Hydrocarbon Processing - June 2021 - 7

Editorial
Comment
LEE NICHOLS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Lee.Nichols@HydrocarbonProcessing.com
Optimization: Advancing the industry's
evolution and benefits to the masses
Optimization-the action of making
the best or most effective use of a situation
or resource-is not a term that the
hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI)
takes lightly: it is a way of life.
Throughout the history of the HPI,
engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs, executives
and other personnel have strived
to optimize plant and business operations.
This constant drive for improving existing
technologies, workflows and supply
chains has led to increased efficiency, safety
and profitability. However, most importantly,
this effort has advanced modern life
for billions of people around the world.
Refining. Advancements in the global refining
industry have provided transportation
fuels to significantly advance the ability
to travel incredible distances in a short
amount of time. Who would have known
that experiments with kerosene would lead
to the development of gasoline and diesel
to power the internal combustion engine?
These processes led to the development
of jet fuel and a better propulsion method
other than steam to power marine vessels.
Do you think the Wright brothers could
have envisioned present-day air travel during
their historic first flight in 1903? During
the last flight of the day, Wilbur Wright
stayed in the air for nearly 1 min. and traveled
slightly over 850 ft. Fast forward 118
yr and advancements in jet propulsion and
fuel technologies enable commercial carriers
to travel more than 9,500 mi in a single
flight-that is more than 18 hr in the air.
Throughout the history of the refining
industry, engineers, scientists, lab technicians
and many more have found ways to
optimize the fuels that are used in every
part of the world. Advancements in new
processing technologies are leading to the
production of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel
with little to no sulfur content. Technology
licensors are partnering with owneroperators
to develop alternative fuels,
biofuels, renewable fuels and sustainable
jet fuels. These initiatives and investments
in research and development are
optimizing the way the world consumes
energy, as well as leading to the mitigation
of carbon emissions and increasing sustainable
operations.
Petrochemicals. The optimization of
refining processes has also produced a
plethora of petrochemical value chains
that have advanced lifestyles and provided
lifesaving care for billions around
the world. Modern life would not be possible
without the work that has been done
within this industry.
Although much of the global public is
unaware of the petrochemical industry's
products, they use these resources every
day. For example, when is the last time
you used a computer, smartphone or tablet?
Did you take any medications today?
Has a family member, friend or colleague
needed advanced medical care-an all
too common occurrence since the outbreak
of COVID-19-to help save their
life or cure an ailment? Do you live in a
home, use modern plumbing systems,
drive a car, wear clothes, store food in
plastic containers, use plastics packaging,
wear makeup, etc.? The list goes on
and on. However, the point is that our industry
must optimize the message being
broadcast to the public.
Optimizing the message. The refining
and petrochemical industry is composed
of some of the brightest and hardworking
people in the history of the world.
Their devotion, knowledge and ingenuity
have helped advance humankind, and the
work being done within these industries
is providing better mobility, energy, conveniences
and life-improving products.
These advancements and benefits to society
are the themes that need to be broadcast
to the masses outside the industry.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
18 Optimization.
This month's Special Focus
section examines the people, processes
and technologies being used to optimize
refinery and petrochemical plant
operations, enabling operators to run
their facilities more efficiently, safely,
more profitably and sustainably.
43 Catalysts.
This section details the latest
advancements in catalyst technologies,
including the implementation of a highactivity
transalkylation catalyst; how
using a novel catalyst and operating
expertise maximized the Atyrau refinery's
RFCC unit; and an understanding of
hydrogen cyanide in the FCC reactor
and ways to mitigate it and improve
profitability.
59 Sustainability.
To help reduce carbon
emissions, researchers and companies
are investing in new carbon capture
technologies. This article explores the
most recent and promising developments
in post-combustion capture technologies
at pilot and commercial scale.
67 Digitalization.
This section details how new
digital technologies can optimize
plant operations. This includes how
advancements in process controls, digital
twins, mesh networks for enhanced
connectivity, simulations for operator
training and much more, are empowering
the HPI workforce towards safer and
more efficient operations.
81 Maintenance
and Reliability.
This article proposes a risk mitigation
procedure that prioritizes tasks based
on criticality assessment and aims
to provide data-driven solutions to
maximize return on investment.
Hydrocarbon Processing | JUNE 2021 7
Hydrocarbon Processing - June 2021

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