The Main Column
Brought to you by Merichem
Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information
Unpacking LOHC's role in the future energy landscape
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 5:16 AM
In this special edition of Hydrocarbon Processing's podcast series, recorded live at the AFPM annual meeting, host Mike Rhodes and Honeywell UOP's Keith Couch explore developments in the hydrogen and petrochemical sectors. They discuss the potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) and the economic and technical benefits driving their adoption, particularly in Japan. The episode also touches on UOP's new Naphtha to Ethane and Propane (NEP) process, highlighting the strategic shift towards more efficient and sustainable petrochemical production, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals navigating the energy transition.
Navigating the future of safety with AI insights from Detect Technologies
Thursday, March 28, 2024 9:18 PM
In this episode, Mike Rhodes sits down with Daniel David and Teddy Huerta of Detect Technologies at the AFPM Annual Meeting where they unpack how Detect's AI innovations are specifically designed to tackle industrial safety challenges, turning data into actionable insights for risk mitigation. From vision-based intelligence to impactful customer stories, this discussion highlights the tangible benefits of AI in enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Gain unique perspectives on how technology is not just evolving but revolutionizing safety protocols in the industrial sector.
FCC propylene production, catalysts technologies and new solutions for the processing industries
Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:55 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Luis Cirihal, President Refining Technologies, W. R. Grace, to discuss FCC propylene production, catalysts technologies and new solutions that are evolving the global hydrocarbon processing industries.
Preventive maintenance checks and optimization
Thursday, March 7, 2024 11:45 PM
This episode of The Main Column addresses the vital role of preventive maintenance optimization in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Highlighting the inefficacies of routine checks that don't yield actionable insights, it emphasizes the importance of comprehensive process safety information and strategic maintenance revisions for equipment and system reliability. Listeners will learn about the significance of failure analysis, the implications of plant changes on maintenance practices, and how to implement effective strategies to prevent asset failure, conserve resources, and ensure safe, reliable operations.
Digital transformation in specialty chemical production
Thursday, February 29, 2024 8:58 PM
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of digital technology in specialty chemical production. Delve into the critical role of smart devices, data analytics, and cloud solutions in enhancing operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and safety across the chemical industry. Discover how advanced fluid control, pneumatic solutions, and real-time data analytics are driving improvements in process throughput, reducing costs, and boosting sustainability.
The Urgent Need for Industrial Cybersecurity in Oil & Gas
Thursday, February 22, 2024 11:37 PM
In this episode of The Main Column, we delve into the critical necessity of implementing industrial cybersecurity programs within the oil and gas sector. Amidst a surge of unprecedented cyberattacks, we explore six compelling reasons why oil and gas organizations must fortify their defenses against evolving threats.
Maximizing Efficiency and Safety in Combustion Processes
Thursday, February 15, 2024 9:29 PM
In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of optimizing combustion processes for enhanced safety and efficiency across various industries. Discover the pivotal role of flue gas measurements, including excess oxygen, combustibles, and methane/hydrocarbon detection, in achieving operational excellence. Learn how these parameters, when accurately monitored and controlled, lead to significant reductions in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, while simultaneously minimizing fuel consumption.
Nine steps for effective preparation of planned shutdowns
Monday, January 29, 2024 4:06 PM
Planned shutdowns (SDs) are critical events that can significantly impact production and expenditures. Poor planning and preparation can directly affect the success of any SD, making attention to detail imperative. Over the past few decades, the management of SDs has evolved appreciably, with some organizations establishing comprehensive SD management systems and stringent processes, while others manage SDs through the short-term appropriation of SD routines and principals without long-term strategies and objectives. This podcast will fill this gap and provide a step-by-step approach to SD planning and execution for organizations to adapt to their specific requirements.
Riding the wave of transition to a sustainable chemical industry
Monday, January 22, 2024 10:40 PM
While striving to remain profitable against market uncertainties, the chemical industry must comply with environmental regulations and handle the pressure to address plastics circularity. Consequently, the chemical industry is pursuing new business models to address these challenges. This podcast examines how net-zero policies are effecting the chemical industry, and how chemical companies are evolving their business models to not only address it, but strive in this new age of sustainability.
How traders can capture value in sustainable fuels
Monday, January 22, 2024 10:30 PM
As countries around the world seek to limit carbon emissions, sustainable fuels will play an important role. However, fundamentals of the sustainable fuels market are complex and traders should seek to understand which markets will increase in liquidity, which arbitrage plays to explore across products, which storage hubs to invest in, and which offtakes to secure to gain access of supply. This podcast examines these areas.
Global E&C: Challenges and solutions through peer engagement
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 1:10 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Jan Shumate, Director, Worldwide Engineering and Construction Solutions, Eastman Chemical, and Kyle Lednicky, Vice President, Business Development, Arion, to discuss the many challenges facing the global engineering and construction sector, and how the Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association is helping owners and project developers find solutions to these items.
Automation technology supports growing demand for green diesel
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 4:24 PM
Today’s alternative fuel projects evaluate their greenhouse gas emissions reduction by determining a carbon intensity (CI) score—the lower the CI score, the better. When all factors are considered, how much does manufacturing and consumption of an alternatively sourced transportation fuel represent a lower CI score vs. conventionally produced crude oil? This podcast will examine some of today’s options.
Refinery transactions: A window of opportunity?
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 4:07 PM
In today's rapidly changing energy landscape, refinery transactions have become a focal point of investment discussions. Despite uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of refineries in a transitioning world, many refineries continue to be acquired but at lower values than in the past.This podcast explores trends in refinery transactions, the short- and long-term opportunities for investors and what to keep in mind when deciding whether to invest.
The propylene production gap is an opportunity for integrated downstream players
Thursday, November 16, 2023 7:43 PM
Maximizing propylene production can offer attractive opportunities to refiners. Refiners with the ability to integrate petrochemical units into existing operations will have a competitive advantage as transportation fuels are forecast to decrease and petrochemicals demand forecasted to significantly increase to 2050.
Simplify oil and gas predictive modeling
Thursday, November 16, 2023 7:39 PM
The oil and gas industry are increasingly relying on chemometrics and Raman spectroscopy to expedite quality assurance, processing and distribution, with predictive modeling playing an important role. This podcast looks at how predictive modeling is helping companies achieve faster turnaround, higher throughput and real-time results for the processes that they are looking to monitor, quantify or blend.
Live at GSTC: Unpacking the nuances of carbon intensity and subsidies
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 6:05 PM
In this episode, we spoke with Clinton Johnson, Vice President of Process Engineering at S&B Engineers and Constructors. The conversation covered incentives and penalties shaping the clean energy subsidies landscape, how the IRA tax credits influence ammonia projects and low-emission natural gas and how it compares to renewable natural gas.
Live at AFPM: Renewable fuels and their future global impact
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 6:02 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Delbert Grotewold, Renewable Fuels Domain Expert, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions on the state of today's renewable fuels market, and their potential impact on global refining operations.
Live at AFPM: Craft labor, transferrable skills and key elements in today's workforce
Monday, October 30, 2023 7:50 PM
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing discussed the hydrocarbon processing industry's workforce with Doug Sinitiere, Senior Business Development Manager, Turner Industries. Doug provides his thoughts on key elements in the workforce, including important aspects on those looking into a career in the oil and gas industry, as well as those that may be thinking about pivoting their current oil and gas job to another pathway within the industry.
Blue hydrogen: Production pathways, technologies and its importance in the global energy transition
Thursday, October 26, 2023 2:04 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Matthias Wyzycki, Global Head of Market Segment-Synchem, BU Catalysts, for Clariant, to discuss the role blue hydrogen has in the energy transition. This discussion includes the pathways to blue hydrogen production, technologies that are facilitating blue hydrogen production, projects and the future of blue hydrogen globally. After listening, to find out more about this topic, visit https://www.clariant.com/en/Business-Units/Catalysts/Energy-Transition/Blue-Hydrogen.
Seven questions to consider about hydrogen hubs
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 3:02 PM
The development of hydrogen hubs is intended to be the first step toward the creation of a national network of clean hydrogen producers and customers to facilitate a clean hydrogen economy. Although hydrogen hubs are a significant step toward decarbonization, several items must be considered. This episode examines seven considerations that must be studied by hydrogen hub developers and participants.
Converting refineries to renewable fuels is no simple switch
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 2:20 PM
With momentum building in the renewable fuels space, refiners are looking to convert their existing facilities to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). However, this is not a simple switch. This podcast details the drivers, strategies, challenges and opportunities for refinery conversions to renewable fuels and SAF.
Unlocking the potential of clean ammonia production
Monday, October 23, 2023 9:26 PM
This episode, by Marcus Brucher, Senior Vice President of Compression, Siemens Energy, discusses the potential of ammonia as a clean energy carrier and the critical role compressors play in its production.
Live at AFPM: FCC catalysts: The global market, industry challenges and future demand
Thursday, October 19, 2023 7:53 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Matt Kirchner, Vice President of Marketing for Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) at the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturer’s Association (AFPM) Summit. This episode dives down into the current FCC catalyst market, challenges facing the refining industry and how catalyst are playing a role in the solution, and where the FCC catalyst market is heading in the future.
