Refining
Improve the operation of fired heaters
Fired heaters or “process furnaces” are used extensively by the refining and petrochemical industries. These heat transfer units generate the much needed process energy through the combustio..
Determine the design metal temperature for a secondary reformer
An air-burning system should be designed so that there is no maintenance required between scheduled shutdowns every two years. To achieve this, a metal temperature study should be carried out for the design of the pressure parts and for the refractory design.
Optimize online monitoring of base oil
Latter-model vehicles and new automotive engine designs now require higher-quality lubrication oils, such as Groups II and III. Demand for Group II/III base oils is increasing. To capitalize on the gr..
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..
Update on the catalytic cracking process and standpipes—Part 1
The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is a well-established technology used by complex refineries. It is a key profit center, as the FCC unit (FCCU) has the flexibility to produce transportation ..
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.
HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: How low oil prices are affecting new project announcements
Beginning in July 2014, the world began to witness a widespread fall in crude oil prices. With the decrease in global crude oil prices, what has this meant for new project announcements in the downstream sector?
HP Global: Latin America’s refinery product demand is decelerating
The trajectory of refined product balances in Latin America and the Caribbean is changing. With demand growth slowing and throughput expected to rise by 2020, the region’s combined deficits for p..
HP Industry Perspectives: Notables from BP's Energy Outlook 2035
In mid-February, BP released its outlook for the next 20 years. As reminded by BP’s new chief economist, Spencer Dale, the outlook is a projection of what is most likely to occur based on the inf..
HP News
Labor union strike affecting US refining industryThere is no end in sight to the United Steelworkers Union (USW) strike affecting several US refineries. The USW has filed unfair labor practices charge..
- JERA signs time charter agreements with NYK and MOL for fuel ammonia carriers 6/23
- Asian refiners see little room for Iranian oil, leaving China as key buyer after U.S. waiver 6/23
- Viva Energy to restart Geelong refinery this week, alkylation unit offline 6/23
- Russia discusses importing fuel amid Ukrainian strikes, Crimea restricts public life 6/23
- Brazil's Petrobras approves $1.2 billion investment for renewable fuels plant 6/22
- First batch of equipment arrives in Kazakhstan for $7.7-B Atyrau polyethylene project 6/22
