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Jun-2021
Upgraded crude scheduling enabled a refiner to increase its use of opportunity crudes for higher margin.
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Remote management of hydrogen production
Sep-2020
Remote monitoring and control can improve safety, detect problems early, and promote efficient operations through modelling and analysis of hydrogen p ...
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Digitalisation is only scratching the surface
Nov-2019
Digitalisation usually means upgrading a few elements of technology or workflows, leaving a partial digital twin when a holistic approach is needed.
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Downtime damages environmental performance too
Jul-2020
Advanced technologies can reduce the environmental impact of unexpected shutdowns.
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Cross-unit APC boosts downstream performance
Jul-2020
Manipulating advanced process control in a crude unit reduced constraints in a downstream diesel hydrotreater
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Debottlenecking product recovery using product pair distillation: Part II
Jul-2023
Advantages of using a thermodynamically efficient method to debottleneck existing distillation trains using fewer columns than traditional methods.
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Use of CFD modelling to improve burner design and operation
Dec-2020
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling can be used as an efficient and low-cost alternative to improve the design and operation of a new burner.
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Amine anomaly in a mild hydrocracker
Jun-2021
Simulation and operational changes help to crack the riddle of frequent amine carry-over from a high pressure amine absorber.
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Boosting tube-side heat transfer
Jun-2021
Tube insert technologies can improve heat exchanger performance by enhancing tube-side heat transfer coefficients in two-phase applications.
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Modelling ensures a successful revamp
Nov-2020
Pre-turnaround computational modelling built confidence in the benefits of introducing design changes to a FCC regenerator revamp.
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Real-time total chlorine monitoring to ensure optimal desalter performance
May-2019
Chlorides are always present in raw crude oils and their concentrations vary greatly. Depending on origin, transportation methods, and process conditions, ...
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Model Based Definition: What is it and Why?
Apr-2022
Model Based Definition (sometimes Drafting or Dimensioning or Design) is an iteration to mechanical design that uses a CAD generated 3D model with dimensions, ...
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Hydrocarbon Processing Gas Analysis Magazine - Issue 4 2019
Jan-2019
Accurate, reliable oxygen (O2) measurements are essential in many HP applications, delivering the readings that support process efficiency, safety and ...
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Baseline scans prove critical in diagnosing any potential future column problems
Sep-2020
A baseline scan establishes a reference point, a historical marker for column performance
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Determine organic and inorganic chlorides in crude oil
Nov-2020
Although all XRF techniques are capable of only total elemental analysis, with some sample preparation, Clora, Clora with Accu-flow, Clora 2XP, and Sindie ...
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Logistics of personnel movement by elevator
Jan-2019
During a construction project time is money, and that includes time waiting for elevators to the workplace.
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Run length improvement and emissions reduction in delayed coker heaters
May-2023
For many refineries, the delayed coker unit is a vital component of refinery profitability. The tubes used in delayed coker units foul and must be decoked ...
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Digital twins heat up the capabilities of energy storage plants
Jun-2022
How to support future energy security by enhancing energy storage with automated digital twins.
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Nature of errors in machinery diagnostics
Jan-2020
A reliability theory has been developing for almost 70 years, and all the time scientists, engineers and practitioners attempt to point out an instance ...
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Managing vacuum tower wash beds
Sep-2020
ThruVision™ scans monitor the rate of coking in vacuum tower wash beds to get the most out of bed productivity.
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Piping and instrument diagrams: Part 2 Causes and management of change
Apr-2021
It is difficult to categorise or group the many reasons for routine or late changes to a P&ID. Some causes are listed here.
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Future refinery complexes built using an integrated approach
Nov-2022
Minimise risks of project design changes at later stages using process digital twins during the design phase.
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Hydrocarbon Processing Gas Analysis Magazine - Issue 3 2018
Jul-2018
Hydrocarbon processing (HP) is one of the most demanding industries in the world. To support customers in facing the challenges of this market, Servomex ...
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Modelling and optimising bitumen hydrocracking
Nov-2021
A rigorous hydrocracking model for the quoted catalysts is used for predicting hydrogen consumption and product yields to maximise operating revenues.
