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Putting a better spin on combustion
Jul-2013
How the incorporation of a mixing checkerwall can increase acid gas enrichment plant capacity, eliminating the need for additional train
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Improving asset performance and 
process safety
Jul-2009
How to achieve effective risk management and excellence in plant reliability and safety through asset performance management
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Reducing the danger of maintenance exposure
Apr-1998
Maintenance cost overruns result from inadequate cost estimating and the emergence of unidentified work that has to be done
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Independent verification of refineries
Jan-2011
Independent verification should focus on areas of greatest risk and so contribute to risk reduction measures
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Machine learning in asset maintenance
Jun-2018
Application of machine learning to asset performance management marks a transition from estimated and statistical models towards measured patterns of ...
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Identifying very small 
equipment leaks
Jan-2008
Very small leaks in feed/effluent exchangers can be identified using chemical tracing. This online technique can detect leaks as low as 5.0 ppm, avoiding ...
-
Improving profitability despite lower utilisation
Jul-2011
Alternative and novel strategies can maintain and improve profitability despite lower utilisation of individual process units
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Optimise control systems with preventive maintenance
Aug-2014
Ensuring equipment integrity by conducting thorough maintenance provides multiple benefits for your operation, from maximising machine uptime and minimising ...
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Packed bed performance analytics
Jun-2018
Advanced analytics introduce a numerical and easily understood approach to tower gamma scanning.
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Thwarting fluid-system leaks, saving energy, reducing leaks
Mar-2008
Fluid leakage costs industry millions of dollars every year. For example, a few small leaks in a facility using air at 100 pounds per square inch gauge ...
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Some myths about mechanical cleaning
Aug-2018
Because it has long been the only option when unit cleaning becomes unavoidable, the true cost of mechanical cleaning has been overlooked.
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Making the right investment choice
Jul-2008
Gasoline or diesel? US market forces skew the product slate towards diesel, but each refiner’s target market and required configuration are unique
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Where transparency-driven value comes from
Jan-2020
Safe and sustainable operation is a key factor for the profitability of every processing business, such as a petroleum refinery.
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Maintaining reliability when processing opportunity crudes
Oct-2013
A risk-based approach that considers crude oil corrosivity can allow refiners to safely and reliably process increasing levels of opportunity crude
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The outlook for transport fuels: Part 2
Jun-2016
As demand evolves, as specifications change, and as new fuel opportunities arise, what are the implications for refiners up to mid-century?
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Romanian refiner adopts electronic learning to raise efficiency
Oct-2009
Following Romania’s accession to the EU, a local refiner reassessed its approach to training to ensure a supply of skilled operators
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Troubleshooting premature tower flooding
Aug-2020
Thorough analysis of field data and tray hydraulics together with gamma scanning were key factors in the successful troubleshooting of premature flooding ...
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Treating options to meet clean fuel challenges
Apr-2001
The multiple challenges of meeting fuel specifications and upgrading low value streams, such as LCO and heavy naphtha, call for a comprehensive understanding ...
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Hazardous — or harmless? Machinery has not changed, but demands have
Apr-2010
Based on the example of the ”reciprocating compressor” machine, this article will present current state of the art technology as well as explain how ...
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Stopping corrosion on 
in-service structures
Jun-2017
Unlike more traditional coatings, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics can stop corrosion, extend equipment life, and minimise production downtime
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Development tools to improve plant design
Apr-2000
New tools are available today to improve LNG process, plant safety and overall efficiency. At the same time, advancing computer technology is enabling ...
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Mar-2021
Oil and gas operations success hinges on digital transformation. Between diverse business models and fluctuating market and regulatory pressures, every ...
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Planning a turnaround that fits
Jan-2021
A risk based work selection process screens worklist items to ensure they are justified for risk reduction or financial benefit as part of a turnaroun ...
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On-stream refractory measurement
Oct-2015
Precise assessment of refractory condition can avoid unwelcome discoveries during unit turnarounds
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Aug-2018
The benefits of including a non-intrusive approach within a risk based strategy for the inspection of pressure vessels.
