Refining

Hydrocarbon Processing launches AI platform to accelerate decisions in the downstream sector

Digital Feature: The critical interdependency of relief valve analysis and flare system considerations during HAZOP

Hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies are a systematic and structured methodology used to identify potential hazards and operability issues in industrial processes. One of the key safeguards often considered in HAZOP studies is pressure relief valves and flare systems to mitigate overpressure scenarios.

U.S. Gulf Coast fuel oil imports at record low as refiners opt for heavier crude

Fuel oil imports into the refinery hub on the U.S. Gulf Coast hit a record low in June as tighter global supplies prompted refiners to run more heavy, sour crude.

Shell flags profit hit from weakness in gas trading and chemicals business

Shell expects quarterly earnings to be hit by weaker trading in its integrated gas division and losses at its chemicals and products operations, it said on Monday ahead of second-quarter results due on July 31.

Air Liquide to invest up to $200 MM in Louisiana, U.S. to support industrial growth

Air Liquide will invest up to $200 MM in Louisiana, U.S., to modernize and connect an air separation unit (ASU) to its existing network.

China's Shandong raises fuel oil import tax rebates for some refineries

The provincial government of Shandong, China's refining hub, has increased fuel oil import tax rebates for six independent refineries to improve their profitability as they struggle with low margins and fuel demand.

Executive Viewpoint: Heavy industry, light footprint—Helping the HPI run leaner and cleaner with AI

AI has the potential to effect a real change. By harnessing vast amounts of operational data, AI can support process optimization, help to predict equipment failures and better facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. These capabilities can improve asset performance as well as operational sustainability.  

Digital Feature: Flare system design—The importance of periodic evaluation of existing facilities

This article emphasizes the critical importance of routinely revalidating relief and flare system designs, much like the periodic review of process hazard analyses. A detailed case study is reviewed to illustrate the value of such revalidations.

Valmet to deliver Valmet DNA DCS to a bio-based process plant in Portugal

Valmet will deliver a Valmet DNA distributed control system to a bio-based process plant in Portugal. The order was placed by Valmet’s new Value Added Reseller (VAR) partner Tecnilab AV Portugal S.A.

EIA: U.S. crude and gasoline inventories rise, distillates draw down

U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories rose unexpectedly last week, while distillate stockpiles fell.