Reactors
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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.
HP Petrochemicals: PVC process gets technology and control updates
KBR has formed an alliance to sell the exclusive license for JNC Corp.’s PVC process technology, which it inherited from CHISSO Corp.’s business, a pioneer in the Japanese chemical industry.
HP Industry Perspectives: More waves for marine fuels
The outlook for heavy fuel oil is not optimistic. New fuel specifications for marine bunker fuels under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI regula..

- BP Europa SE announces intended sale of Ruhr Oel GmbH-BP Gelsenkirchen refinery in Germany 2/6
- ZeroAvia invited to join second round of UK CAA’s Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge 2/6
- Polyplastics to launch 40% glass-filled recycled grade of DURAFIDE (R) PPS 2/6
- Landus and TalusAg deliver first local green ammonia production in North America 2/6
- Power2X awards Worley contract for its 250,000-tpy eFuels Rotterdam project 2/5
- Digital Exclusive: Executive viewpoint-Recycled plastic used in roads as Aramco adopts the circular economy 2/5