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Energy management: raising profitability, reducing CO2 emissions
Oct-2010
Case studies show how lower energy demand via revamps and improved maintenance can save money and abate CO2 emissions in refinery operations
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Utilising the checkerwall as a 
static mixer to improve SRU 
process performance
Oct-2010
A little more than a decade ago, as Blasch Precision Ceramics began to steadily grow their hex head ferrule business, they began to field requests from ...
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Protection analysis in refining
Jan-2011
Independent pilot plant testing can serve as an independent protection layer to reduce the technical risks of new process technology
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Putting a better spin on combustion
Jul-2013
How the incorporation of a mixing checkerwall can increase acid gas enrichment plant capacity, eliminating the need for additional train
-
Safety system separation - examination of three types of machinery protection systems
Apr-2016
overspeed, surge detection and vibration monitoring, to help clarify when a SIL certification is truly necessary. Authors explain how companies can protect ...
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Improve the value of plant based project portfolios
Dec-2019
To improve the value of projects, owners need to focus on the right measures of success.
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Stopping corrosion on 
in-service structures
Jun-2017
Unlike more traditional coatings, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics can stop corrosion, extend equipment life, and minimise production downtime
-
Design challenges for future CO2 pipelines
Apr-2009
Overview of some design issues that need to be considered when planning, engineering and constructing pipelines to transport CO2 in its supercritical state ...
-
Hazardous — or harmless? Machinery has not changed, but demands have
Apr-2010
Based on the example of the ”reciprocating compressor” machine, this article will present current state of the art technology as well as explain how ...
-
Improving profitability despite lower utilisation
Jul-2011
Alternative and novel strategies can maintain and improve profitability despite lower utilisation of individual process units
-
Helium supply: scarcity prompts the search for alternatives
Nov-2013
Helium is a finite resource and, along with fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas, reserves of this noble gas are noticeably dwindling.
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Cyber security in the refining world
Jul-2015
Protection of industrial control assets requires ongoing risk assessment, well-defined security policies and an aggressive overall strategy
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Splitting distributed control for a 
refinery expansion
Jul-2015
A refiner’s expansion plan required a second distributed control system, achieved by splitting the original system without a shutdown
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Mar-2010
Near net shape refractory forming technology and its use to create significant process improvement. The vast majority of refractory, by volume, used in ...
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Recips need dedicated vibration monitoring systems
Mar-2013
Avoiding ‘crater maintenance’ and the ‘doom loop’ Reciprocating compressors have a reputation as bad actors among the rotating equipment fleet; ...
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Developments in cyclone technology improve FCC unit reliability
Jul-2010
Developments in FCC cyclone technology reduce problems of abrasion that cause unscheduled unit shutdowns
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Safe, reliable and maintenance-free coke drum unheading
Jun-2011
The process of coke drum unheading within oil refining has traditionally been one of the most dangerous activities in the industry. Even today such operations ...
-
Reducing the danger of maintenance exposure
Apr-1998
Maintenance cost overruns result from inadequate cost estimating and the emergence of unidentified work that has to be done
-
Development tools to improve plant design
Apr-2000
New tools are available today to improve LNG process, plant safety and overall efficiency. At the same time, advancing computer technology is enabling ...
-
Treating options to meet clean fuel challenges
Apr-2001
The multiple challenges of meeting fuel specifications and upgrading low value streams, such as LCO and heavy naphtha, call for a comprehensive understanding ...
-
Improving FCCUs: bottoms system upgrades
Jul-2003
A review of process flow scheme fundamentals and basic equipment operating and design principles that have improved unit operating profitability through ...
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Optimising cooling water systems
Oct-2005
An integrated approach to chemical treatment can improve reliability, reduce costs and extend the life of cooling systems. Cooling system problems can ...
-
Jan-2007
Gamma scanning is a powerful tool that can be used to determine the cause of flooding and regain column efficiency. Debutaniser capacity and performance ...
-
Identifying very small 
equipment leaks
Jan-2008
Very small leaks in feed/effluent exchangers can be identified using chemical tracing. This online technique can detect leaks as low as 5.0 ppm, avoiding ...
-
Thwarting fluid-system leaks, saving energy, reducing leaks
Mar-2008
Fluid leakage costs industry millions of dollars every year. For example, a few small leaks in a facility using air at 100 pounds per square inch gauge ...
