Engineering & Design
Reciprocating compressors running together—Is that a problem?
A new maintenance engineer is assigned the task of overseeing large, critical rotating equipment in a petrochemical facility (Fig. 1). In this example, the facility has vent-gas compressors that, in g..
HP Editorial Comment: The silent assassin: Corrosion
This month’s special report focuses on corrosion. Often, uncontrolled corrosion undermines the mechanical integrity of process equipment and infrastructure. It is often identified as the root cau..
HP Reliability: Consider single-point responsibility for compressors
Equipment purchasers are always interested in meeting the cost and schedule targets for projects. However, there could be conflicting goals when purchasing compressor drivers and/or auxiliaries from v..
HP Project Management: Use key elements for successful mega-plant startups
As new projects are more complex and larger in capacity, the successful startup of the mega-plant is crucial. Unfortunately, mega-projects are vulnerable to significant overruns in schedules and budge..
HP Global: Africa’s drive to a clean fuel regime
The challenges facing Africa’s drive to a clean fuel regime are captured by a success story in South Africa and a heartbreaking tale in Kenya, with both countries striving to achieve low-sulfur (..
HP Gas Processing: US midstream expansion hits Utica shale
Significant expansion is planned for the midstream oil and gas sectors in 2014, following a 263% increase in midstream capital spending to $46.4 billion (B) in 2013, according to Deloitte.1 A five-yea..
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: 2014 global construction outlook—Part 1
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s HPI Market Data 2014, total capital spending in the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) is estimated to exceed $77 billion (B). This amount includes invest..
HP Viewpoint: Sound energy policy needed to support 21st century economy
The shale energy revolution has overturned every assumption we once held about the US long-term energy outlook. Thanks to technological advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, we hav..
HP Automation Safety: What are safety engineering ethics?
In many professional engineer (PE) programs, continuing education is required. In some US states, this education includes specific requirements for engineering ethics training. The author recently att..
HP Industry Perspectives: The best modern-day inventions according to chemical engineers
The best inventions are often influenced by an individual’s background, job, education and so forth. So what are the top 10 inventions according to chemical engineers? The Institution of Chemical..
- Ineos to shut polystyrene facility in Illinois (U.S.) by the end of the year 6/19
- How ASTM approval of methanol-to-jet accelerates SAF at scale 6/19
- EU crafts plan to give industries extra free CO2 permits this year 6/19
- PetroChina forecasts Chinese oil consumption will drop 4.9% this year 6/19
- Digital Exclusive: Water injection pump mechanical seals failure after pump shutdown 6/19
- Russian gasoline output down 25% so far in June after drone attacks on refineries 6/19

