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An introduction to fouling in fired heaters: part 1
Apr-2022
Fouling is the accumulation and formation of unwanted materials on the surfaces of processing equipment.
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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.
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Automated welding restores boiler performance (TIA)
Nov-2019
Biomass is becoming an increasingly popular fuel for power generation. It is one of several technologies being implemented to improve the sustainability ...
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Control corrosion in refineries and petrochemical plants
Oct-2023
Formation of a water-resistant organic film barrier stops electrochemical corrosion on metal surfaces.
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Crude oil processing scheme for reducing operating costs in the CDU
Feb-2023
Development of crude oil distillation processing schemes to significantly reduce external energy and stripping steam demand.
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Premature foam-flood in an amine absorber: Part 2
Jan-2022
Troubleshooting and hydraulic analysis identified vapour channelling in fixed valve trays as the root cause of premature foam-flooding in a high pressure ...
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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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Arkema achieved its 6000th sulphiding job in September 2019 (ERTC)
Dec-2019
Launched in the 1990s, Arkema’s injection service of dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) for the in-situ activation of hydroprocessing catalysts reached its 6000th ...
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An introduction to fouling in fired heaters — Part 2: exterior fouling
Apr-2022
An important fouling mechanism on the fireside is corrosion fouling, especially for oil fired equipment.
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PackView™ liquid retention scale is a quantitative analysis of packing maldistribution
Sep-2020
PackView™ can be used to compare operational parameters with engineering design
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Fouling in VDU ejector systems
Feb-2023
Review of critical ejector-condenser interplay, with an overview of fouling in VDU ejector systems, including a case study where fouling impacted a refiner's ...
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High efficiency contaminant removal - Improving new and existing acid gas sweetening processes
Nov-2022
Gas sweetening processes using amine solvents are often challenged to meet productivity and reliability targets due to the impact of solid and liquid contamination. ...
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Optimising fouled distillation units
Nov-2023
Case studies discuss optimisation strategies and enhanced distillation unit performance against fouled conditions.
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Predictive model for maximum feedstock flexibility (ERTC 2023)
Nov-2023
Challenge of crude oil variability. Current market conditions are driving refineries towards a permanent diversification in crudes. Crude oil is a complex ...
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How to improve energy efficiency, reliability and asset integrity
Feb-2023
A global inventory of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions recently published by One Earth suggests that global cumulative emissions could be reduced by up ...
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Mar-2022
Improving level control in desalters to aid in use of opportunity crudes
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Feb-2024
A new approach to the costly problem of biofilm formation in refinery and petrochemical operations.
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Eight critical process vessel, tower and column corrosion mitigation projects
Feb-2024
Integrated Global Services (IGS) discusses eight global process vessel, column, and tower corrosion mitigation projects. This paper explores innovative ...
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Optimising critical level control in desalters by using multiphase level measurements
Dec-2021
Refineries are a complex set of various operating units designed to process crude oil into refined products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuels and feedstocks ...
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Reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in fired heaters
Feb-2023
A global inventory of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions recently published by One Earth suggests that global cumulative emissions could be reduced by up ...
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How refineries are saving time and money protecting assets
Feb-2023
The oil and gas industry is seeing a rise in demand and is taking vital steps to avoid disruption in production by preventing corrosion in process vessels, ...
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Dec-2022
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Retrofitting the thermal stage of a SRU unit (TiA)
Nov-2021
The original burner at a site was a multi-flame burner with low pressure drop on the Claus gas side.
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Recovery of ammonia from sour gases and conversion to valuable products
Oct-2022
Sour gases generated from a two-stage sour water stripping unit (SWSU) comprise mainly two types of waste stream: an H₂S-rich stream and an NH₃-rich ...
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Continuum damage FEA implementation in HTHA model
Feb-2023
Using the power of finite element analysis to accurately capture high-temperature hydrogen attack damage through the use of a custom creep user subrou ...
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Online cleaning of 
production units
Apr-2008
Faster online cleaning avoids the production losses that occur when shutting down a unit for conventional cleaning. Other benefits, such as improved safety ...
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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. ...
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Monitoring and treatment to maximise light cycle oil
Jul-2012
Fouling control, simulation software and tower scanning can improve operations and reliability when maximising middle distillate and propylene product ...
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Wastewater stripper fouling cured
Jul-2014
Sulzer was contacted by two separate refiners who noted a continued fouling problem and short run lengths on their wastewater strippers. The configuration ...
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Advanced high alloy stainless steels
Dec-2016
The real solution to guard equipment against environmental stresses like corrosion is use of advanced high alloy stainless steels.
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Rapid waste heat boiler retubing at IPL Mount Isa sulphuric acid plant
Feb-2017
Effective energy recovery in sulphuric acid plants can drive the economics of the plant every bit as much as the actual production of sulphuric acid.
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Coke protection eliminates skim (TIA)
Aug-2017
For refiners operating a hydrotreating unit, the goal is twofold: minimal downtime and maximum profitability.
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Online Cleaning technology applied to a major European refinery (ERTC)
Nov-2017
A major European refinery processing a variety of light, heavy and opportunity crudes, along with slop and gasoline condensate, faced high delta P on their ...
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Online monitor slashes biocide dosage (TIA)
Nov-2018
In many systems, fouling and deposits are a serious problem which results in shutdowns, cleaning actions and unexpected costs for the customer.
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Improving the flow, installation experience with a new reformer flue gas tunnel system
Jul-2019
For decades, down-fired steam methane reformer furnaces have used flue gas tunnels (or ‘coffins’) along the radiant section floor to collect and improve ...
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Desalter interface control optimises crude processing (TIA)
Aug-2019
To improve margins, refiners continuously look to optimise feedstock blends. Variability can bring significant operational challenges during the refining ...