Live at AFPM: Boosting safety onsite with operations monitoring and reporting software
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 3:54 PM
In this episode, the editors of Hydrocarbon Processing interview Rogan Jones, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, AIS Software, live from the AFPM Summit. The discussion focuses on using operations monitoring and reporting software to increase situational awareness and boost safety in processing plants.
Don't just survive: Thrive with advanced process control
Monday, September 25, 2023 9:34 PM
This episode focuses on modern advanced process control (APC) and how it can help personnel and operations increase efficiencies, optimize operations and provide more unit uptime. As described, the latest APC systems are more intuitive and can be adopted by most organizations for enhanced operations management.
The ins/outs of gas distribution systems: Recent trends, safety, best practices and optimization techniques
Thursday, September 21, 2023 5:03 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Jeff DeWitt, Applications Engineer for Swagelok, to discuss the many facets of gas distribution systems, including new trends, safety, selecting the best regulator(s) and ways asset owners can optimize their internal gas distribution systems.
Connected workers can be empowered by digital transformation
Friday, September 15, 2023 8:44 PM
There is no doubt that shift handovers represent a knowledge-transfer challenge for plant personnel. Knowledge-transfer challenges can be even greater when seasoned workers retire or leave for another organization. However, as this podcast explains, knowledge-transfer challenges are a great opportunity to incorporate digitalization into plant operations, providing workers with numerous benefits.
Making accident investigations water-tight
Friday, September 15, 2023 8:39 PM
This podcast looks at several techniques to help guide accident investigation managers and teams, with the ultimate goal of empowering personnel to find the root cause(s) and striving to mitigate repeated incidents.
How to successfully coordinate a global megaproject
Thursday, September 7, 2023 2:01 PM
There are countless challenges involved in the development of a megaproject. One area of particular importance is the facility's fluid systems. This podcast details the strategies that the owner of a $27-B petrochemical megaproject in the Asia-Pacific region used to achieve standardization of tubing and fittings throughout several key fluid system applications.
HFC detection using OGI increases safety/efficiency while reducing emissions
Monday, August 28, 2023 7:30 PM
This episode provides the benefits of optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras in detecting leaks in various areas of petrochemical plants, including improving worker safety and plant efficiency while reducing emissions.
Take the anxiety out of plant turnarounds
Monday, August 28, 2023 7:27 PM
This episode examines the use of digital tools and resources to effectively plan a refinery/plant turnaround, as well as using those digital technologies to better plan maintenance and operations moving forward.
The future in gas processing membranes technology: A discussion with Evonik
Thursday, August 17, 2023 1:10 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Udo Dengel, Director Membranes and High Performance Polymers, Evonik, on the latest advancements in gas processing membranes technologies.
Reimaging reliability analytics
Monday, August 7, 2023 6:44 PM
This episode, adapted from the article of the same in the July issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, explores how cloud-based analytics software is creating the reliability and maintenance teams of the future.
Energy transition, regulatory credits, flow-schemes and technology selection: How EPCs are helping optimize project management/development
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 7:21 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Muhammad Islam, Vice President, Commercial and Technology, S&B Engineers and Constructors to discuss how projects are changing in the energy transition, what project owners/developers need to know about maximizing regulatory credits (e.g., U.S. IRA) and how EPCs can help project owners/developers to select the optimum flow-scheme and technologies for their respective projects.
Manage the new risk profile of energy transition projects
Friday, July 21, 2023 1:31 PM
Today's project profile is comprised of various stakeholders, processing technologies and vendors. Developers with little experience in major complex projects must now navigate financing challenges, conflicting EPC approaches and entrenched product retailers. These factors add up to a new project risk profile. This podcast examines three critical areas to managing these new project profile risks: project definition, technology selection and stakeholder requirements.
Direction of cost-effective carbon capture and storage technologies
Thursday, July 13, 2023 10:19 PM
Adapted from the July issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, this podcast details the types of carbon capture technologies, phases of deployment and cost-effective ways to make carbon capture and storage projects economically.
The future of emissions reduction: Monitoring, optimizing and reducing
Friday, June 16, 2023 7:00 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Vikas Dhole, General Manager, Sustainability for Aspen Technology to discuss emissions reduction, including how companies can/are monitoring it, how digital technologies can help reduce emissions and real-world examples of companies using digital technologies to reduce plant emissions.
Emissions forecasting, managing and abatement: A novel technological solution
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 6:18 PM
One of the most popular and important topics affecting the oil and gas industry is emissions. This episode is a discussion with Owen Plowman, Vice President of Business Development, Actenum, and Wes Schumacher, Applied Applications Analyst, Actenum, on emissions forecasting capabilities, tools needed by company leadership to manage present and future emissions responsibilities, key components in emissions capture and a novel technology that can help companies with emissions abatement.
Sustainable aviation fuel: The drivers, incentives, regulations and technologies to decarbonize the skies
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 7:19 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Brian Boeger, Senior Technology Manager, Axens North America, to discuss sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including incentives and regulations that are increasing its usage globally, the latest processing technologies being used to produce SAF, and the key attributes that make SAF technologies bankable and projects economically viable.
Sustainability, the circular economy, cracker technology and the future of petrochemicals: A discussion with SABIC's Dr. Bob Maughon
Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:06 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Maughon, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Technology and Innovation, SABIC. In this episode, Dr. Maughon provides insights into SABIC's drive for sustainability, including capital investments, EVs, the circular economy, electrically heated steam cracker furnaces, and much more.
Carbon capture in syngas-based projects: Technology considerations for a successful undertaking
Thursday, May 18, 2023 3:46 PM
This episode, adapted from the May issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, provides an overview on the various routes to incorporating carbon capture technologies in industrial facilities, including what should be considered when selecting a particular carbon capture technology and the benefit of partnering with an EPC firm that has vast experience in energy transition projects (e.g., renewable energy/fuels production, syngas, biofuels).
Managing the new risk profile of energy transition projects
Thursday, May 11, 2023 4:29 PM
This episode examines the new value chain in integrated project development vs. the traditional method, including the three most critical areas in a project: project definition, technology selection and stakeholder requirements.
Select the right capacity control technique for centrifugal compressors: Refinery case studies
Thursday, May 4, 2023 1:00 PM
Popular arguments, such as compression energy and flexibility, are not the only key considerations when designing a capacity control system for centrifugal compressors. A holistic design approach is essential to ensure good operability, reliability, energy efficiency and flexibility of the overall system. This episode provides a better understanding of selecting the optimum capacity control technique by incorporating other design aspects using refinery case studies.
Powering the future of oil and gas: Electrification, renewables and microgrids
Thursday, April 20, 2023 1:45 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Sally Jacquemin, Vice President and General Manager, Power and Utilities, Aspen Technology, and Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Aspen Technology, to discuss electrification in the oil, gas and processing industries, including the use of renewables and microgrids.
Live at AFPM: Optimizing the future of refining and petrochemicals: A discussion with Honeywell UOP
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 5:33 PM
In this episode, live at the AFPM Annual Meeting, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development and Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP, to discuss how refining and petrochemical companies can optimize operations to lower total energy consumption and carbon footprint, as well as the effects of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, carbon capture technologies and much more.
Optimizing plastics recycling: A conversation with Aduro Clean Technology's COO Gene Cammack
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 7:52 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Gene Cammack, Chief Operating Officer, Aduro Clean Technologies, regarding plastics recycling and the circular economy. This includes Aduro's Hydrochemolytic technology, its origin, uses and benefits in the hydrocarbons processing industry.
Live at AFPM: Expansion, energy security and decarbonization: Cenovus Energy's outlook on refining
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 7:14 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Keith Chiasson, Executive Vice President, Cenovus Energy, at the AFPM Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. In this podcast, Mr. Chiasson talks about Cenovus Energy's growth in the U.S. refining market, energy security, decarbonization and much more.
Motion amplification: What is it and how can it optimize plant operations?
Friday, March 31, 2023 11:36 AM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Paul Barna, Southwest/West Regional Sales Manager, RDI Technologies to discuss motion amplification and how it can provide better insight to plant operations, as well as increase safety for personnel. If you'd like to learn more from Paul about Motion Amplification® and how it's making a difference in the Oil & Gas industry, click the link to watch Paul's latest webinar: https://hubs.la/Q01LnYGw0 (https://hubs.la/Q01LnYGw0)
Carbon capture: Cost, challenges and solutions--An open dialogue with Shell
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 6:11 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Dave Kidd, Commercial Director-Decarbonization Technologies, Shell; and Laurent Thomas, Licensing Technology Manager, Shell, to discuss carbon capture and storage (CCS), including ways to reduce project cost, additional challenges in CCS, Shell's alliances in the CCS market and much more.
Live at AFPM: Advancing ethylene and acetic acid processing technologies, a discussion with KBR
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 3:06 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Chris Scharf, Vice President, Petrochemicals, KBR, to discuss the latest advancements in petrochemicals processing technologies, including KBR's ScoreKlean and Acetica licensed processes for zero-carbon ethylene and acetic acid production.
