Hydrocarbon Processing - September 2022 - 130

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covery of a cogeneration unit, by means of a heat recovery unit,
maximizes the integration potential, resulting in reduced emissions
and utility savings, as well as reducing fouling/coking and
an improved energy intensity index.
Trends in laser scanning systems to support
revamp/retrofit projects
J. Sanins, December 2004
The growing trend toward retrofit/revamp projects has focused
on more cost-effective, cost-efficient ways to capture
as-built engineering data directly quickly and accurately from
existing facilities. This highly accurate data can then be integrated
with 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeling tools
to design new plant features within the existing facility as part of
engineering execution.
Model-based predictive control increases
batch reactor production
A. Cardete, R. Lucio, R. Martinez, S. Munoz, A. Sanz,
J. Papon, C. Ruiz and D. Ruiz, May 2005
After a feasibility study, Repsol YPF decided to apply a
model-based predictive controller to a batch reactor producing
polyols. The predictive controller for reactors (PCR) is a set
of control modules that are designed to face most of the reactor
configurations. The important increase of production is a
consequence of the better handling of the reactor temperature.
Here's a description of the unit and control objectives, methodology,
project steps, results and the corresponding benefits.
Consider modifying your refinery to handle
heavy opportunity crude oils
A. Harji, M. Rodwell and R. Henderson, September 2005
The incentive to process heavy, sour crude oil has never been
greater, as some regional sour-crude discounts are approaching
$20/bbl. Unfortunately, the lower cost crude oils have physical
properties that limit their processing at most North American
refineries. What modifications are needed for a conventional
refinery to capitalize on this potential cost savings? To process
high-sulfur crudes, refiners must retrofit older processing units
to capitalize on 'dirty' feedstocks.
Convert oil sands into distillate cost-effectively
T. Okui, T. Shigehisa, M. Tamura, M. Yasumuro and S. Yui,
January 2006
Demand for energy remains robust even at high crude oil
prices. Oil sands are new hydrocarbon resources that can be converted
into high-quality (low-sulfur) distillates for refining and
petrochemical applications. With crude oil prices above $60/bbl,
oil sands bitumen is a viable resource that can be refined. New
slurry phase hydrocracking and two-step hydrotreating developments
have proven to be very successful in upgrading Athabasca
oil sands bitumen into low-sulfur, high-cetane distillates. The produced
refinery-grade naphtha and heavy gasoil can be readily used
as a feed to the catalytic reformer and fluid catalytic cracking unit.
Apply a comprehensive approach to biofuels
M. Koskinen, M. Nurminen and M. Sourander, February 2006
The European Union (EU) is actively defining the total
goals and requirements for automotive fuels. As part of this
130 SEPTEMBER 2022 | HydrocarbonProcessing.com
on-going effort, the EU has defined clear targets to increase
usage of renewable materials as part of the transportation fuels
market. Biomass-based renewable fuels are produced outside
of refineries. However, there are profitable opportunities to incorporate
bio-mass-based materials into the refining industry.
Modern biofuels or components can be produced and used as
part of upgrading processes for a refinery.
Improve naphtha quality for olefins cracking
V. L. Bhirud, April 2007
Over 50% of the world's ethylene capacity is naphtha based.
As crude prices increase, so does the cost of naphtha for liquid
crackers. Ethylene producers shun naphtha feedstocks containing
high-aromatics content. Aromatics provide no net value to
the cracking process. Integrating an aromatics-extraction unit
with a naphtha hydrotreater can remove the problematic aromatics
from heavy feedstreams. Pretreating off-grade naphtha
can yield a high-quality feed for liquid olefins crackers.
In pursuit of flawless project execution
J. Caglar and M. Connolly, December 2007
Main automation contractor (MAC) and main electrical
contractor (MEC) contracts are becoming the preferred strategy
for users looking to satisfy the exacting technical and execution
requirements for automation and electrical systems in refineries,
petrochemical and gas processing facilities. This article
discusses how a MAC/MEC approach that includes technology
and solutions, combined with services capabilities and comprehensive
project execution, benefits users in today's flat world.
Smart actuators can prevent valve failure
during critical events
E. Carey, November 2008
Smart electric actuators were designed to ensure the criticalservice
valves can perform when called upon. Developed approximately
15 years ago, smart actuators contain intelligence
that used to be included in the control room of plant operations.
Today, smart actuators have as much, if not more, intelligence as
the old control rooms.
Is nitrogen really inert as a blanketing medium?
K. Luckwal, K. K. Mandal and K. R. Ramakumar, August 2008
Blanketing a drum or a tank with inert gas such as nitrogen is
done for various reasons. However, when there are insufficient
nitrogen supplies within the refinery, the blanketing medium is
changed to the fuel gas mode. During this change, the behavior
of various processing conditions changes drastically and requires
close monitoring. In general, it is believed that the solubility of gases
decreases with increasing temperatures. But that is not always
true for all gases; nitrogen behaves differently. We will explore the
solubility of nitrogen from the thermodynamics point of view.
Why do I need to inventory greenhouse gas emissions?
D. V. Bubenick, G. M. Combs and A. M. Mazzoccoli, April 2008
Right or wrong, the tide of public opinion has reached such
overwhelming proportions that it is now a matter of when, not
if, individual petrochemical facilities around the world are going
to have to develop inventories of their greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions on a continuing basis. Globally, the EU is already re
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