Refining
Automation Strategies: The “big picture” on ExxonMobil’s open system initiative
Several noteworthy presentations were given at ARC's 20th Annual ARC Industry Forum in Orlando, Florida in February.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 90: Precautions when working near equipment
Most machines and pressure vessels are designed with safety in mind, but they can release large amounts of energy if not constructed, maintained or operated correctly.
Business Trends: Global petrochemical overview—Part 2
Part 1 of this series provided an overview on the present state of the petrochemical industry, a breakdown on construction project numbers by region, as well as major trends in Africa, the Middle East and the US. Part 2 examines the landscape in Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe and Latin America.
Industry Metrics
US refinery margins recovered as product markets were supported by strong domestic gasoline demand and temporarily tight sentiment fueled by the switch to summer-grade gasoline.
Global Project Data
According to <i>Hydrocarbon Processing’s</i> Construction Boxscore Database, nearly 300 new downstream projects have been announced around the globe over the past year.
Innovations
Planned shutdowns, turnarounds and outages (STOs) are often scheduled for preventive maintenance and new equipment installation that must be performed to keep a plant running and in regulatory compliance.
People
Elliott Group has made changes to its executive team. Michael Lordi has been named as chief operating officer (COO), succeeding Art Titus, who is retiring after nine years.
Iran secures two more European refiners as customers for its oil
Both refiners bought Iran's oil before sanctions against the country's nuclear program effectively halted its shipments to Europe, which had accounted for more than a third of its exports.
Chinese group plans first private mega-project for refining, chemicals
Rongsheng has partnered with local firms, including a state-owned chemical producer, to build the complex, which would include a 400,000-bpd refinery and a 1.4-MMtpy ethylene plant.
Refining’s silver lining fades at Exxon, Chevron
Growing fuel inventories and weak demand are now hammering the refining industry, turning a typical advantage for integrated oil companies on its head.
- TA'ZIZ secures $28.5 B in agreements to expand UAE's chemicals infrastructure 5/5
- nova-Institute provides scientific basis for EU policy on bio-based plastic packaging under PPWR 5/5
- GEA launches enzymatically enhanced GEA eTOP degumming solution 5/5
- Hong Kong-Dongguan to build SAF supply chain with new biofuels firm Ecoceres facility 5/5
- Argentine government hikes biofuel prices for domestic market 5/5
- Malaysia to produce biodiesel blend with 15% palm oil from June 5/5