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Kinetic model for TGU hydrogenation reactors: Part 1 model development
Feb-2023
Development of rigorous model for reaction kinetics and catalyst deactivation mechanisms capable of predicting SRU and TGU performance is presented.
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Predicting CO combustor performance
Jul-2009
Detailed description of a CO to CO2 reaction kinetic model for estimating performance of an RFCCU CO combustor
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Dynamic simulation of process controls
Jan-2015
Simulation of a catalytic naphtha reformer confirmed the accurate performance of control instrumentation
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Adjusting gas treatment strategies to resolve methanol issues
Aug-2016
It is not uncommon today for producers to introduce methanol into their hydrocarbon systems, either as a means of hydrate inhibition, as an additive blended ...
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What a difference a few months can make: how to respond to the oil price drop
May-2015
For five years, high energy prices drove strong capital investment and strong profit margins throughout the industry. Those same economics also encouraged ...
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Applying relief load calculation methods
Apr-2008
Case study compares dynamic simulation vs conventional unbalanced heat method for relief load calculations in a naphtha hydrotreater, focusing on the strengths ...
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Column design using mass transfer rate simulation
Apr-2002
This article looks at examples of commercial columns used in CO2 removal and selective H2S treating, comparing performance test data to demonstrate benefits ...
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Managing vanadium from high metals crude oils
Sep-2003
Improvements in process and equipment design with regard to crude unit and delayed coker distillation column performance can reduce metals content
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Using process simulators will make your plant more productive and efficient
Mar-2005
The use of process simulators to model plant operations can provide a plant hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in increased production and lower ...
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Oct-2005
Process modelling and equipment know-how are needed to design deep-cut vacuum units that operate reliably at high temperature and low pressure
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Steady-state simulators are developing a dynamic personality
Mar-2006
Process simulators have been used for years to design and model actual operation of all types of different plant processes.
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Troubleshooting a refinery fuel gas treater
Oct-2006
The effect of solvent contaminants on treating plant performance and the importance of basing simulations on actual solvent analyses are shown through ...
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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 ...
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Troubleshooting amine plants 
using mass transfer rate-based simulation tools
Feb-2007
Computer simulation models are indispensable tools for designing and troubleshooting amine gas treating plants. These models, especially ones based on ...
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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 ...
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Industrial design and optimisation of CO2 capture, dehydration and compression facilities
Mar-2009
On an industrial-scale process, a comprehensive engineering design and optimisation study was conducted for CO2 capture, dehydration and compression facilities ...
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Analysis of hydrate conditions and property predictions in acid gas injection systems
Oct-2009
This paper will focus on the hydrate formation conditions for acid gas mixtures commonly found in acid gas injection systems. Many studies have analysed ...
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Application of CFD in NOx reduction
Oct-2009
A study of parameters affecting NOx formation in an ageing boiler unit confirmed the measures needed to meet emissions targets
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Developments in impulse line blocking diagnosis
Jul-2010
Impulse line blocking diagnosis is emerging as a versatile approach to the prediction of process disruption
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Dynamic simulation: a tool for engineering problems
Oct-2012
Dynamic simulation can be used to solve engineering problems that require an 
in-depth understanding of transient processes
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Oct-2013
Efficient project workflow in a revamp can be achieved using 3D design technology that integrates with laser scan and engineering data sources
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High-fidelity operator training simulators
Jan-2014
Integrating a high-fidelity simulation model with a real plant control system requires some finessing to produce a true high-fidelity operator training ...
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Optimising distillation column 
product quality
Jan-2014
Process simulation and random sampling were used to optimise product targets for a propylene splitter unit
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Light tight oil crude comparison
Mar-2015
The production method for Eagle Ford and Bakken is via fracturing of the tight or shale formations in two different North America regions. Crude from the ...
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Three steps to successful processing of shale and other opportunity feedstocks
Mar-2015
Careful blending of incoming feedstocks makes it possible to create an input 
stream to the refinery that is a better match than any crude source ...
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Moving targets: how ever changing air quality regulations are driving process decisions
Jun-2015
Historically, the concern of process engineers was the design and operation of plants to do primarily one thing, efficiently meet product specifications. ...
