-
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 ...
-
Cost effective revamps to meet the environmental challenge
Jul-2000
Expected legislation in Asia for cleaner transportation fuels face refiners there with a challenge to stay profitable. The new laws can be met in a way ...
-
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 ...
-
HDXRF vs ICP for nickel and vanadium in crude oil
May-2018
Technology introduced over the last decade, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, has led to new sources of light tight oil (LTO).
-
Understanding the effects of silicon contamination
Jul-2019
Refiners throughout the petroleum and biofuels industry are taking a closer look at the dangers of silicon in gasoline and ethanol.
-
Performance-minded, character-driven safety
Jan-2008
Zero-incident techniques for excelling in health and safety performance involve commitment, involvement, analysis, prevention and training. The challenge ...
-
Optimise catalyst efficiency by monitoring chlorine levels
Jun-2019
Over the years, refineries have fine-tuned their production methods to maximise efficiency while ensuring quality.
-
The business case for digitalisation in the refining sector
Apr-2020
When we use the word ‘digitalisation’ what do we really mean? Computers have been used for process control since Fortran 77 was developed in the late ...
-
ASTM D2622 Compliance with D7039 Precision for Sulfur in Diesel
Oct-2019
In August 2018, XOS published a paper that reviewed and discussed ASTM Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) diesel and gasoline sulphur data comparing reproducibility ...
-
Aug-2019
Every fuel producer and fuel tester understands that innovation is key for growth. Far too long the status quo has been uncontested, leading to stagnation ...
-
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, ...
-
Precision comparison between HDXRF® and ICP for Ni, Fe, and V
Nov-2018
As petroleum professionals continue to refine their production processes, products such as crude oil can contain higher concentrations of problematic metals ...
-
VUV Analytics extends jet fuel and gasoline analysis capabilities
Aug-2019
VUV Analytics is pleased to announce a series of momentous accomplishments; the approval of ASTM D8267 for jet fuel analysis, the approval of a revision ...
-
A reliable solution to measure chlorine in catalyst
Mar-2020
Over the years, refineries have fine-tuned their production methods to maximise efficiency while ensuring a higher-quality product.
-
Mitigating hazards ensuring worker safety in refining and petrochemical plants
Sep-2023
Safety in refining and petrochemical plants is crucial, as these workers deal with dangerous chemicals. The employees in this industry also handle equipment ...
-
Fast and precise elemental screening in petroleum coke and coal
May-2020
Petroleum Coke (also referred to as petcoke), a byproduct of the oil refining process, is typically sold and used as either fuel or material for anodes ...
-
Worker safety when entering reactors with an inert atmosphere (TiA)
Feb-2024
The products from petrochemical processing touch almost every aspect of modern living. The importance of these products to industry and society emphasises ...
-
A comparison of chlorine levels in aromatics
Aug-2019
Petroleum refining processes have evolved over the years to maximise efficiency and output as crude oils are turned into finished products.
-
Best practices for improved sulphur repeatability
Mar-2019
There has been an increased need for quality data as petroleum labs around the globe are tasked with adhering to stricter sulphur regulations.
-
Jul-2022
ASTM D6667 is an established test method for the determination of total volatile sulphur in gaseous hydrocarbons and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). This ...
-
How refineries around the globe are preventing chloride catastrophes with XRF
Dec-2019
Organic chlorides do not occur naturally in crude oil; however, their presence remains a disruptive issue in the refining industry.
-
Ensure accurate results for sulphur and chlorine analysis in biodiesels
Sep-2018
The use of biodiesel is rapidly becoming more popular due to growing trends both inside and outside the petroleum industry.
-
Chasing the bias — gasoline matrix matching to improve ASTM D2622 sulphur
Jan-2019
With the implementation of the US EPA Tier III, Euro 5, and upcoming Euro 6 gasoline sulphur regulations (Table 1), there is an increasing concern with ...
-
The next generation of elemental analysis
Apr-2019
With tightening sulphur regulations across the globe, petroleum professionals have the unique challenge of certifying their products as efficiently as ...
-
Are you ready for the new ASTM D8252 Ni & V method using XRF?
