July 2021

Even before the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms were already under considerable stress.

Due to growing global environmental awareness in recent decades, the petrochemical industries have been seeking more cost-effective construction solutions.

Petrochemical demand will increase with gross domestic product, while motor fuel demand will only show modest growth and may even decline in certain regions, given environmental/legislative pressure and the introduction of battery-powered electric vehicles.

Conventionally, carbon steel material has been widely used around the globe for the fabrication of static equipment—such as tall towers, vessels, heat exchangers, etc.—for less-corrosive service.

An engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor receives a front-end engineering design (FEED) package or basic design and engineering package as an input document from the owner.

The fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is the primary conversion equipment for modern refineries to obtain clean transportation fuels, along with high-grade petrochemical feedstock.

For those who have been in the refining industry for many years, it is obvious that significant changes are occurring.

The crude oil refining processing sequence is based on the separation of distillate products from heavier ones and concentrating the heavy molecules of the barrel for processing at the end of the refining run.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has caused a significant buzz not only within the hydrocarbon processing industry but also in everyday activities.

In process plants, many instances of level control are required to keep the material balance of the plant from integrating to undesired operating conditions.

Linear programming (LP) for blending. LP is an optimization model that can be used to good advantage despite the highly nonlinear characteristics of the fluid flow-cash flow model.

Production requirements for more valuable refined products and/or increased refining flexibility are increasing due to new regulations.

Large chemical and refinery units often run up to 5 yr between plant outages, and many would extend that time even longer to maximize production.

Stainless steel is a generic term used for a large group of corrosion-resistant alloys containing at least 10.5% chromium (Cr), and possibly containing other alloying elements like nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn) and nitrogen (N).

Last month, Hydrocarbon Processing hosted the International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC).

In late 1989, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District asked the author to present a three-day equipment maintenance course at one of its large effluent treatment facilities.

Polypropylene demand remained strong through the 2020 pandemic crisis and is booming in the Asia region, driven by strong Chinese import growth.

It has been a long time since I graduated with my engineering degrees, but I feel qualified to discuss them after many years in industry.

Last month, Hydrocarbon Processing presented its mid-year market update to a global audience.

Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure database is tracking nearly 1,100 active downstream projects around the world, representing more than $1.8 T in capital expenditures. This month’s Construction section highlights some of the major projects and contracts that have been announced over the past two months. These projects will be instrumental in satisfying regional demand for finished hydrocarbon products.

U.S. Gulf Coast margins increased, supported by unplanned refinery outages that limited a stronger recovery in run rates and kept product outputs relatively supressed.

Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure database is tracking nearly 1,100 projects around the world.

What are the latest advancements in HPI technologies? This month’s Innovations section details the tools and technologies that are optimizing plant operations.

Orbital Energy Group Inc. appoints Jerry Sue Thornton and La Forrest Williams to board of directors