The Main Column: Recent Episodes
Hydrocarbon Processing
A weekly podcast from Hydrocarbon Processing Magazine for the downstream, petrochemical, refining and gas processing industries. It’s easy to subscribe, just click the subscribe button on iTunes or Blubrry.
In this episode, cybersecurity expert Paul Smith, Honeywell Technologies, discusses the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape, the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber threats and strategies for industrial cybersecurity resilience. A must-listen for industry professionals aiming to stay ahead in cybersecurity.
In this episode, we explore Aduro Clean Technologies' innovative approach to hydrocarbon processing, focusing on waste plastics recycling and heavy crude upgrading. Guest Eric Appelman shares insights into their unique technology, recent advancements and future plans.
In this episode, Ernesto Guevara, Director of Sustainability Business Development, Ebara Elliott Energy, discusses sustainability and decarbonization in the energy sector. He explores the three pillars of decarbonization, and the importance of digitalization and workforce development in adapting to new energy technologies. The conversation also highlights the emerging markets of low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen, as well as the strategies for maintaining a sustainable and reliable supply chain.
In this episode, industry experts Eissa Alnatter, Digital Business Development Manager - MENA, Lummus Digital; and Kapil Bakshi, Strategic Advisor, Lummus Digital, discuss the importance of combining physics-based models with AI for optimizing petrochemical operations, the challenges of data quality and strategies for successful digital transformation in the energy sector.
In this episode, Nithiya Parameswaran, VP of Product Management at Emerson | AspenTech, discusses how Industrial AI is reshaping Asset Performance Management, moving it beyond traditional monitoring toward predictive insights, faster maintenance action, and greater scalability across the enterprise.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Holli Garrett, Global Product Manager, Ethylene, at Clariant Catalysts to discuss the evolution of refinery off-gas treatment, and how those gases are creating value.
This episode explores the development and importance of the new API bolted flange joint (BFJ) certification program, featuring insights from industry experts Andri Orphanides, Director of Individual Certification Programs, API, and Andy Smith, Director of Training, VSP Technologies. Learn about the BFJ certification program, the certification process, and industry impact and importance of bolted flange joint competency.
This episode features Manuel Pfanzelt, Global New Project Manager, Clariant, discussing the critical importance of feed purification and catalyst protection in polyolefin production. Learn about innovative solutions, industry trends and how tailored purification strategies can enhance operational efficiency and product quality.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing interviews Claudio Fayad, Chief Technology Officer, AspenTech, about the future of industrial operations, AI integration and recent product innovations. We explore how enterprise-wide optimization, AI and data strategies are transforming the refining and petrochemicals industries.
In this episode, Charles McConnell, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy, discusses the evolution of carbon capture, utilization,and storage (CCUS), its market dynamics in the U.S. and Europe, and the future of energy transition investments. Insights include the importance of monetizing CO2, industry decarbonization strategies, and technological innovations in monitoring and reporting.
In this episode, we sat down with Johnson Matthey’s U.S. President, Krista Johnson, to break down how the company is driving modern energy innovation. From emissions breakthroughs to platinum-powered clean tech, this conversation challenges the idea of energy transition and reframes it as something bigger: transformation.
This episode explores the persistent challenge of equipment failures in the hydrocarbon processing industry. It emphasizes the importance of the three pillars of reliability—design it right, operate it right and maintain it right—and discusses how a holistic approach can lead to safer, more efficient and more profitable operations.
This episode explores the critical importance of rethinking vendor selection in EPC projects by shifting focus from purchase order value to the comprehensive cost of ownership, emphasizing long-term value and strategic procurement.
In this episode, live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Marcelo Carugo, Senior Director, Global Refining Market Strategy and Industry Leadership, Emerson, discusses safety vulnerabilities in modern refining operations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weak signals, leveraging new technologies and proactive safety strategies to prevent incidents.
In this episode, Live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Arun Arora, CTO of Chevron Lummus Global, discusses innovative catalyst portfolios, future-proofing assets with advanced technologies and sustainable solutions in hydrocarbon processing. Gain insights into how CLG is leading industry transformation with integrated solutions, digital advancements and processing technologies.
In this episode, live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Ken West, President and CEO, Honeywell Process Technology, to discuss the latest trends in energy, refining and the industry's digital transformation. Mr. West shares insights on industry shifts, technological innovations, knowledge transfer, AI and strategic directions shaping the future of energy production and sustainability.
In this episode, Live from AFPM's Annual Meeting, Myron Bockholt, Director of Strategic Accounts-Chemical, LGG Industrial, discusses innovative sealing solutions, U.S. EPA emissions regulations and how their products help refineries reduce fugitive emissions. Gain insights into gasket technology, installation best practices and industry standards.
In this episode, Live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Vic Scalco, Global Commercial Strategic Senior Manager, Gulftronics, discusses innovative technologies for refining industry profit enhancement, focusing on slurry clarification, dielectric separation and market applications.
In this episode, Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Automation, discusses the transformative impact of AI and digital technologies in the energy and process industries. Topics include AI applications, workforce upskilling, cybersecurity and future industry trends.
This episode explores strategies for optimizing project management efficiency in megaprojects with globally distributed teams. It covers challenges like communication barriers, technological fragmentation and stakeholder coordination, and presents practical solutions including digital tools, hybrid methodologies and real-world case studies.
This episode explores the vital role of biofuels in achieving sustainable mobility, emphasizing their compatibility with existing infrastructure, technological advancements and global impact.
