October 2005

Archive

Special Report: Improving Process Control

Increase MTBE plant productivity

Applying advanced process control solutions enabled raising unit output without a major retrofit of existing equipment

Multiunit refinery optimization
Korchinski, W., Advanced Industrial Modeling Inc.; Cai, J. H., Li, Z. G., Shen, Y. M., Tao, X. H., Sinopec Shangahai Gaoqiao; Tao, X. W., Zhang, Z. Q., Zhou, H. J., Honeywell Co. Ltd.

By taking an unconventional approach, the problem was substantially simplified

Simple techniques for generating process control inferentials
Shah, K., Aker Solutions US, INC.; Goel, S., Reliance Industries Ltd.

Property estimation can be done with easy statistical tools and spreadsheet software

Online monitoring of multivariable control utilization and benefits
Kern, A.G., Tesoro Corp.

The key performance indicators presented could be built into software products or user implemented

Rule-driven optimization boosts plant performance
Anderson, R. C., Barnett, M., Genysm Corporation; Jaisinghani, R., Intelligent Optimization Group

The technology provides the flexibility needed to deal with discontinuous operating situations

Use techno-economic benchmark to review supply-chain models
Hartmann, J.C.M., Consultant

Value profile of crude and high vacuum unit fractions is the key for crude selection and, thus, refinery profitability

Asset Management

A road map for creating competitive advantage from asset performance improvement
Humphries, A., Akzo Nobel Catalysts LLC

As companies become experts in launching and completing these initiatives, they share and manage knowledge more effectively and create value that transcends what was initially envisioned

Corrosion/Vessels

Effect of process deposits on the corrosion behavior of titanium in brine
Babakr, A., SABIC R&T; Al Beed, A. A., Saudi Petrochemical Company; Al-Sonidah, M., Al-Subai, S., Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

The temperature and pH need to be controlled to avoid problems

Engineering Case Histories

Case 29: Pressure buildup in a 'blocked-in' pipe
Sofronas, A., Consulting Engineer

Liquid thermal expansion can rupture pipes

Environment/Process Technology

Re-evaluate recycling options for the Claus unit
Nagpal, S., Fluor; Sen, P. K., Engineers India Ltd.

This simulation-based study finds that significant sulfur recovery capacity is attainable through recycling

Process Safety

What HAZOP studies cannot do
Unni Krishnan, G., Kuwait Oil Co.

Safety experts have extensively used this investigative methodology to identify possible hazards with new designs and operating units; however, these studies do have limits

Refining Developments

Insert flexibility into your hydrogen network – Part 2
Ludwig, K., Morris, P., Patel, N., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Fine-tuning utilities operation can conserve energy management and reduce operating costs

HP Innovations: HPInnovations

Analyze data on any pressure relief system from anywhere The iPRSM system, having Web-centric technology, is claimed to allow plant operators, auditors and engineering personnel instantaneous/ conc..

New Developments

Spectrophotometer solves liquid/ gas analysis problems The new Model IPS-4 spectrophotometer can reportedly measure up to eight wavelengths and quantify five measurement components simultaneously. ..

HP Construction: North America
Jackson, Kim M., Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

North West Upgrading Inc. has selected UOP to design and license a new hydroprocessing unit to upgrade synthetically derived crude oil. The facility will be located near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. UOP..

HP Construction: Europe
Jackson, Kim M., Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

Zimmer AG, a GEA Group member, is building a polyester plant on the Italian island of Sardinia for Equipolymers s.r.l., Milan, Italy. The unit will produce 175,000 metric tpy of polyester chips for ..

HP Construction: Middle East
Jackson, Kim M., Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

Uhde GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, has a contract with Liwa Petrochemical Co. LLC, Oman, to build a new ethylene dichloride (EDC) complex in Sohar, Oman. The EDC facility, which will have a 300,000 metric ..

HP Construction: Asia-Pacific
Jackson, Kim M., Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

GE Energy's oil and gas business has been selected to upgrade three propane compressors as a major portion of a debottlenecking project at the Malaysia liquefied natural gas (MLNG) Dua plant in Bitulu..

Free Literature

Valves, level gauges, electronic systems, etc. Cesare Bonetti's product range covers forged- and cast-steel valves (globe, gate, check, ball, piston and blow-down), level gauges (glass and magnetic ..

Misc

Consider an advanced method of steam trap condition monitoring

HEINZ P. BLOCH, RELIABILITY/ EQUIPMENT EDITOR       Comments? Write: HB@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..

Letters to the editor

Synthetic Oils Dear Mr. Bloch, I think in the last conferences about rotating equipment in the US, you have made some comments on using synthetic oils in the pumps bearing boxes. I would appreci..

HPIn Brief

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..

China oil demand growth rate slows in 2005

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com After the unpr..

Environmental regs push demand in US for fuel additives

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com US demand for ..

Europe: diesel deficit by 2015, says study

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com A substantial ..

High energy prices provide net gain for global pump market

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Rising energy ..

Plant asset management requiring new solutions for broader capabilities

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Manufacturers'..

OMV joins bidders for Turkish refiner

WENDY WEIRAUCH, MANAGING EDITOR       Comments? Write: WW@HydrocarbonProcessing.com Gas from Iran ..

Implementing the new ANSI/ ISA 84.01-2004 standard

WILLIAM M. GOBLE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR       Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..

Model predictive control (MPC) warrants a unique value strategy

DAVE WOLL, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR       Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..

Carbon storage and the zero emissions refinery

TIM LLOYD WRIGHT, EUROPEAN EDITOR    Comments? Write: editorial@HydrocarbonProcessing.com ..