Fast ion chromatography analysis for determining biofuel sugars
Thursday, March 2, 2023 8:53 PM
This podcast, taken from Thermo Fisher Scientific's technical article in the January issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, details how high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography systems can provide better analysis in biofuels production.
Sustainable aviation fuel: New product launches to increase market demand
Thursday, March 2, 2023 8:48 PM
According to industry analysis, the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market is expected to increase from $216 MM in 2021 to $14.77 B by 2030. This podcast features some of the major initiatives and trends in the SAF industry.
How can digitalization increase energy efficiency and help companies meet carbon emissions goals?
Monday, February 27, 2023 9:46 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Aspen Technology, on how using digital technologies can increase/boost energy efficiency and help companies meet their carbon emissions goals.
Alternative feedstocks, FCC co-processing, and how the energy transition is affecting refiners and petrochemical producers
Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:14 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Melissa Clough Mastry, Director, Global Technology and Technical Services, BASF, and Mark Schmalfeld, Global Marketing Manager, Refinery Catalyst, BASF, to discuss how the energy transition is affecting refiners and petrochemical producers, feedstocks, FCC co-processing and much more.
Shell's evolution in carbon capture and storage projects and technologies
Thursday, February 9, 2023 2:47 PM
In this episode, we sat down with Syrie Crouch, Vice President of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Shell, to discuss the CCS sector, Shell's projects in operation and under development, and how the CCS industry will evolve in the future.
As global petrochemicals demand increases, how can refiners respond to this opportunity?
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 4:46 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development and Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP, and Greg Funk, Senior Offering Manager, Honeywell UOP, to discuss the growing need for petrochemicals production globally and how refiners can respond to this opportunity in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
Carbon capture and storage: The market, technologies and its future
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 10:38 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Curt Graham, Vice President, Office of Technology, Fluor, to discuss carbon capture and storage (CCS), the current CCS market, available technologies and where CCS may be in the next decade.
LNG production and pre-treatment technologies
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 2:45 PM
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with John Colpo, Strategy and Marketing Leader for Upstream and LNG at Honeywell Process Solutions and Bhargav Sharma, Global Sr. Business Leader for LNG & Gas Processing at Honeywell UOP. The conversation touches on the importance of liquified natural gas (LNG) in global long-term GHG reduction plans and Honeywell UOP's work on LNG liquefaction projects.
Decarbonization and the conversion to renewable energy
Thursday, December 15, 2022 7:35 PM
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Nicholas Myerson, CEO of Crossbridge Energy, about its Fredericia refinery, the reasoning behind starting an energy company so late in the game and Crossbridge's future decarbonization plans.
Live at AFPM: Sustainability and petrochemicals integration: The HPI of the future
Thursday, December 8, 2022 3:29 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development & Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP; and Mark Houdek, Director, Sustainability for the Refinery of the Future, Honeywell UOP to discuss sustainability and petrochemicals integration. This discussion includes how refiners are tackling the challenges associated with sustainability, where plant owners can start in their sustainability journey and the trend of refiners integrating petrochemical production into existing operations.
Methods to prevent corrosion under insulation in the HPI
Thursday, December 1, 2022 8:56 PM
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Alec Cusick, Technical Service Engineer for Owens Corning, about corrosion under insulation in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Cusick explains common issues and preventative measures to consider when insulating pipes and storage vessels.
Live at AFPM: New technologies and the evolution of the processing industries
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 9:58 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Austin Schneider, Director of Technology, Crystaphase on the companies RDT technology, its pressure drop simulator and how the processing industry has changed since the companies inception and where it is heading in the future.
Women in the Downstream: Leading processing technologies, an interview with Laura Leonard
Monday, November 28, 2022 9:42 PM
In this latest installment of the Women in the Downstream podcast series, Hydrocarbon Processing interviewed Laura Leonard, Vice President and General Manager of UOP Process Technology at Honeywell UOP (former). In this interview, Ms. Leonard discusses the global energy transition, her background, how the industry has changed, advice she can provide young engineers, the future of the global processing industries, and much more.
Live at AFPM: Instituting a program for advanced process safety
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 11:14 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Willis Jernigan, Director of Health and Safety, Koch Industries, and Lara Swett, Vice President, Technical Services, AFPM, on the association's advanced process safety initiative, the success of the program, and its expansion to occupational safety and regional networks.
Live at AFPM: What is biofilm and how is it a threat to your facility?
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 9:49 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Tim Duncan, Water Technology Consultant, Solenis, about the dangers of biofilm, the threat it poses to refineries and petrochemical plants, and a proven technology to safeguard crucial equipment.
Live at AFPM: Incorporating solar power to supplement refining energy
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 10:48 PM
The editors of Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Daniel Oldenburg, Manager Project Development of Engineering, Depcom Power, on their recent project with Flint Hills Resources and how they incorporated solar power to help power a portion of its Pine Bend refinery.
History of the HPI: The 2000s: Net-zero, environmental regulations, capacity acceleration and digital transformation
Thursday, October 27, 2022 7:34 PM
This final installment of the History of the HPI series details major events in the refining and petrochemicals industry over the past 20 yr, including stricter regulations/initiatives to curb carbon emissions, a safer and more environmentally friendly way to produce and handle chemicals, significant capital investments to boost production capacity and digital transformation.
Women in the Downstream: A profile on Kendra Lee, Chairman/CEO, Merichem
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 6:38 PM
In this first installment of Hydrocarbon Processing's the Women in the Downstream podcast series, we interview Kendra Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Merichem. This discussion includes the current state of the hydrocarbon processing industry, her background and rise to CEO, how the industry has changed during her tenure and advice she can provide young engineers to advance their careers, and much more.
Best practices in incorporating sustainability and overcoming challenges in supply chains
Sunday, October 2, 2022 4:16 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Mark Thomas, Industry Marketing Group Manager, Endress+Hauser, to discuss sustainability in an organization's supply chains, as well as overcoming challenges and best practices in in supply chain management.
Edge computing: What is it, how is it being deployed and where can it take the processing industries?
Friday, August 19, 2022 4:02 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Stephen Greene, Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development, Stratus Technologies, to discuss edge computing, how it is being deployed in the energy industry, what is driving the need for it and its future in the oil and gas processing industries.
Layering up to avoid the cold realities of asset performance silos
Thursday, August 4, 2022 5:58 PM
The digital transformation journey has delivered numerous industry gains, but people are, to a large extent, still working in isolation, albeit with more advanced solutions at their disposal. There is an opportunity to harness the power of digital technologies to fully connect asset layers with their corresponding actors and break away from siloed operations.
Fouling in hydrogen recycle gas compressors
Thursday, August 4, 2022 5:55 PM
Hydrogen recycle gas compressors are one of the most significant rotating equipment in oil refineries, petrochemical plants and upgraders. Without the compressor, a plant’s production will be stopped. This podcast reviews the hydrotreating process and addresses compressor fouling, which impacts the recycle gas compressor’s performance and reliability.
The effects of highly corrosive fluids on valves and disasters that can be avoided
Thursday, August 4, 2022 5:51 PM
This podcast reviews the types of corrosion that occur on severe-service valves, along with maintenance and prevention techniques to remedy or mitigate damage.
Case study: MVR compressor key to steam energy upgrade at Terneuzen polyolefin plant
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 7:11 PM
In this episode, we speak with Peter Van Limmen, Rotating Equipment Specialist for Dow Chemical, Ulrich Schmitz, Vice President of Marketing for Atlas Copco and René Waggeveld, Energy Consultant for Blue Terra, about the pilot project at Dow Chemical’s Terneuzen plant in the Netherlands. The plant uses mechanical vapor recompression to upgrade low-pressure steam and reuse it to supply energy.
History of the HPI: The 1980s: Oil spike/collapse, liquid crystals, conducting polymers and the rise of AR/VR
Thursday, July 14, 2022 2:12 PM
This month’s History of the HPI section examines the major events and technologies in the refining and petrochemicals industry in the 1980s. These include a third oil price crisis in 15 yr, the creation of novel coal gasification and heavy oil upgrading processes, research on liquid crystals and conducting polymers, new safety measures born from tragedies, and the rise of virtual and augmented reality.
Enabling a circular economy delivery model through truckable modularization
Thursday, July 14, 2022 2:10 PM
Modular construction allows for standardization and repeatability, which translates to the ability to establish a definitive estimate early in the project development phase. This podcast details the benefits of using truckable modularization technology, including scalability, installation flexibility, repeatability, project predictability and risk mitigation.
Axens: Chemical recycling of polymers
Thursday, June 30, 2022 5:01 PM
In this episode of The Main Column, Sumedha Sharma, Technical Editor of Hydrocarbon Processing gets into conversation with David, Schwalje, Emerging markets business development manager, Axens. We discuss the fundamentals of physical and enhanced recycling and different chemical recycling pathways. We also talk about how Axens’ technology solutions work to optimize and de-risk chemical recycling to solve the plastic pollution problem at a commercial scale.