Sep-2019
To meet the increased demand for finished product while consistently improving overall profitability, refineries and terminals are dealing more and more ...
-
Oct-2007
The expanding market presence and the breakthrough of refiners into the biodiesel sector are discussed along with commercialised and emerging production ...
-
Pitting and crevice corrosion of offshore stainless steel tubing
Jan-2009
Stainless steel tubing on oil and gas platforms is regularly employed in process instrumentation and sensing, as well as chemical inhibition, hydraulic ...
-
Precision comparison between HDXRF® and ICP for Ni, Fe, and V
Nov-2018
As petroleum professionals continue to refine their production processes, products such as crude oil can contain higher concentrations of problematic metals ...
-
Chasing the bias — gasoline matrix matching to improve ASTM D2622 sulphur
Jan-2019
With the implementation of the US EPA Tier III, Euro 5, and upcoming Euro 6 gasoline sulphur regulations (Table 1), there is an increasing concern with ...
-
Apr-2009
Major opportunities for energy efficiency and reduction of GHG emissions within a refinery/petrochemical complex are identified. Work process methodology ...
-
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 ...
-
New roles for FCCU: carbon capture unit and coke gasifier
Jan-2009
Environmental and energy security concerns may evoke new roles for the FCCU in addition to the production of liquid fuels and light olefins. Gasification ...
-
Surviving the global economic and legislative tsunamis
Jul-2009
Changes and challenges are sweeping the refining industry into a new era. Primary processing units will remain essential, but their roles will change ...
-
Revamping hydrogen and sulphur plants to meet future challenges
Oct-2009
Revamp opportunities for hydrogen and sulphur plant operations in the era of clean fuels production offer significant benefits for refiners
-
Condition Monitoring - the analysis of used oil
Jun-2010
The elemental analysis of used lubricating oil has become an essential part of “condition monitoring”, the use of physical and chemical techniques ...
-
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
-
Cost-effective condition monitoring
Jul-2011
The elemental analysis of used lubricating oil has become an essential part of “condition monitoring”, the use of physical and chemical techniques ...
-
Optimising hydrogen production and use
Jul-2011
Knowledge of hydrogen producing and consuming process technologies, systems analyses and process controls can be leveraged to optimise hydrogen use
-
A comparison of chlorine levels in aromatics
Aug-2019
Petroleum refining processes have evolved over the years to maximise efficiency and output as crude oils are turned into finished products.
-
ASTM D2622 Compliance with D7039 Precision for Sulfur in Diesel
Oct-2019
In August 2018, XOS published a paper that reviewed and discussed ASTM Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) diesel and gasoline sulphur data comparing reproducibility ...
-
Fast and precise elemental screening in petroleum coke and coal
May-2020
Petroleum Coke (also referred to as petcoke), a byproduct of the oil refining process, is typically sold and used as either fuel or material for anodes ...
-
Best practices for improved sulphur repeatability
Mar-2019
There has been an increased need for quality data as petroleum labs around the globe are tasked with adhering to stricter sulphur regulations.
-
Better alkanolamine system operations through chemical analysis
Sep-2010
You can have better operating amine and glycol systems. An alkanolamine acid gas scrubbing system is an elegantly simple concept.
-
Contaminants and their effects on operations
May-2003
You can have better operating amine and glycol systems, gas processing plants encounter a variety of operational problems in their amine and glycol un ...
-
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 ...
-
Removal of NOx from FCCU regenerator vent gases
Apr-1997
Design of FCCUs has traditionally been aimed at optimising process yields and heat recovery, but legislation on emissions from refineries requires changed ...
-
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; ...
-
Cost effective revamps to meet the environmental challenge
Jul-2000
Expected legislation in Asia for cleaner transportation fuels face refiners there with a challenge to stay profitable. The new laws can be met in a way ...
-
Improvements to increase fuel capacity and quality
Oct-2002
By using staged technology upgrades, fuels production at the Jiddah refinery was expanded and quality improved, meeting market and regulatory criteria
-
Performance-minded, character-driven safety
Jan-2008
Zero-incident techniques for excelling in health and safety performance involve commitment, involvement, analysis, prevention and training. The challenge ...
