is very common in tubular heat exchangers.
Create an operator ownership culture to achieve continuous improvement in reliability—Part 2
Operators have a significant influence on a plant’s reliability.
Improve refinery flexibility and responsiveness
The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) has changed significantly with an abundance of available discounted crude oils, a rise in markets served beyond the traditional local or regional demands, and a renewed focus on being both competitive and profitable while complying with ever-changing regulations.
Bitumen partial and targeted upgrading: The next step
Alberta, Canada oil sands production is projected to reach 3.2 MMbpd by 2020 and to further increase by 2030, to about 5.2 MMbpd.
Proposed US water definition may alter future of HPI
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) proposed Rule 33 CFR Part 328, a regulation intended to redefine and clarify the reach of the EPA’s jurisdi..
HP Editorial Comment: Is the global refining sector growing toward overcapacity?
The global refining sector has been a bright spot for the oil and gas industry for nearly a year.

- Refinery closures may lead to higher gasoline prices on the U.S. West Coast 7/9
- INNIO Group, Gföllner Group establish JV, offering power solutions to the U.S. market 7/9
- Using lightning to make ammonia out of thin air 7/9
- bp sells 300 Dutch petrol stations to Catom 7/9
- U.S. crude stockpiles increase, gasoline falls on July 4 driving demand 7/9
- Nigeria's Dangote refinery plans 1.6-MMbbl fuel storage tanks in Namibia 7/9