-
Energy management: raising profitability, reducing CO2 emissions
Oct-2010
Case studies show how lower energy demand via revamps and improved maintenance can save money and abate CO2 emissions in refinery operations
-
Estimation of steam losses using a predictive tool
Jul-2010
A predictive mathematical tool estimates condensate flow rate and flow correction factor to obtain steam losses in steam traps
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Reliability analysis to determine environmental emissions from units
Jul-2010
Reliability analysis determines the extent to which plant can meet emission limits and supports estimates of possible financial penalties for non-comp ...
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Process and energy analysis for cost savings and CO2 reduction
Jul-2010
Applying heat pinch technology and process know-how to maximise energy savings. In an increasingly carbon-conscious market, improving energy efficiency ...
-
Developments in cyclone technology improve FCC unit reliability
Jul-2010
Developments in FCC cyclone technology reduce problems of abrasion that cause unscheduled unit shutdowns
-
Hazardous — or harmless? Machinery has not changed, but demands have
Apr-2010
Based on the example of the ”reciprocating compressor” machine, this article will present current state of the art technology as well as explain how ...
-
Estimation of heat losses from process piping and equipment
Apr-2010
An accessible predictive tool calculates surface heat losses from refinery piping and equipment. The most important part of the energy management strategy ...
-
Mar-2010
Near net shape refractory forming technology and its use to create significant process improvement. The vast majority of refractory, by volume, used in ...
-
Planning for a pipestill clean
Jan-2010
A combination of proven technology, setting expectations and developing a detailed plan helped a refiner achieve optimum results from unit clearing and ...
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Achieving excellence in process safety management
Jan-2010
The management of major accident hazards in refineries must recognise that all areas of the business have vital roles to play to ensure process safety ...
-
Romanian refiner adopts electronic learning to raise efficiency
Oct-2009
Following Romania’s accession to the EU, a local refiner reassessed its approach to training to ensure a supply of skilled operators
-
Ambient conditions impact CO and NOx emissions: part II
Jul-2009
Effects of air temperature and humidity on burner NOx emissions are discussed, including considerations for factoring in these effects
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Improving asset performance and 
process safety
Jul-2009
How to achieve effective risk management and excellence in plant reliability and safety through asset performance management
-
Improving turbocompressor availability
Jul-2009
Modular replacement maintenance can reduce major overhaul downtime by nearly 50%, and time between combustion and major overhauls can also be extended
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Apr-2009
Major opportunities for energy efficiency and reduction of GHG emissions within a refinery/petrochemical complex are identified. Work process methodology ...
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Optimising crude 
unit design
Apr-2009
Real retrofit examples demonstrate how crude units can be successfully optimised with the crude slates currently being processed. Process design strategies ...
-
Design challenges for future CO2 pipelines
Apr-2009
Overview of some design issues that need to be considered when planning, engineering and constructing pipelines to transport CO2 in its supercritical state ...
-
Making the right investment choice
Jul-2008
Gasoline or diesel? US market forces skew the product slate towards diesel, but each refiner’s target market and required configuration are unique
-
Increasing catalytic reforming yields
Mar-2008
Case study where a CCR Platforming process unit increased profitability by changing to a high-density catalyst. Higher aromatic yields and the ability ...
-
Thwarting fluid-system leaks, saving energy, reducing leaks
Mar-2008
Fluid leakage costs industry millions of dollars every year. For example, a few small leaks in a facility using air at 100 pounds per square inch gauge ...
-
Identifying very small 
equipment leaks
Jan-2008
Very small leaks in feed/effluent exchangers can be identified using chemical tracing. This online technique can detect leaks as low as 5.0 ppm, avoiding ...
-
Oil/water interface control for desalters
Oct-2007
Profiling instrument provides vertical real-time phase density measurement in desalter vessels. Benefits include reduced process upsets from interface ...
-
Olefins plant cracker gas compressor fouling
Apr-2007
Monitoring and treating process gas compressors to prevent corrosion and fouling. Several examples of improved compressor performance through the utilisation ...
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Key factors in selecting refractories for the hydrocarbon processing industry
Mar-2007
Longer campaigns, higher temperatures, and more oxygen all add up to increased wear and tear on process vessels and equipment and make proper material ...
-
Jan-2007
Gamma scanning is a powerful tool that can be used to determine the cause of flooding and regain column efficiency. Debutaniser capacity and performance ...