June 2002
Special Report: Process/Plant Optimization
The main advantages are simpler models and reduced computation time
Business Strategies
Applying the same ROI requirement for every dollar spent on IT that is used on non-IT spending, management can dramatically turn potentially huge capital drains into great gains
Engineering Case Histories
Machines have a memory of overstressed conditions
Environment/Loss Prevention
To reduce facility-wide air emission, a refinery retrofitted the flare system and reuses waste gas as fuel gas
Performance Monitoring
The technology can increase production by 1 - 3% and reduce unplanned maintenance costs by 10 - 30%
Process Technology
With performance real-time field data, designers can devise process retrofits at the conceptual stage that control project scope and minimize engineering revisions during FEED and detailed engineering
Safety/Loss Prevention
Using a proactive approach can reap significant benefits
Troubleshooting
Follow this methodology to improve problem diagnosis and communication
Columns
Process optimization is one of the fastest growing technologies in the automation industry because of its ability to tightly link a company's business and economic objectives to its ope..
You're probably familiar with texts such as Machinery Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting (ISBN 0-88415-662-1) that explore competing approaches to machinery troubleshooting. One of these is the "Mr...
This month's column is different. We had so many responses to our March Downstream Challenge that I feel we need to review them all. As I have said before, the Internet is the world's l..
Manufacturing cost-reduction efforts increase during weak markets. Utility systems are typical candidates for cost savings. In general, these projects involve some amount of capital inv..
As companies gain experience implementing the ISA 84.01 and IEC 61511 standards, several have gotten toward the end of the safety life cycle with real projects. The final phase of the s..
Trends and Resources
New propylene source developed Lurgi and Süd-Chemie have introduced a new propylene technology - Propylur. This process can use various feedstocks such as light naphtha or gasoline from..
Plant design software has added features Version 16 of AutoPLANT Process and Instrumentation Workgroup (P&IW) software features a totally new instrumentation and wiring module, support ..
CB&I building GOSP plant in Qatif Chicago Bridge&Iron Co. (CB&I) has a lump sum turnkey contract with Saudi Aramco for the Qatif 2 GOSP facility. Project scope includes turnkey engineer..
Scalable open-automation platform Free brochure from The Foxboro Co. describes its I/A series system as a complete, scalable automation platform that is easily and continuously updated. It..
HPI executives again testify that gasoline prices reflect market conditions. In a recent hearing before a U.S. Senate committee, representatives from ExxonMobil, Marathon Ashland, BP, ..
The state of the industry and near-term strategic issues were the focus of DeWitt & Company Inc.'s annual petrochemical conference. Principal economic drivers for an anticipated industr..
During 2002, technology leaders should focus on six emerging developments that improve competitiveness and business results. So says a recent forecast from technology industry consulta..
Australia has declining crude production and rising demand. By 2005/6 the country will no longer be self-sufficient in transporting fuels, according to a recent analysis from Industrial..
The International Energy Agency has released an in-depth review of U.S. energy policies. In the assessment, the Paris-based organization stresses the importance of a coherent policy em..
Most HPI plants are built to the best standards available to the respective project managers and design engineers. Most are highly varied in design, equipment fabrication, construction..
Letters to the Editor
Correction In the article, "Improve benzene production from refinery sources," (April 2002) Fig. 1 had errors in the process lines going from the reformate splitter and depentanizer. The correct figur..
Misc
Marathon Oil Co. signed an agreement with XTO Energy Inc. to exchange certain oil and gas properties in east Texas and north Louisiana for XTO coalbed methane assets in the Powder River..
This month's issue is totally devoted to the multifaceted issues surrounding process and plant optimization. Without exception, all operating facilities are very conscious about their p..
- Indonesia proposes increase in biodiesel mix to 50% in 2028 11/7
- Shell Catalysts & Technologies, Licella to develop global low-carbon biomass-to-biofuel commercial solutions 11/7
- Neste and Liiga team up to reduce emissions from hockey game travel 11/7
- EU climate chief holds firm on CO2 deadlines for cars 11/7
- Polish oil refiner Orlen may suspend or cancel olefins project 11/7
- China's crude oil imports fall for sixth straight month on refinery closure 11/7