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Maintenance & Reliability

Consider new steam system corrosion protection for refineries

GE Water & Process Technologies: Dale, T.  |  Robinson, G.  |  Rossi, A.

New technology in volatile filming corrosion inhibitors and lower-salting neutralizing amines can provide cost-effective solutions for the steam-condensate system and minimize the risk of amine chloride salt formation.

Keep liquid analysis invisible in refineries

Rosemount Analytical: Joseph, D.

The hidden heroes of hydrocarbon processing plants are the liquid analyzers, especially the pH and conductivity loops. Unlike their flashier cousins in gas analysis, these analyzers operate behind the..

Reciprocating compressors running together—Is that a problem?

KnightHawk Engineering, Inc.: Knight, C.

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

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Romanow, Stephany

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

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

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 Innovations

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Blume, Adrienne

Bitumen blowing unit converts residues to asphaltPoerner Ingenieurgesellschaft’s Biturox oxidation process (Fig. 1) converts suitable feedstock blends to road and industrial asphalt/bitumen. Feed..

Consider robust tank overfill prevention and independent alarm and gauging systems

PEMY Consulting: Myers, P. E.

Elimination of tank overfills is a significant problem for the petroleum industry. Since most tank receiving operations are manual, the operators rely heavily on tank level gauges and alarms for overf..

HP Reliability: Best practices when trim-cutting closed-pump impellers

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Experienced reliability professionals will implement least-risk solutions whenever possible. The following example relates to impeller trimming to reduce the diameter of a fixed-speed centrifugal pump..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 77: Random deck vibration with beats

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

When something vibrates, it is usually in a predictable manner. Motors, pumps, compressors, turbines and centrifuges all vibrate when they are out of balance. Vibration analysis can help predict the s..

Update on lubrication systems

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Several case histories illustrate the pros and cons for maintaining rotating equipment under various plant conditions.Example 1In late May 2013, a US oil-mist provider in one of the Great Lakes states..