History of the HPI: The 1970s: Crises, clean air, plastic bottles and the DCS
Thursday, June 23, 2022 3:13 PM
In this continuation of Hydrocarbon Processing's History of the HPI series, major events and technologies of the 1970s are detailed. These include global oil crises, new regulations/laws and technologies to mitigate emissions, the creation of the plastic bottle, the construction of Jubail and Yanbu industrial cities, and the origins of the distributed control system.
SaaS solutions for flexibility and sustainability
Thursday, June 2, 2022 2:00 PM
In this episode of The Main Column, we speak with Hans Claussen, Digital Lead, North Europe at ABB, and talk about IT/OT convergence in the form of Software as a service to the industry. We also discuss how SaaS solutions offer flexibility while still driving sustainability in operations.
CO2 compressor technology for a decarbonized energy economy
Thursday, May 26, 2022 2:54 PM
To help decarbonize industrial plants, CO2 emissions can be captured and stored. However, challenges exist in moving CO2 from the plant to storage. In this podcast, Elliott Group discusses several solutions for the compression and transport of CO2 to sequestration and storage sites.
Innovative recycling, driving circularity while decarbonizing the petrochemical industry
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 8:00 PM
In this episode, Axens details some of the challenges in chemically recycling plastics, along with new technologies that can be solutions.
Staying ahead of environmental, social and governance goals
Friday, May 6, 2022 3:10 PM
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are making their way to the forefront of boardrooms within the oil and gas industry. Strong ESG performance is rapidly transitioning from a differentiator to a requirement for many corporations. In this podcast, Emerson explains the importance of ESG initiatives and how advanced automation can help achieve sustainability goals.
Blockchain and the downstream segment: Increasing efficiency through technology
Friday, May 6, 2022 3:06 PM
This podcast examines several aspects of using blockchain within the oil and gas industry, including why it is used and how, its benefits, and challenges.
History of the HPI: The 1950s: Capacity expansion, HDPE/PP, polycarbonate, computers and rocket science
Friday, May 6, 2022 2:33 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing continues its History of the HPI series with major technological developments in the refining and petrochemical industries during the 1950s. These included the discovery of polyethylene derivatives, polycarbonates, the first use of computers in refining operations and the advancement of rocket fuels.
High risk, high stakes: Why digitalization is critical for hydrocarbon processing
Friday, May 6, 2022 2:28 PM
AVEVA discusses why adopting digital technologies is paramount to ensuring safe, efficient and profitable operations, as well as providing a case study on how SCG Chemicals and AVEVA built a single digital platform to centralize the chemical producer's data collection, visualization and maintenance, achieving a 9X return on investment in only 6 mos.
Building resilience: Why now is the time to invest in natural hazard risk management
Friday, May 6, 2022 2:22 PM
With extreme weather and natural disaster events growing in frequency worldwide, ABS Group provides pathways that organizations can take to protect their assets and mitigate some of the risks posed by natural hazards.
The EPC executive’s challenge and opportunity: Navigating the sustainability shift in capital projects
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 4:38 PM
AspenTech provides in-depth analysis on a joint survey with Hydrocarbon Processing focused on how EPC companies are focusing future efforts on incorporating sustainability projects into their operations and portfolios, including the challenges and benefits that come along with venturing down this road.
History of the HPI: The 1940s: Global conflict, FCC, 100 octane, synthetic rubber—Wartime necessitates advancing technologies
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 4:16 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing continues its History of the HPI series with major technological developments in the refining and petrochemical industries during the 1940s. Listen to how global conflict sparked new refining and petrochemical processes/products and how the processing industry advanced through the decade.
How hydroprocessing feed filtration system design impacts process reliability and efficiency
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 4:32 PM
In this episode of The Main Column, Filtration Technology Corporation explains the benefits of exploring innovative solutions for solids contaminant control, the costs of unplanned plant downtime if the right filtration technology is not deployed and designing filters for value and improved catalyst performance.
Digitally uncover profitable pathways to net-zero
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 5:11 PM
AVEVA discusses the need for energy companies to prioritize their emissions-related initiatives based on detailed analysis of technology options, market conditions and regulations; the digital capabilities and solutions needed by organizations to uncover this profitable path to net-zero; and a recommended framework and next steps for organizations that wish to build this capability.
Industry updates: Hydrocarbon Processing February news brief
Friday, March 4, 2022 2:46 PM
In this episode of The Main Column, Tyler Campbell, Associate Editor of Hydrocarbon Processing, shares some of the top news stories from February. From studies on electrification technology of ethylene cracking furnaces to the sustainability of corn-based ethanol, this episode will bring you up to speed on all the happenings in the industry.
SPONSORED: Digital technologies: A path to increased production and decarbonization
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 3:40 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Julie Valentine, Director, Global Refining and Sustainability Measurement Solutions, Emerson Automation Solutions, to discuss how digital technologies are enabling producers to enhance renewable fuels/biofuels production and provide a path to decarbonizing operations.
Comparing green fuels for marine engines-Part 1
Thursday, February 3, 2022 3:19 PM
To decarbonize the global marine shipping industry, companies are researching new fuels to limit emissions. The Refinery Automation Institute has conducted a thorough investigation on five green fuels for marine vessels: LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels. Part 1 of this podcast examines LNG, hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels, while Part 2 will detail the use of methanol and biofuels.
Shrinking the carbon footprint: A digital transformation roadmap for green fuel producers
Thursday, January 20, 2022 7:43 PM
This podcast, from OSIsoft, provides a roadmap for companies looking to incorporate digital technologies into their operations. This podcast provides details how operational intelligence drives optimization, how carbon accounting is becoming a new currency, pitfalls to avoid when adopting digitalization and keys to successfully implementing new digital technologies in operations.
Executives’ focus on lean management leaves companies exposed to risk during crises
Friday, January 14, 2022 7:41 PM
In the wake of an extraordinary year marred by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, DuPont Sustainable Solutions released the results of its 2021 Operational Risk Management Survey of executives, a barometer of the topics that dominate boardroom discussions around the world. This podcast provides a look at the results.
Improved methods for trace element analysis of challenging petrochemical samples
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 4:28 PM
Considering these challenges that impurities cause to the petrochemical industry, it is critical for laboratories to monitor the levels of impurities (e.g., metals and sulfur) in common petrochemical products with highly sensitive methods. This podcast, from Thermo Fisher Scientific, will discuss how advances in elemental mass spectrometry systems are enabling rapid and accurate element analysis of impurities, and how small changes in the sample introduction system—such as the use of ceramic torches—are further boosting operational capacities.
Digital and AI solutions for APM and predictive maintenance: A conversation with ABB
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 4:27 PM
Like every other industry, digitalization and AI are positively disrupting the downstream hydrocarbon processing industry. In this episode of The Main Column, we speak with Gino Hernandez, Head of Global Digital Business for ABB Energy Industries, and discuss digital solutions in asset performance management and predictive maintenance. We also talk about predictive maintenance as an important tool for sustainable operations and parts/inventory management, the importance of SaaS, and a futuristic view of ABB’s offerings in AI for autonomous optimization of operations and digital twins.
Optimizing natural gas treating: A discussion with H2SZero
Monday, December 13, 2021 4:09 PM
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing speaks with the Founder and CEO of H2SZero, Mike Callaway. Among the topics discussed are the latest technologies in treating natural gas, drawbacks to certain systems and enhancing treating operations.
How advanced, AI-powered scheduling can optimize refinery turnarounds and maintenance
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 2:20 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Owen Plowman, Vice President of Business Development, Actenum Corp., to discuss how advanced software can optimize scheduling for plant projects, maintenance and turnarounds, and how these new technologies are increasing efficiency and profitability.
PO, contract or purchase agreement: Which is best for your procurement strategy?
Friday, December 3, 2021 4:30 PM
Procuring equipment, materials and services are very important to a project’s financial success. Utilizing the right procurement document and the appropriate process will go a long way to achieve project success. However, which strategy is best? This podcast examines the different procurement documents and which may work best for your project.
Converting to renewable power: An interview with MEGlobal's Oyster Creek Site Leader Scott Daigle
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 3:43 PM
MEGlobal's Oyster Creek site plans to switch to 100% renewable electricity by 2023. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with the plant's site leader, Scott Daigle, on the project's conception, how the power will be generated and the benefits to the site's sustainability measures.
How to achieve industrial autonomy in the refining and petrochemical industries
Friday, October 15, 2021 7:59 PM
Honeywell Process Solutions examines how intelligence, resilience and autonomy can be achieve across functional domains.
Decarbonizing ethylene production and the HPI's energy transition
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 11:31 AM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Stan Knez, Chief Technology Officer, Technip Energies, to discuss technologies to decarbonize ethylene production and the energy transition in the hydrocarbon processing industry.