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Automated welding restores boiler performance (TIA)
Nov-2019
Biomass is becoming an increasingly popular fuel for power generation. It is one of several technologies being implemented to improve the sustainability ...
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Preventing yellow metal corrosion
Dec-2019
A novel corrosion inhibitor for yellow metal meets corrosion and environmental targets under halogen control.
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Arkema achieved its 6000th sulphiding job in September 2019 (ERTC)
Dec-2019
Launched in the 1990s, Arkema’s injection service of dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) for the in-situ activation of hydroprocessing catalysts reached its 6000th ...
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Environmental and economical benefits of improving amine unit operations (ERTC)
Nov-2022
Amine unit in refineries - The alkanolamine system in a refinery, better known as the ‘amine unit’, is used to remove hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), carbon ...
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Desalting chemistry and monitoring methods to help expand crude basket
Feb-2023
Widening the crude basket increases the challenges of maintaining asset reliability and plant performance, including formation of rag layers.
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Continuum damage FEA implementation in HTHA model
Feb-2023
Using the power of finite element analysis to accurately capture high-temperature hydrogen attack damage through the use of a custom creep user subrou ...
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Reducing fuel usage in the midst of a new gas demand reduction plan
Feb-2023
Processing facilities, including refineries, power plants and petrochemical complexes, are soon likely to be feeling the effects of Europe’s latest Gas ...
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Simulation of the Benfield HiPure process of natural gas sweetening for LNG production
Apr-2013
Achieving specifications given by customers, including pipeline-operating companies, LNG storage facilities, and gas-processing plants requires the removal ...
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Chemical treatment to solve FCCU problems
Jul-2004
From fouling and catalyst carryover to high feed nickel levels and varying feed qualities, FCCU problems can be solved quickly and cost effectively, says ...
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Development of a naphthenic acid corrosion model
Jul-2019
A model has been developed to predict and help prevent corrosion when processing high TAN crudes.
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Crude analysers in corrosion prevention
Mar-2018
On-line salt-in-crude oil analysers and crude oil analysers are essential in protecting the CDU and other refinery process units from corrosion.
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Emulsion breaker and metal removal technology increased FCC residuum processing
Mar-2015
Frequent and unexpected changes in crude blending properties result in operational and performance challenges from the desalter to the catalytic crack ...
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Recovery of ammonia from sour gases and conversion to valuable products
Oct-2022
Sour gases generated from a two-stage sour water stripping unit (SWSU) comprise mainly two types of waste stream: an H₂S-rich stream and an NH₃-rich ...
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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 ...
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Visbreaker optimisation: 
a step change
Apr-2009
Optimising visbreakers is not just a matter of monitoring and adding chemicals. Opportunity crudes demand a more integrated approach
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Stabilisation 
of asphaltenes
Jan-2009
Asphaltenes can plug refinery equipment and can decrease or stop production. Stabilisation of asphaltene particles is an efficient and cost-effective way ...
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Online cleaning improves operational excellence
Jan-2009
Online cleaning, followed by degassing and decontamination, can result in a significant reduction in downtime, increased run length, operation under cleaner ...
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Control of primary fractionator fouling
Jan-2009
Optimal operation and chemical treatment of primary fractionators requires an in-depth knowledge of many parameters. A combination of analytical tools ...
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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 ...
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Online cleaning of 
process equipment
Oct-2008
In the interest of time and cost savings, online cleaning prior to shutdown can reduce the duration and complexity of refinery turnarounds, as demonstrated ...
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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. ...
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Online cleaning of 
production units
Apr-2008
Faster online cleaning avoids the production losses that occur when shutting down a unit for conventional cleaning. Other benefits, such as improved safety ...
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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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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 ...
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Control of foaming in amine systems
Sep-2007
Amine solutions foam. Solution foaming causes plant upsets. It is the disengagement or break time that differentiates normal, desirable froth from undesirable ...
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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 ...
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Feb-2007
Why there is no excuse for operating a dirty amine system. The benefits of reclaiming amine systems are trumpeted by many and doubted by others.
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Evaluating opportunity crude processing
Oct-2006
Is processing opportunity crudes for every refiner? Technical challenges and economic benefits from processing high-acid crudes and bottom-of-the-barrel ...
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Hydrocarbon removal from amines demonstrated experience
Mar-2006
Bringing amine system contaminants down to low levels has reduced operational problems. Several large operating facilities are now using the latest technology ...
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Corrosion monitoring improvements
Oct-2005
Case study examines prediction, monitoring and mitigation of corrosion-related effects at a West European refinery operating in a high temperature, naphthenic ...
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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 ...
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Corrosion and corrosion enhancers in amine systems
Apr-2005
Corrosion in alkanolamine gas treating solutions begins with the acid gases, which are the target of the treating, and is enhanced by several physical ...
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Choosing a neutralising amine corrosion inhibitor
Jul-2004
A review of physical and chemical properties of commonly used amine-based corrosion inhibitors. The authors highlight the relative strengths and weaknesses ...
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Chemical treatment to solve FCCU problems
Jul-2004
From fouling and catalyst carryover to high feed nickel levels and varying feed qualities, FCCU problems can be solved quickly and cost effectively, says ...
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Tackling fouling in vinyl monomer manufacture
Jul-2003
Conventional and new approaches to the control of fouling in vinyl monomer processes are discussed in this article, which describes the fouling characteristics ...
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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 ...
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Mitigating corrosion from naphthenic acid streams
Jan-2003
The authors describe how crude and side-cut analysis, laboratory and field data lead to strategies for managing high severity operating conditions needed ...
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Amine purification system to increase crude processing
Jul-2002
Bringing amine system contaminants down to low levels has reduced operational problems.Refiners experience increased throughput of sour crude by continuously ...