Process Optimization

An advanced extractive distillation process for aromatics recovery

Lee, F. M., Shen, M. Z. Y., Chen, C. Y., Shin-Chuang Technology Co. Ltd.; Chen, Y. H., Cartell Chemical; Hsu, K. C. R., International Innotech Inc.

This article focuses on a novel extractive distillation (ED) process for recovering benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) aromatics from a full-boiling-range pyrolysis gasoline or reformate feedstock—a process that has been commercially demonstrated and is ready for licensing or a JV.

Editorial Comment: Juggling the increasing global demand for thermoplastics vs. reducing their environmental

Nichols, Lee, Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

If you were to review any forecast for global thermoplastics demand to 2050—high-density polyethylene (PE), low-density PE, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate, among others—chances are that you will see a steady rise in consumption.

Inpex to use BASF-JGC Corp.'s CO2 capture technology for large-scale blue H2/ammonia project

Inpex plans to utilize BASF and JGC Corp.'s HiPact CO2 capture technology in its Kashiwazaki Clean Hydrogen/Ammonia project.

Methanex-Mitsui complete first net-zero voyage fueled by bio-methanol

Methanex Corporation and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the dual-fuel vessel “Cajun Sun” successfully completed the first-ever net-zero voyage fueled by bio-methanol.

Shell Catalyst & Technologies to provide tech/catalysts for CSPC's Phase 3 project in China

Shell Catalyst & Technologies to provide tech/catalysts for CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited' Phase 3 project in China, which includes the construction of a 1.6-MMtpy cracker.

Axens launches Jetanol brand for its alcohol-to-jet fuel technology

Axens announced the launch of the Jetanol™ brand for its Alcohol-to-Jet technology.

Key considerations for the optimum design of a hot oil system

Singh, R. B., Maheshwari, G., Goel, A., Bechtel India Pvt Ltd.

In the hydrocarbon processing industry, where direct heating is not possible, a heat transfer medium is used. Steam has traditionally been the preferred heating medium.

The production and maintenance KPIs modern process plants should use to measure success

Modern petrochemical processing facilities are blessed with overwhelming quantities of data, given the digital transformation taking place throughout the manufacturing industries.

A scalable mechanical integrity program to accelerate the energy transition—Mobile, visual and dynamic

As asset integrity and reliability managers, risk-based inspection (RBI) and corrosion analysts, and inspectors and contract inspection firms across asset-intensive industries look to optimize their mechanical integrity programs, there is a paradigm shift to implement a comprehensive, scalable and sustainable fixed-equipment reliability program to meet increasing reliability demands.

Efficient facilities embrace control system predictive maintenance

Golder, N., Emerson

Hydrocarbon facilities are operating differently and managing more pressures than they did just 5 yr–10 yr ago.