Enhanced unit monitoring enabled by digital twin
Wednesday, September 22, 2021 4:49 PM
This podcast details how process digital twins can help monitor and improve KPIs on processing units, as well as provides the use of a process digital twin to optimize performance of Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery's hydrocracking unit. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.comCopyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Evolution of capital projects: A chat with S&B Engineers and Constructors
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 7:07 AM
Catherine Watkins, Publisher, Hydrocarbon Processing met with JD Slaughter, President, S&B Engineers and Constructors at the 53rd annual ECC PerspECCtives conference to discuss the evolution of capital projects.For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.comCopyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
LPG sector poised for sustainable fuel transition
Friday, August 27, 2021 8:35 PM
This podcast provides an overview on supply and demand dynamics affecting the global LPG market. This includes regions of importance, shipping and trade flows, as well as a sector outlook. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Patents provide a unique insight into oil and gas blockchain opportunities
Wednesday, August 25, 2021 8:14 PM
Withers and Rogers LLP explore the key concept of blockchain, the use case and evidence for blockchain technology in the oil and gas industry, the current state and future of the blockchain patent landscape, and what this could mean for the sector. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Emerging technologies: Building the clean fuels of tomorrow
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 2:27 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with John Doyle, Chief Project Officer, Bluescape Clean Fuels, and Brian Loftus, Vice President Business Development, Koch Modular, to discuss Bluescape's innovative STG+ technology and how both companies are working together to build the future of clean-fuels production facilities. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
IRPC Rewind: The future of the Technology Licensor
Thursday, August 12, 2021 1:15 PM
What is the future role of a process technology licensor? Recently, Lee Nichols sat down with Lummus Technology’s President and CEO, Leon de Bruyn, to answer this question. They discussed Lummus’ first year as a standalone company, recent changes in the market, the acceleration of the energy transition and digitalization, the outlook for technology licensors and a number of other important topics. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Achieve three efficiencies in mixed-refrigerant compressors for small-scale LNG
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 6:53 PM
Atlas Copco and EnFlex discuss the deployment of integrally geared compressor technology, exploring the drivers behind the rising demand for small-scale LNG and the qualities that make integrally geared compressors an efficient compression solution in small-scale LNG plants. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Specifying trip valves is critical for LNG service
Friday, August 6, 2021 7:02 PM
This podcast provides the ins-and-outs of turbine trip valves, specification requirements and testing. These elements will help facility owners appropriately specify the best trip valve for their operations. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Control software drives sustainable performance and production
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 2:47 PM
This podcast details some of the way operators are taking advantage of software, digital twins, advanced process automation, simulation, cloud technologies, etc. to optimize their facilities for more sustainable and profitable operations. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Keeping fugutive emissions costs down with low-E valves
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 7:21 PM
If fugitive emissions are left unmitigated, they can have detrimental effects to a refinery or petrochemical plant, including hefty fines if the facility is not in compliance. This podcast explores some essential strategies for actively addressing fugitive emissions to help reduce leaks, maintain compliance and keep costs low. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Why EPC firms are accelerating digitalization
Thursday, July 15, 2021 5:29 PM
This podcast looks at the four key challenge areas for EPC firms, how digital twins can optimize EPC performance and a few success stories on how EPC firms are leveraging digital technologies to enhance the project ecosystem. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Mid-year market update
Friday, July 9, 2021 6:32 PM
This podcast highlights some of the major topics discussed in Hydrocarbon Processing's Mid-Year Market Update webcast. Overviews include fuels demand, capital expenditures and active and new project numbers globally. The market webcast can be viewed on-demand by visiting HydrocarbonProcessing.com/webcasts. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Reliability: Exploring better compressor sour seal oil traps
Thursday, July 8, 2021 3:50 PM
Heinz Bloch's July Reliability column focuses on an interesting case involving sour seal oil traps and how best-in-class companies can work with manufacturers to ensure reliability. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Process control reimagined
Friday, June 25, 2021 2:27 PM
This podcast tackles the four phases of improving production control: normal operation, visualization, quality control and optimum operation. Companies can achieve seamless optimized production through the combination of simulation technology and control technology. This podcast details this strategy. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Taking on petrochemical plant hurdles with networking smarts
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 7:14 PM
To tackle competitiveness and move with the changing digital environment, utilizing mesh-based, IIoT networks is essential. These networks can provide plant-wide connectivity to manage, monitor and optimize assets critical to efficient, safe and competitive petrochemical operations. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Attracting digital talent for petrochemicals: You need a new brand strategy
Friday, June 18, 2021 4:23 PM
According to Deloitte, the future success of most chemical companies relies on three areas: growth and innovation, performance and cost optimization, and sustainability and the circular economy. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Safety, simplicity and productivity provide the value needed in plant operations
Friday, June 11, 2021 4:24 PM
Before deciding to install the newest widget in the market, it is important to evaluate the everyday work and demands of the process automation professionals who are the end users of the equipment. While the reasoning may change depending on who in the plant one is talking to, simplicity, safety and productivity are interconnected points that provide a solid basis for evaluating new technologies. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
ISOALKY: The future of alkylation?
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 9:01 PM
Jim Gable, Vice President of Downstream Technology and Services, Chevron; and Helin Cox, Business Director, Alkylation and Treating, Honeywell UOP, discuss the launch of the world's first commercial ISOALKY process unit. Mr. Gable and Ms. Cox provide an overview of the technology, its scalability, benefits vs. other alkylation processes and future rollout plans. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
A new solution to optimize LNG pre-treatment
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 2:13 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Peg Greene and Tobias Eckardt, both from BASF, to discuss a new technology for the LNG industry. This new unit replaces the standard mol sieve dehydration unit in an LNG pre-treatment lineup. This discussion focuses on the operations of an LNG plant's pre-treatment section, as well as the benefits this new technology can bring to the LNG industry. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
SPONSORED: Front-end engineering design: Why is it so crucial to project success?
Thursday, May 27, 2021 8:11 PM
SPONSORED: Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Paul Donnelly, Industry Marketing Director, Aspentech, on the importance of FEED and critical steps and technologies that can help optimize capital projects. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Evolution and innovation for an increasingly dispersed LNG market
Friday, May 21, 2021 7:05 PM
John Baguley, COO for Magnolia LNG, provides how the LNG market needs to adapt to changes in the global market to reach its full potential. This podcast examines the current LNG market, challenges for producers, economic drivers and market opportunities. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Ensuring safety in dynamic chemical manufacturing environments
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 4:00 PM
For many manufacturers, greater product diversification and fluctuating demand translates into increased operational complexity, which can have an impact on safety because increased production can put considerable stress on pumping systems. This podcast examines design considerations to ensure safe chemical pumping, along with monitoring and maintenance techniques to ensure efficiency and safety of chemical facility pumping systems. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
How maintenance and reliability in gas analysis supports hydrocarbon processing installations
Thursday, May 13, 2021 7:05 PM
This podcast examines how working with a service support organization to benefit a processing plant's maintenance and reliability goals. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Challenges and pitfalls in brownfield EPC projects
Friday, May 7, 2021 12:22 PM
This podcast presents some of the common design and execution challenges that occur during brownfield EPC projects, as well as best practices and solutions to mitigate project challenges.
Open process automation: Adoption and benefits for the processing engineer
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:45 PM
What is open process automation and how can it benefit plant operations? Global Systems Business and Consulting Lead for Yokogawa, Eugene Spiropoulos, provides his insights on how open process automation is being adopted globally and how it is benefitting process engineers.
