Loss Prevention
Optimizing for viability—VDU revamp in a brownfield project
Revamping an existing column in an operating plant for higher throughput is a challenge, especially when the column is already operating at its rated capacity.
Smart manufacturing standardization: Driving global interoperability for enabling factories of the future
Smart manufacturing is a topic that has generated considerable discussions within industry and standards organizations.
Unlock margin by interconnecting refinery optimization silos with closed-loop AI
Refineries and chemical processing plants are complicated to model, control and optimize.
Improve reliability and reduce maintenance with advanced analytics
A common misconception in largescale process manufacturing is that minimizing downtime by increasing reliability is the key to increasing profitability.
Implement effective operational discipline programs to improve process safety performance—Part 1
Operational discipline (OD) describes human behavior in complying with required systems, every time, to consistently achieve organizational goals and overall operational excellence.<sup>1,2</sup>
Reduce OPEX and improve sustainability through digital energy optimization strategies
Oil and gas companies are looking for quick ways to reduce OPEX amid the pandemic and oil and gas market crises.
Avoid costly stockouts through inventory sharing
Inventory sharing, per se, is not a new concept; rather, it is a popular practice in the wholesale and distribution business.
Reliability: Plan startups wisely and involve SMEs
DE, a retired former colleague of mine, recounted his experience as an expert witness for ABC in litigation against XYZ. (Note that I picked the letters A through M for the plaintiff’s side; N through Z are assigned to the defendants.)
Troubleshoot flooding problems in a crude distillation column
Crude oil is separated into more valuable products, such as naphtha, kerosene, light diesel, heavy diesel and atmospheric residue, in crude distillation units (CDUs).
Business Trends: Are chemical companies ready for the future of work?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant, short-term disruption to the chemical industry, potentially leading to long-term impacts.
- Valero Energy Q4 profit beats estimates; shares surge 1/30
- Dow launches "Transform to Outperform" to raise the competitive industry benchmark for productivity and growth to enable improved returns 1/30
- Russian oil refineries' peak maintenance expected in January and September 1/30
- U.S. lifts some Venezuela sanctions to ease oil sales 1/30
- Keppel, Aster plan sustainable aviation fuel project in Singapore 1/30
- Boeing, Israel's Technion to develop sustainable aviation fuel, as sector grapples with 2050 goal 1/30

