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Reactors

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 84: Remaining service life of plant equipment can be determined

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

For new plant machines and equipment, the life expectancy is determined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Yet, different analysis techniques are often required in a failure analysis. In a ..

Use vapor distributors to improve fractionation column performance

Technip Stone & Webster Process Technology: Fewel, K. J.

Vapor distribution has often been neglected in fractionation columns. Although the importance of liquid distribution is well understood and has been a consideration in column design from the early sta..

Update on the catalytic cracking process—Part 2

One of the prime challenges in the operation of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is keeping the catalyst circulating. Compared to other challenges with FCC operations, correcting erratic catalys..

HP Viewpoint: Methanex focuses on growth and expanding its operations across the globe

Methanex Corp.: Floren, J.

As the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol to major international markets, Methanex Corp. continues to focus on growing and expanding its operations across the globe. The most recen..

Shale oil characterization optimizes refining process

KBC Advanced Technologies, Inc.: Sayles, S.

The abundance of shale oils is an unexpected gift for US refiners. These new crude oils have different characteristics from conventional oils that will affect refining processes and the operation of p..

HP Editorial Comment: Downstream has good news for 2015

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Romanow, Stephany

The outlook is optimistic for downstream companies. Independent refiners are positive on present and future demand for transportation fuels.

Case history: Innovative resid-cracking catalyst debottlenecks FCC unit

Tamoil S.A.: Jollien, Y.-A.
BASF Corp.: Keeley, C.  |  Mayol, J.  |  Riva, S.  |  Komvokis, V.

Tamoil is a major operator in the oil and energy industry with operating refineries in Hamburg, Germany, and Collombey, Switzerland, in addition to distribution networks in Italy, Germany, Switzerland..

Replan: Modernizing Brazil’s largest crude oil refinery

Petrobras: Perissé, J. B.

The project included installing two hydrodesulfurization (HDS) units for the cracked naphtha produced by two catalytic cracking units, a coker naphtha hydrotreating (HDT) unit, and a catalytic reforming unit.

Mexico’s major grassroots effort: Ethylene XXI project

Contributing Writer: Nogarin, M.

The federal government, through Pemex Gas and Petroquímica Básica, using the law that regulates Mexican oil, decided to promote private investment to build a new major petrochemical complex called Ethylene XXI.

Experience meets innovation: World-class coke drum replacement project

HP Editorial Staff: Chevron Corp.  |  Nooter Construction

Six large coke drums at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, which supplies 20% of Southern California’s vehicle fuel, were showing signs of aging after 46 years in service.