Past, present and future of the global basestocks market
Thursday, April 29, 2021 2:01 PM
How has the global basestocks market changed post-COVID 19? Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Laura Pottorf, Global Marketing Manager, Basestocks and Specialties, ExxonMobil, to get her insights on the global basestocks market and steps oil marketers should take to help navigate this evolving industry. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Renewable diesel: The latest buzzword in the downstream sector
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:09 PM
This podcast details how owner/operators can get started and what they should look for when planning a grassroots or conversion project for the production of renewable diesel. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Design considerations when flaring ethylene oxide
Friday, April 23, 2021 4:00 AM
Learn the main design considerations that should be considered when designing an ethylene oxide flare system. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Modular construction: Always considered, now COVID-necessary
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:36 PM
This podcast focuses on the five key advantages of using modular construction, especially during COVID-19 restrictions limiting personnel on work sites. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
How EPCs are adapting and evolving operations through digital transformation
Thursday, April 15, 2021 7:41 PM
SPONSORED BY AspenTech Hydrocarbon Processing was pleased to sit down with Paul Donnelly, Industry Marketing Director, AspenTech, to discuss how EPC firms are adopting and using new digital technologies, as well as, and most importantly, how these technologies are benefitting these organizations' return on investment. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Improving capital projects efficiency through digital technologies
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 7:30 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Swarandeep Singh, Vice President at ABB Process Automation, Energy Industries, to discuss the latest advancements in capital projects construction using digital technologies. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Converting a petroleum diesel refinery for renewable diesel
Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:49 PM
Refiners around the world are examining instituting renewable diesel production capacity at their locations. Since renewable diesel production uses the same hydrotreating and separation processes used for petroleum diesel, refiners may be better off looking into converting existing assets to renewable diesel production. This podcast details several factors for refiners to analyze when thinking about converting plant assets to produce renewable diesel. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Leading in times of uncertainty
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 9:10 PM
A sneak preview of the upcoming April issue with an Executive Viewpoint written by Lisa Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Seeq Corporation. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Advancing crude-to-chemicals technology
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 9:40 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing was pleased to speak with Jorge Gascon, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Director of the KAUST Catalysis Center, on developing a new crude-to-chemicals technology with Saudi Aramco. Mr. Gascon provides insights on the one-step process, the benefits of the technology and the next steps in implementing it. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Interconnected neural networks drive breakthrough optimization
Friday, March 26, 2021 7:09 PM
Through the integration of a closed-loop neural network, refineries and petrochemical plants can interconnect their people and process areas to optimize their most dynamic and profitable processes and capture millions of dollars in annual incremental margin. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Repair complex petrochemical components with selective electroplating
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 7:54 PM
Minimizing downtime is vital in the processing industry. A wide range of maintenance methods/technologies are available. When it comes to complex geometries that must be repaired fast and be able to withstand the harsh, continuous operating conditions of petrochemical production. few solutions are as adept and as effective as selective electroplating. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Russia looks to double petrochemicals and LPG exports by 2025
Friday, March 19, 2021 4:00 AM
This Regional Focus looks into Russia's plan to invest heavily in increasing petrochemicals and LPG production, as well as their drive to boost exports of both. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
A perspective on new technology impacts on the chemical processing industry
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 4:45 PM
Just as society experiences new technologies that affect the way it communicates and interacts, the chemical industry is also experiencing an evolution in new technologies that optimize operations. This is a quick look at how these technologies are impacting the chemicals industry. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
ROI is the secret sauce for sustainable digital transformation
Friday, March 12, 2021 3:37 PM
Zachary Burke, Radix Engineering and Software, provides the five levels of digital maturity and how they should focus on the key variable to make these stages sustainable: return on investment. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com Copyright ©Gulf Energy Information 2021
Steps to selecting the right rotary control valve
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 8:41 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Jason Jablonski and Wade Helfer of Emerson to discuss what you should look for when selecting a rotary control valve. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Why technology that powers and augments humans is crucial for 2021 industrial business resilience
Friday, March 5, 2021 4:13 PM
The global processing industry has experienced several challenges over the past year. However, new technologies are enabling the HPI workforce to optimize operations in a new way. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Tyler Hufstetler, Director of Partnerships, Parsable and Fellow with the World Economic Forum, to discuss how technology is supporting business operations for increased productivity and safety. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
SPONSORED: Alarm management: Will today's practices work tomorrow?
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 11:54 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Perry Nordh and Jeet Dey of Honeywell to discuss how the traditional approaches to alarm management have changed over time, as well as the evolution in alarm management and how companies can utilize new technologies to gain a competitive edge.
How COVID-19 changed the adoption of digital technologies
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 5:08 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Zied Ouertani, Vice President, Chemicals and Refining Global Head of Technology for ABB, to discuss how the global pandemic escalated the necessity of digital technological solutions and if the processing industry's digital transformation will continue in the future.
Improve reliability and reduce maintenance with advanced analytics
Friday, February 26, 2021 5:00 AM
This podcast details how advanced analytics can reduce unit downtime and improve reliability, freeing hours/days of crucial engineering resource time. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Optimize plant turnarounds with AI-powered software
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 8:23 PM
How much time and costs can be saved by scheduling with an AI-powered solution? This podcast examines how using new digital tools, such as AI, can optimize plant shutdowns and save significant time and money. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Data historian-based machine condition monitoring
Thursday, February 18, 2021 4:04 PM
Machine condition monitoring has been playing an increasingly important role in industrial asset healthcare for many years. This podcast dives into details on how historian-base condition monitoring has become much more intuitive, reliable, transparent and widespread. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Reduce OPEX and improve sustainability through digital energy optimization strategies
Thursday, February 18, 2021 1:11 AM
Energy optimization is a key opportunity to reduce energy cost and lower emissions. Digital transformation solutions can accelerate the return of energy optimization investments. This podcast examines some digital tools to help optimize energy efficiency in processing plants. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Reliability: Plan startups wisely and involve SMEs
Friday, February 12, 2021 8:41 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing's Reliability Editor, Heinz Bloch summarizes the experience of a former colleague in which he was selected as the expert witness for a company in litigation against a supplier of bulk raw material. The plaintiff’s profitability depended on the uninterrupted flow of raw material from the defendant. The startup was delayed, and the unforeseen consequential losses for the plaintiff were far-reaching. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Are chemical companies ready for the future of work?
Thursday, February 11, 2021 5:00 AM
How can companies adapt to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and oil/gas market volatility? This podcast examines four levers of transformation that could push companies into the future: energy transition, integrated human-machine collaboration, recoded careers and organizational agility.
The tools advancing the HPI into the digital age
Thursday, February 4, 2021 9:16 PM
This podcast provides an overview of some of the many digital technologies being adopted in the HPI to increase safety, productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Escaping the "cyclone market" in downstream energy
Thursday, January 28, 2021 9:33 PM
Several challenges facing the downstream processing industry have led to reduced insurance limits/coverages at significantly higher prices, leading to a cyclone market that seems inescapable for HPI companies that need coverage for their capital-intensive units. This podcast provides several steps that could help asset owners out of this whirlwind market. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Reasons for vibration issues in boilers and furnaces
Monday, January 25, 2021 5:00 AM
This podcast dives into the trends that cause vibration issues in boilers and furnaces, along with several techniques to mitigate vibration within these pieces of equipment.
How to support condition monitoring with wireless instrumentation networks
Thursday, January 21, 2021 9:09 PM
WirelessHART sensors, whether used with existing control and monitoring systems or with new technical applications, provide the data required to improve process efficiency and safety. This podcast examines seven practical examples where wireless instrumentation networks can optimize plant operations. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Address damage done by galvanic corrosion
Friday, January 15, 2021 12:00 PM
This podcast provides an overview on galvanic corrosion, including causes or corrosion, vulnerable areas and prevention. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Hydrocarbons face the toughest challenge yet
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 11:30 PM
This podcast examines future global energy demand and how the energy mix will transition to 2050. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Do companies have the right tools to make proactive safety decisions?
Friday, January 8, 2021 11:00 AM
This podcast dives into Sphera's 2020 process safety management/operational risk management survey. It provides insights into the industry's safety culture, reality of risks, methods organizations are using to identify risks and adopting digital technologies to increase safety in hazardous facilities. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Case EPC-2020: Increasing competitiveness and profits
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 9:21 PM
In this hypothetical case (EPC-2020), the global EPC market is explored and, from that basis, guidelines are presented on how to make an EPC firm more competitive and increase its profit to a healthy 5%-6% of sales. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Industry Focus: Competition for Europe's LNG market
Monday, January 4, 2021 11:00 AM
The level of competition in the global LNG market is rising as major producers look to increase their shares in a market severely weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes significant competition for Europe's LNG market share, as well as growing LNG demand in Asia. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
The elements of a reliability framework
Friday, January 1, 2021 5:00 AM
Hydrocarbon Processing's Reliability Editor, Heinz Bloch, summarizes the five pillars needed to achieve reliable plants. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
A project manager's challenges in LNG megaprojects
Monday, December 28, 2020 11:00 AM
Most megaprojects suffer from costs and timeline overruns. This podcast details 11 prominent areas project managers should focus on to ensure megaprojects are on-time and on-budget. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
HPI spending forecast to reach $491 B in 2021
Sunday, December 27, 2020 12:00 PM
The editors of Hydrocarbon Processing forecast HPI spending on capital, operations and maintenance will total approximately $491 B in 2021. This podcast examines a synopsis on global spending, capital expenditures by region and active/new project numbers in the global HPI. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
The construction industry's quest to find a skilled workforce
Monday, December 21, 2020 12:00 PM
This executive viewpoint from Brian Gallagher, Vice President of Corporate Development, Graycor, discusses steps the EPC industry needs to take to build a skilled and engaged construction workforce. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Driving higher return with fuel-grade butanol at the refinery
Friday, December 18, 2020 12:00 PM
This podcast examines a new proprietary process that produces a mixed butanol product from refinery-grade propylene suitable for use as a fuel additive. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Cybersecurity: Guidelines to help mitigate risks
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 12:00 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Ben Dickinson, Senior Operations Lead, Cybersecurity, ABB, to discuss the risks companies face from cyber-attacks and guidelines to help mitigate risks and keep facilities and personnel safe. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Tips to implementing an effective shift handover
Monday, December 14, 2020 12:00 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Dave Loubser, Senior Staff Consultant, KBC, a Yokogawa Company, to discuss the importance of a plant's shift handover, along with ways to implement and effective shift handover strategy. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How digital transformation improves safety and reduces emissions
Friday, December 11, 2020 11:00 AM
This podcast, written by Marcelo Carugo, Vice President of Global Refining and Chemical Programs, Emerson, provides examples to show how a company's digital transformation journey works in practice to improve operations, focusing primarily on safety and reducing emissions. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Optimizing methanol plant operations through minimal capital investments
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 3:50 PM
This podcast details Methanex's Chile 4 Standalone Operation project. It details the development process performed by Methanex, starting from the business context through an explanation of the original design and the proposed new design and, finally, depicting the benefits derived from the project's implementation. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Five lessons to get the most out of remote training and tools
Friday, December 4, 2020 11:00 AM
In-person group training may never look the same as it did prior to the pandemic, but 2020 has shown that organizations can get much more out of remote tools than previously thought possible. This podcast examines five lessons to create flexible and engaging remote training sessions for plant personnel. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Why we value engineering data
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 9:24 PM
This podcast examines the value of engineering data and innovation throughout the life cycle of a project. For successful data management, users need to focus on several important questions: What data is required? How can data be managed and used effectively? How can engineers achieve consistent data? For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Digital twin—Today’s disruptive technology leader
Monday, November 30, 2020 7:54 PM
Among numerous emerging technologies in the process industries, the digital twin is the most powerful and disruptive. Why? Listen to this episode of The Main Column Podcast to learn more. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Extracting business value from digitalization in oil and gas
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 6:23 PM
Most oil and gas companies are investing in digitalization; however, they often fail to move beyond proof of value or pilot projects. This podcast examines key factors that can set a digitalization program up for success and allow scaling past the pilot stage. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How using digital platforms can improve plant performance and increase customer success
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 9:51 PM
This podcast, written by ExxonMobil, explains how digital platforms can offer significant benefits across the oil and gas value chain by employing advanced analytical tools and near-real-time access to technical expertise to improve daily plant performance.