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Practical hydrocarbon dew point specification for natural gas transmission lines
Mar-2011
Hydrocarbon liquid dropout can cause a number of problems in gas transmission lines, including increased pressure drop, reduced line capacity and equipment ...
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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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Simulation model increases 
visbreaker conversion
Jan-2011
Introduction of advanced analytical monitoring, chemical treatment and process optimisation has raised the profitability of a visbreaker unit
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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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Developments in impulse line blocking diagnosis
Jul-2010
Impulse line blocking diagnosis is emerging as a versatile approach to the prediction of process disruption
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Crude oil cargo selection and time frame of LP optimisation
Jul-2010
Combinatorial selection is the most rigorous and theoretically correct method of crude oil cargo evaluation. Efficient algorithms are key to its imple ...
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Calculating column relief loads
Apr-2010
Conventional, steady-state and dynamic simulation techniques are compared in a study of relief loads for failure modes applied to a distillation colum ...
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An evaluation of general “rules of thumb” in amine sweetening unit design and operation
Mar-2010
Many “rules of thumb” are widely used in the design and operation of amine sweetening units. These rules have been developed over the years and most ...
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Application of CFD in NOx reduction
Oct-2009
A study of parameters affecting NOx formation in an ageing boiler unit confirmed the measures needed to meet emissions targets
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Stepwise simulation of vacuum transfer line hydraulics
Oct-2009
A stepwise hydraulic calculation determines the pressure profile of a vacuum transfer line by linking the hydraulic model to process simulation result ...
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Analysis of hydrate conditions and property predictions in acid gas injection systems
Oct-2009
This paper will focus on the hydrate formation conditions for acid gas mixtures commonly found in acid gas injection systems. Many studies have analysed ...
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Computational fluid dynamic modelling of refinery combustion processes
Jul-2009
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modelling has been widely used for a relatively short period in the refining and petrochemical industries for modelling ...
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Predicting CO combustor performance
Jul-2009
Detailed description of a CO to CO2 reaction kinetic model for estimating performance of an RFCCU CO combustor
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Hydrocracker parametric sensitivity study
Apr-2009
Product yields and hydrogen consumption were predicted using a discreet lumping model. The model was used to study unit responses to changes in operating ...
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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 ...
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Industrial design and optimisation of CO2 capture, dehydration and compression facilities
Mar-2009
On an industrial-scale process, a comprehensive engineering design and optimisation study was conducted for CO2 capture, dehydration and compression facilities ...
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FCC reactor design: 
part II
Jan-2009
In part I, reaction kinetics, cracking chemistry, pressure balance, catalyst and vapour residence times, and fluidisation were considered. In part II, ...
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Composition variety complicates processing plans for US shale gas
Oct-2008
This article reviews which gas processing technologies are appropriate for the variety of US shale gas qualities being produced and planned to be prod ...
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Applying relief load calculation methods
Apr-2008
Case study compares dynamic simulation vs conventional unbalanced heat method for relief load calculations in a naphtha hydrotreater, focusing on the strengths ...
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Securing fuel supply and reducing GHG emissions
Apr-2008
Six strategic options are available to refiners to satisfy future energy and environmental requirements in the light of surging oil prices and public concerns ...
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Acid gas enrichment part II: maximising selectivity
Apr-2008
By recycling about 70% of enriched gas back to the front end of an acid gas enrichment unit, an almost two-fold improvement in SRU feed quality can be ...
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Improving refinery distillation operations
Apr-2008
The outline of a route map or staged approach to unit process improvement follows similar steps to those taken when installing advanced controls on a ...
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A comparison of physical solvents for acid gas removal
Mar-2008
Physical solvents such as DEPG (Selexol or Coastal AGR), NMP or N-Methyl-2- Pyrrolidone (Purisol), Methanol (Rectisol), Propylene Carbonate (Fluor Solvent) ...
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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 ...
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Optimising petrochemical operations
Jan-2008
Substantial increases in profit can be achieved in refinery/aromatics operations using methodology and modelling tools that incorporate multiple degrees ...