-
Amine plant corrosion reduced by removal of bicine
Jun-2012
Bicine, an amino acid, has been found in numerous amine gas treating systems including tail gas treating units, certain refinery services, and some natural ...
-
Rapid analysis of wear metals in used oils by automated ICP-OES
Jun-2012
Condition monitoring is essential to the efficient operation of large plant and machinery, and is the use of physical and chemical techniques to check ...
-
Bayernoil mild hydrocracker CATnap application
May-2012
On 21 January, Bayernoil, Neustadt, successfully shut down the mild hydrocracker (MHC) using the CATnap catalyst passivation process applied by Cat Tech ...
-
Combating the threat of mercury
Mar-2012
Emerging legally binding action on mercury emissions highlights the importance of monitoring and quantifying emissions from gas operations
-
Gases: identifying hazards and mitigating risks
Feb-2012
Although critical for the operation of refineries and petrochemical plants, industrial gases can be associated with a spectrum of possible hazards and ...
-
Crude oil vapour pressure testing
Jan-2012
Vapour pressure testing is an important safety check in the transport, storage and blending of crude oil
-
Future of opportunity crudes processing
Oct-2011
Five critical drivers help refiners remain profitable and sustain long-term business goals while processing relatively inexpensive, low-quality crudes
-
Early failure detection and shutdown of critical compressor due to a crosshead fracture
Aug-2011
Over the last few years it has become more and more apparent that operators of piston compressors use specific monitoring systems particular for their ...
-
Cost-effective condition monitoring
Jul-2011
The elemental analysis of used lubricating oil has become an essential part of “condition monitoring”, the use of physical and chemical techniques ...
-
Optimising hydrogen production and use
Jul-2011
Knowledge of hydrogen producing and consuming process technologies, systems analyses and process controls can be leveraged to optimise hydrogen use
-
Safety, quality and integrity of gas supply depends on equipment competency
May-2011
Protecting the integrity of gas throughout the supply chain, from manufacture to end user, is an ongoing challenge, particularly as gases and gas mixtures ...
-
Harmonising the global language of safety
Apr-2011
The convergence of several chemical reclassification and labelling initiatives being implemented in the global business arena to boost health, safety and ...
-
Elemental Analysis in waste oil and recycling
Jan-2011
Huge quantities of waste oil and related wastes are generated each year. Properly collected and processed, these wastes can be a valuable energy source ...
-
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
-
Better alkanolamine system operations through chemical analysis
Sep-2010
You can have better operating amine and glycol systems. An alkanolamine acid gas scrubbing system is an elegantly simple concept.
-
Condition Monitoring - the analysis of used oil
Jun-2010
The elemental analysis of used lubricating oil has become an essential part of “condition monitoring”, the use of physical and chemical techniques ...
-
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 ...
-
Can refiners afford carbon capture?
Jan-2010
CCS is not widely considered an economical way of reducing refiners’ carbon footprints, but case studies indicate great variation in the cost of imp ...
-
Revamping hydrogen and sulphur plants to meet future challenges
Oct-2009
Revamp opportunities for hydrogen and sulphur plant operations in the era of clean fuels production offer significant benefits for refiners
-
Surviving the global economic and legislative tsunamis
Jul-2009
Changes and challenges are sweeping the refining industry into a new era. Primary processing units will remain essential, but their roles will change ...
-
Apr-2009
Major opportunities for energy efficiency and reduction of GHG emissions within a refinery/petrochemical complex are identified. Work process methodology ...
-
New roles for FCCU: carbon capture unit and coke gasifier
Jan-2009
Environmental and energy security concerns may evoke new roles for the FCCU in addition to the production of liquid fuels and light olefins. Gasification ...
-
Pitting and crevice corrosion of offshore stainless steel tubing
Jan-2009
Stainless steel tubing on oil and gas platforms is regularly employed in process instrumentation and sensing, as well as chemical inhibition, hydraulic ...
-
Analysing economic viability of opportunity crudes
Jul-2008
Challenges to refinery heavy oil upgrades are discussed. Demand for heavy and high-TAN crudes continues to rise as light sweet crude reserves decline. ...
-
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 ...