Siloed to connected: Why the oil and gas industry is going digital
Friday, November 13, 2020 5:10 PM
HPI organizations generate vast amounts of data throughout their operations. It is imperative to utilize this data in the most optimal way. This podcast examines several advanced data management tools to help organizations optimize workflows and bring benefits to the entire enterprise.
Hydrogen and clean fuels: An EPC's perspective
Wednesday, November 11, 2020 11:00 AM
Hydrocarbon Processing sits down with Bill Preston, President and Chief Operating Officer of KP Engineering, to discuss how this EPC has leveraged their diverse background in oil refining to adapt to the sustainable market needs of hydrogen and clean fuels.
Achieve refinery cost savings with real-time hydrogen monitoring
Friday, November 6, 2020 12:00 PM
One way refiners can better control or even reduce costs is by accurately monitoring hydrogen levels in several locations throughout the facility. This podcast examines the importance of hydrogen monitoring and suggestions on improving hydrogen measurements for optimal performance.
Seven imperatives for modern inventory management solutions
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 3:38 PM
This podcast discusses seven crucial qualities terminal operators are looking for in a modern inventory management solution--a terminal operator's "wish list." These qualities help terminal operators reduce inventory uncertainties, increase efficiency and minimize product losses.
The role of the technology licensor--Past, present and future
Thursday, October 22, 2020 10:00 AM
How is the role of the process technology licensor evolving to meet future energy and products demand? Hydrocarbon Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Lee Nichols, discussed the role of the process technology licensor--now and the into the future--with Leon de Bruyn, President and CEO, Lummus Technology.
Zero-based, custom-built, reliability-driven: A new kind of maintenance organization
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 11:00 AM
This podcast details how Eastman Chemical's Longview, Texas site instituted specific goals to institute excellence in its maintenance department and optimize the way it works with operations.
Fully autonomous operations by 2030: Is this the future of the HPI?
Friday, October 16, 2020 5:21 PM
Yokogawa recently released a survey that found that two-thirds of process industry companies are anticipating fully autonomous operations by 2030. Hydrocarbon Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Lee Nichols, discussed the findings of this report with Duncan Micklem, Vice President, Yokogawa, and how the industry is adopting new digital technologies, what it means for the future workforce and how asset owners/operators can respond to these trends.
OT/IT integration for profit-driven operation
Monday, October 12, 2020 11:00 AM
OT/IT integration is required for sharing information among all levels of manufacturing organizations to achieve profit-driven operation (PDO). This podcast examines a particular PDO solution, which breaks down production performance indicators down to the technical and operative levels, using industrial best practices to create synaptic performance indicators.
Making low-emissions LNG a reality
Thursday, October 8, 2020 10:00 AM
This podcast examines specific concepts and technologies used in reducing emissions and effectively decarbonizing LNG production. This includes liquefaction facility design, power generation, renewables and energy storage and digitalization.
Project Management: Reduce installation schedule for column trays
Friday, October 2, 2020 12:00 PM
This podcast outlines best practices and methods to reduce installation time of trays in distillation columns.
How valve upgrades can improve tank and terminal facility operations
Thursday, October 1, 2020 5:00 PM
This podcast examines problems caused by using manual on/off valves in tank and terminal facilities, along with detailing the best ways to automate operations by selecting the right type of valve for each application.
Meeting strict government standards for wastewater reuse and improved water quality
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 1:32 PM
Regulations on refining/petrochemical wastewater effluents and controlling their use in freshwater sources are getting stricter in many countries around the world. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Bill Cunningham, Siemens, to discuss a case study on two separate projects Siemens conducted at Sinopec's Anqing refinery to adhere to new environmental regulations and how technology can be applied to industrial plants around the world to adhere to strict wastewater guidelines. SPONSORED CONTENT
Five Best Practices for Adopting New Digital Technologies in the HPI
Friday, September 25, 2020 5:00 PM
Many HPI companies are taking different approaches to integrating new digital technologies. This podcast provides the five best practices when starting a digital journey.
The importance of great industrial communication
Thursday, September 24, 2020 12:44 PM
This podcast provides five rules to great communication that can lead to increased safety within refineries and petrochemical plants.
Beginning the journey to the self-optimizing plant
Friday, September 18, 2020 6:38 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing discusses the HPI's digital transformation journey with Ron Beck, Marketing Strategy Director at Aspentech, along with the future of the self-optimizing plant and how digital technologies will lead to more efficient operations.
Seven imperatives for modern inventory management solutions
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 12:00 PM
Today’s terminal operators are facing several challenges related to the profitability of their bulk terminal, petrochemical and oil field storage sites. Learn more in the latest Main Column Podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Improving petrochemical operations with continuous condition monitoring
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 10:19 PM
While countless machines and equipment in a petrochemical plant can be monitored continuously, pumps and compressors are generally some of the most critical.Yet, while plants regularly recognize the importance of monitoring pumps and compressors, and often make periodic checks of these machines part of regular rounds, they are often overlooked as key candidates for continuous monitoring. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Digital twin—Today’s disruptive technology leader
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 3:17 PM
Among numerous emerging technologies in the process industries, the digital twin is the most powerful and disruptive. Why? Listen to the latest episode of The Main Column Podcast to learn more. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Base stocks: Market overview, specifications and guidelines
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 2:37 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing’s Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher, Lee Nichols, sits down with Rick Dougherty, Chief of Base Stocks and Specialties Technology, ExxonMobil, to discuss the base stocks market, the base stocks interchange, OEM specifications and much more. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Selecting the right gas analyzer to optimize monitoring of NOx and other emissions
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:48 PM
Combustion processes of all types generate emissions of one kind or another. For example, hydrogen- and carbon-based combustion processes produce water and carbon dioxide (CO2), respectively. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How to develop a successful asset management strategy during the coronavirus downturn
Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:24 PM
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted all sectors of the oil and gas industry, including asset management. Many plants around the world are operating in emergency mode or shutdown.The following are six recommendations to help organizations optimize their asset management decisions during this unprecedented time and to emerge from the COVID-19 slowdown unscathed. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How to use AI to take your asset performance management techniques to the next level
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 2:29 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Mike Reed, Head of AVEVA AI Center of Excellence--to discuss how AI can be used to improve your asset performance management techniques. Listen now to the latest AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
What if your plant were truly digital
Tuesday, July 28, 2020 3:11 PM
With the increasing volatility of the oil and gas markets (involving price fluctuations and oil demand uncertainties) and stricter environmental constraints, a new normal for the world is being built right in front of us. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Data security and privacy: The five questions energy company boards need to ask
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 2:56 PM
Over the past 5 yr, the energy industry has been forced to navigate highly volatile conditions, including unstable economics, increased sustainability concerns and a shortage of experienced leaders to succeed those approaching retirement. Learn more in this AVEVA Sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
The latest in measurement optimization for improved efficiency
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 2:45 PM
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with three subject matter experts from Endress + Hauser--Prasanth Sreekumar, Mark Thomas and Sam Miller--to discuss the latest in measurement technology and how instrumentation and analyzers can help optimize production plants and improve efficiency. Listen now to the latest AVEVA sponsored podcast.
Four tips for navigating a shutdown, turnaround or outage successfully
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 3:08 PM
In the oil and gas sector, managing a shutdown, turnaround, or even an outage is an unavoidable requirement. These projects are complex, with multiple stakeholders focused on limiting the time assets are offline with zero tolerance for safety incidents. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Refining: Despite decline, Group 1 base stocks are here to stay
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 2:50 PM
Given increasingly stringent automotive specifications and the advent of the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 sulfur regulations, the continued decrease in Group I base stocks demand should come as no surprise for anyone in the industry.Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Can you build resilience in uncertainty?
