Octane
HP Viewpoint: Age of turbulence: Charting the refining course toward a profitable future
High-performing enterprises draw on external expertise during all project phases, from scouting and front-end engineering and development through to operations.
HP Impact: Natural gas vehicles could be gaining traction
Natural gas vehicles could be gaining tractionA new report from PIRA Energy Group says that the sheer volume of US recoverable gas resources relative to expected demand suggests that benchmark Henry H..
Redefining reforming catalyst performance: High selectivity and stability
Highly developed CCR catalysts are more robust to ensure extended service over 7–9 years.
Upgrade heavy oil more cost-efficiently
A new technology can economically upgrade and significantly improve the properties of heavy oil by reducing viscosity, increasing gravity and removing contaminants.
Increase FCC processing flexibility by improved catalyst recycling methods
The dynamic global refining market emphasizes the need for greater operating flexibility in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit.
HP Construction Profile: Texas-based refinery has a long history
The Valero Port Arthur Refinery was commissioned in 1901 and has had many process additions and improvements throughout its history (see pg. 38). In 2001, nearly $850 million was invested in a delayed..
Chevron crude unit at fire-hit California refinery may be out six months
Investigators reportedly found serious damage in the cooling towers, pipe racks and heater tower. Some of the refinery’s secondary units are continuing to operate using feedstock stored at the site, but no decision has been made on whether Chevron will buy additional feed or shut the units during repairs.
HP Insight: How long is an economic cycle for the HPI?
As summer takes hold in the Northern Hemisphere, demand for energy in various forms increases. In looking back over the past 90 years, energy demand and pricing cycle through high and low points. In 2..
Catalyst developments: The past 90 years
While catalysis has made many advances in the last 90 years, the application of new technologies developed in other areas may offer great promise for future breakthroughs.
Largest hydrocracker in China
Refiners are leveraging hydrocracking to respond to momentum in global dieselization, with crude prices forcing refiners to process distressed crudes and difficult feedstock.
- YPF, Eni and XRG sign joint development agreement advancing 12-MMtpy Argentina LNG project 2/12
- Maire launches new technology to produce PTMEG, the key polymer composing the spandex fiber. 2/12
- Verde Clean Fuels announces suspension of development of Permian Basin gas-to-gasoline project 2/12
- Vietnam's largest refinery to operate at 120%-125% of designed capacity in Q1 2/12
- Indonesia's Medco expansion plans bet on rising energy demand in Southeast Asia 2/12
- Brazil to rebuild ethanol stocks in new harvest after 21% drop in 2025-2026 2/12
