Refining

LyondellBasell to lay off 86% of workforce at shuttered Houston refinery, filing shows

LyondellBasell will lay off 345 workers, or 86% of the workforce, at its shuttered Houston refinery on April 17, according to a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Pertamina says fire at central Java refinery complex extinguished, output not affected

Indonesia's state energy firm Pertamina said a fire that broke out at its Cilacap refinery complex on Thursday has been extinguished and the refinery's operation is not affected.

Hybrid model using first principles and AI/ML for analyzer-less fuel blending

This article discusses first-principle blend model architecture used traditionally by refineries, including its pros and cons. This text also explores the concept and trend of using artificial intelligence and machine-learning hybrid models for blending for cases where online analyzers may not be installed or may be nonfunctional, sometimes causing quality giveaways and violations.

Improve reliability with predictive maintenance insights

Machine-learning-equipped advanced analytics platforms empower SMEs to solve some of the toughest process problems efficiently, implement effective process improvements, transition from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies, increase productivity and uptime, and operate more profitably. 

Use AI to replace spectrometric analyzer chemometric modeling

This article compares the two approaches in blending practices—classic chemometrics and AI—highlighting the superiority and practicality of using AI. 

IT dependencies complicate OT security

Cyber-securing oil and gas automation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient physical operations is becoming more challenging. This article explores the modern yet evolving threat environment, how expectations for cybersecurity are changing, how information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) dependencies have emerged as an important issue in most cybersecurity programs, and how owners and operators are addressing this new issue.

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins

Optimize process design and commercialize newly developed processes through close collaboration between licensor and client

This case study follows the installation of new sulfur recovery units in Kuwait by Kuwait Oil Co. This article highlights key aspects of collaboration and technological advancement in process design development and project execution between the operator and licensor to the benefit of both parties.

Straight talk on fire risk assessments

For refineries, chemical plants, oil and gas pipelines and oil/gas exploration, fire and explosion hazards are omnipresent. Process hazard analysis (PHA) and fire risk assessments (FRAs) play a vital role in managing fire risk at an acceptable level. While there are various causes for fires and explosions, robust FRAs based on pragmatism and optimum allocation of resources could help minimize fire/explosion mishaps. 

Gas turbine maintenance and inspection model enhancement

Improving asset performance is a major concern throughout industry and is associated with maintenance costs, experience, machine/equipment age, and operational and environmental conditions. This article will focus on improving the reliability and availability of a plant gas turbine by applying best maintenance practices, operational enhancements and performance monitoring. Moreover, an inclusive maintenance and inspection model is proposed compared with the current common model.