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 1:53 PM
2020 may be the worst year in history in the Oil & Gas industry. We witnessed one shock after another. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Maintenance: How to conduct successful turnaround maintenance at refineries
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:34 PM
PricewaterhouseCoopers reports that, since 2014, the oil and gas industry has put off noncritical spending to reduce costs.1 In 2016, for example, the average number of backlogged labor hours for corrective and deferred safety-critical maintenance increased by 25%. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
Highlights from a maintenance and reliability audit
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 2:26 PM
Staffers in many plants in modern industry are assigned to job functions related to reliability assessment and implementation. How these reliability-related job functions are carried out varies greatly from plant to plant.Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Safety: Where foresight replaces hindsight: How AI impacts the future of oil and gas safety
Tuesday, June 2, 2020 2:31 PM
According to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), there were 31 fatal incidents across the industry in 2018. This result was down only slightly from 33 the year before—a startlingly small improvement, given that preventing major accidents, injuries to people and hydrocarbon releases are top priorities across the energy industry. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Supply Chain: Thinking outside the box: Unconventional supply chain planning
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 2:24 PM
When you think of your supply chain, what do you consider? For a traditional downstream refiner, you may include pipeline, truck, rail and vessel logistics. Where inventory is stored is another consideration. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Rapid reaction to market volatility
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:46 PM
While there is no way to predict the length of the current pandemic or crude price volatility, you can help your refinery navigate risk and manage uncertainty by rapidly reacting to market volatility. This AVEVA sponsored podcast examines the use of cloud computing to speed up refinery planning and taking the current slow-down to future-proof operations to be in a better position to survive the next downturn. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
The downstream dilemma: Past, present and future of downstream energy
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 2:39 PM
The oil industry’s interest in the downstream segment of the business has known ups and downs. This article reviews the past, present and projected future of the downstream sector and its companies. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How to use technology to mitigate job-hopping and retain millennial workers
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 9:33 PM
Workforce experts and employers often suggest that the millennial generation is responsible for sparking the job-hopping trend. A 2018 Deloitte survey1 found only 28% of millennials plan to stay with their companies for more than 5 yr. From an employee’s perspective, a strong case can be made for job-hopping. In a good job market, workers—especially younger generations—often can find better opportunities and make bigger salary jumps by changing companies. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
E&C execs discuss industry work and leadership in the "new normal"
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 3:04 PM
Rice Global Engineering & Construction (E&C) Forum held its first virtual roundtable on April 24 on the subject, "Leading through a crisis: E&C leadership perspective." The lunchtime seminar, which was moderated by Hydrocarbon Processing Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher Lee Nichols, focused on how E&C companies are working and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industry Perspectives: New petrochemical projects flat year-over-year
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 7:21 PM
New perochemical project announcements plateaued year-over-year (y-o-y), according to data from Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Engineering propylene: Value unlocking with the PDH process
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:14 PM
Propylene is at the core of the petrochemical industry, with the synthesis of its numerous derivatives finding greater application in industries from textile to automobile, cosmetics and beyond. Propylene is also a foundation block/intermediate for numerous chemicals, from isopropanol to polypropylene (a widely used synthetic material) to gasoline octane enhancers. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Develop more efficient capital projects with an EPC 4.0 strategy
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 6:27 PM
Digital technologies are being widely adopted across nearly every industry. Industrial companies are moving as far away as possible from manual, document-centric processes and replacing them with cloud services, digital solutions and data-centric strategies. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Hydrocarbon Processing Interview with Meridian Energy
Monday, March 30, 2020 8:22 PM
Meridian Energy Group is building two new refineries in the U.S. These projects will be in the Bakken and Permian shale region. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Lance Medlin, Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Fonda, Chief Technical Officer, to discuss the company's two projects and how they are building the greenest refineries in the world.
Business Trends: Rethinking the refining and petrochemicals industries
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 5:34 PM
Crude oil has been the fundamental element of transportation fuel for many decades. However, market factors are changing this dynamic, creating incentives for some organizations to consider oil-to-chemical complexes to maintain a competitive edge. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (https://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/media/10837/hppodcast_themaincolumn1400px.jpg)
Managing dark data and visualizing your digital twin
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 7:35 PM
Today’s tools are often specialized for a certain type of task; however, they often lack the connectivity that would enable the easy comparison and cross-reference of asset information. Engineering tools are well suited for design and build phases, but may be less suited for use in operations and maintenance. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Five key innovation concepts to impact frontline engineers in 2020
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 3:58 PM
Gas processing, liquefaction, oil refining, bulk petrochemicals and chemicals plants represent a large population of frontline engineers and technical managers. Their professional lives will become increasingly impacted by the growing adoption of disruptive digital technologies and digital platforms. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Augmented reality in the oil and gas sector
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 6:18 PM
At first glance, this is probably not a startling number—not when you consider the size of the entertainment industry and how immersed AR has become in video games, movies and the various ways it is being used by smartphone apps. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
How digital tools improve access to device information
Monday, February 24, 2020 9:48 PM
The plant runs fully automated; robots glide silently back and forth, ensuring an optimized process; and your maintenance technician—with a few keystrokes—can tell you exactly how each piece of equipment is running. The promise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has been delivered. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Executive Viewpoint: Fuels and petrochemicals will continue to help humanity thrive
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 10:32 PM
A 15-yr rise in U.S. exports of refined products continued in 2019 with the nation exporting more than ever, underscoring the importance of these products to fueling a growing world. In the latter half of the last decade, U.S. petrochemical production capacity increased—with more than $20 B invested in domestic petrochemical projects in the last 2 yr alone—and exports of petrochemicals and petrochemical feedstocks rose, as well. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
EPC 2030: Five vital characteristics that will define the EPC firm of tomorrow
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 4:38 PM
According to conferences and various media, the digital revolution is largely underway. However, many EPC executives say that their companies have experimented with digital initiatives, but they are still deliberating on where they will place their “big bets.” With that in mind, the characteristics that can help shape how and where EPC firms will invest for a brighter future are listed here. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
Surviving turbulent times requires deep management changes
Monday, January 6, 2020 10:42 PM
Unfortunately, many engineering and construction (E&C) firms operate without firm direction. This is hurting these companies in adapting to new market conditions. This podcast provides four factors—capital, physical assets, knowledge and time—that, when improved upon, can greatly improve productivity and profitability of E&C firms. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
When digital transformation hits all four sustainability buckets
Monday, January 6, 2020 5:00 AM
Sustainability efforts affect four key areas within a processing plant: efficiency, business, talent and safety. This podcast dives into how digital technologies are enabling companies to increase sustainable operations in these four key areas. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
Designing electric process heater systems for catalytic regeneration
Monday, December 23, 2019 5:00 AM
Achieving effective catalyst regeneration requires a process that produces a very high level of heat in a very efficient manner. Traditional steam has been a popular choice; however, this podcast explores how electric heaters can be an ideal heat source in the regeneration of catalysts within processes. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
Petrochemical data management using cloud-based digital solutions
Monday, December 16, 2019 5:01 AM
To boost operational efficiency and support regulatory compliance, many petrochemical companies use informatic tools, such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS), to organize data. These systems enable companies to make data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently. This podcast focuses on how a petrochemical company implemented a cloud-based LIMS system to support workflows across the entire organization.
Building industrial networks to serve IIoT and digitalization
Thursday, December 12, 2019 6:00 PM
How are companies putting new digital technologies to work? This podcast details how companies have implemented improvement programs with digitalization and where they have witnessed major advances in operations. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
Process safety in a connected world
Thursday, December 12, 2019 5:53 PM
New technologies are broadening the scope of automation’s reach. This podcast explores some of these new technology concepts and how they are being applied to process safety. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
HPI spending forecast to reach nearly $440 B in 2020
Thursday, December 12, 2019 4:09 PM
SPONSORED BY: Energy Web Atlas (https://energywebatlas.com/index.html) (https://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/media/10838/energy-web-atlas_horizontal_blue.jpg) Lee Nichols, Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher, provides a brief overview on the global capital projects sector. This synopsis provides active and new project numbers, capital spending by region, major initiatives affecting spending and a forecast on global HPI spending in 2020. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Maximize assets with a digital investment framework
Thursday, December 12, 2019 3:30 PM
Investments in digital technologies have shown to save companies money, optimize operations and streamline maintenance. The big question is how to evaluate digital investments? This podcasts details two investment models to consider in this analysis. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com (mailto:podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
- Radix partners with Cleopatra Enterprise to enhance project controls and turnaround management 4/15
- Uzbekistan aims to achieve a chemical hub status with the help of Chinese polymer tech 4/15
- BASF broadens its range of bio-balanced ingredients for European detergent, cleaning, and industrial formulations 4/15
- Neste to supply SAF to Air New Zealand at Los Angeles International Airport 4/15
- China's Sinopec completes successful trial of crude to olefin technology 4/15
- Prada Group announces first investment in SAF credits in partnership with DHL Global Forwarding 4/12