This episode discusses the transformative impact of advanced analytics in the oil and gas sector, highlighting its role in enhancing productivity, optimizing processes and driving operational excellence. The conversation covers the data revolution in the industry, various applications of analytics, implementation strategies and case studies demonstrating successful optimization in refinery operations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating analytics across organizational boundaries and empowering personnel with the necessary tools to leverage data effectively.
This episode features a conversation with Michael Sadoski, Sales Engineer at Hayward Tyler, a 200-yr-old UK-based specialty pump and motor manufacturer. Sadoski breaks down how motor pump technology improves safety, reliability and lifecycle costs compared with traditional sealed and mag-drive pumps—particularly in high-pressure, high-temperature and hazardous applications. The discussion covers real-world use cases across syngas processing, ammonia production and transport, hydrogen value chains, petrochemicals and oil and gas.
This podcast episode discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with e-fuels as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in the decarbonization of global transport. It highlights the economic, technological, and policy-related factors that influence the production and scalability of e-fuels, emphasizing the importance of location and integration of various stakeholders in the process.
In this episode, Dr. Wolf Spaether, Global Head of Product Management and Strategic Marketing for Ethylene, Clariant, discusses the groundbreaking StyroMax UL100 catalyst, which revolutionizes styrene monomer production by achieving unprecedented low steam-to-oil ratios. The conversation covers the significance of styrene in the petrochemical industry, the technical challenges in developing this catalyst and the positive market response it has received.
In this episode, Danny Clayton, Director of Sales for Electrification, Automation and Digitalization, and Bjørn Rasch, Head of Technology Management for Electrification, Automation and Digitalization, both from Siemens Energy. discuss the challenges and innovations in power systems, particularly focusing on load smoothing and stabilization in data centers. They delve into Siemens Energy's Blue Vault battery technology, its performance optimization through the Clean Grid Converter, and the importance of safety and reliability in battery systems. The conversation highlights Siemens Energy's comprehensive ecosystem approach to power generation and its applications across various industries, emphasizing the future of energy solutions.
From our sister publication World Oil, this episode features Greg Trostel and Gil Cohen discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the energy industry, particularly focusing on optimization in process industries. They explore the journey of Imubit, the importance of education in AI, and how AI can enhance decision-making and operational strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of black box AI, the potential of generative AI and the future of AI in refineries, emphasizing the need for transparency and human oversight. Finally, they discuss how these advancements can attract new talent to the energy sector.
To watch the video, click here.
In this conversation, Devin Pillay, Global Segment President for Heavy Industries at Schneider Electric, discusses the critical intersection of AI and natural gas, emphasizing the need for responsible energy management and decarbonization. He highlights the importance of efficiency as a pathway to sustainability and explores global perspectives on energy transition, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The discussion also delves into the role of data centers in energy consumption and the transformative impact of AI on workforce skills and productivity.
In this episode, Clint Schneider, Vice President of Fisher Instruments, Emerson Flow Controls, discusses how the latest valve technologies can enhance plant operations, efficiencies and sustainability.
Dennis Joel, CEO, AIQ, discusses the transformative role of AI in the energy sector, particularly in optimizing operations and enhancing sustainability. He highlights AIQ's collaboration with ADNOC and other global partners to develop innovative solutions that redefine industry roles and improve efficiency. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in oil and gas, emphasizing the potential for AI to change the narrative around the industry and contribute positively to society.
In this conversation, Amit Kar, Digital Solutions Leader (Global) at Schneider Electric, discusses the company's role in energy management and automation, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors. He highlights the importance of digital solutions, efficiency and autonomous operations in adapting to the evolving energy landscape. Kar emphasizes the need for organizations to embrace change and align technology with strategy to navigate the complexities of the industry.
In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving world of energy transition through the lens of syngas innovation. Grant Grothen from Burns Mcdonnell shares insights about their work in advancing infrastructure and energy solutions, and how syngas plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient, low-carbon future. We discuss the long-term outlook for syngas versus conventional natural gas, examine the key steps required to accelerate decarbonization and identify the biggest infrastructure challenges standing in the way of large-scale syngas deployment.
In this conversation, live from ADIPEC, Sylvain Cabalery, Senior Vice President Sustainable Fuels, Chemicals and Circularity, Technip Energies, discusses the future of refineries, emphasizing the need for flexibility and sustainability. He highlights the importance of co-processing sustainable fuels, optimizing hydrogen solutions and implementing carbon capture technologies to reduce carbon footprints.
In this episode, Amy Rouse, Business Development Manager for Turner Industries, discusses the evolving role of women in the refining and petrochemical industry, the opportunities available, the challenges faced and advice for women entering the field. Amy shares her personal journey and insights on the importance of community involvement and continuous learning in the industry.
In this episode, we sat down with Balasaheb Darade, to dive into the vision, strategy and engineering behind the “Ultra Mega” gasification project being developed by New Era Cleantech in Maharashtra, India. We explore how the company is tackling one of the most ambitious industrial decarbonization efforts in the region, transforming coal into syngas and value-added chemicals while integrating carbon capture and utilization.
In this episode, Karsten Radtke, Global Head of Technical Sales for thyssenkrupp Uhde joins us to discuss how gasification, blue hydrogen and ammonia are reshaping the path toward industrial decarbonization. Karsten explains how syngas serves as a crucial bridge between today’s fossil-based systems and tomorrow’s hydrogen-powered economy, and how modern gasification processes enable the efficient conversion of feedstocks into clean hydrogen and ammonia.
Joe McMullen, Oil and Gas Energy Transition Marketing Director, AVEVA, sat down with Hydrocarbon Processing to discuss various aspects of the energy transition, including what companies can do to prepare for it, how digital technologies are propelling decarbonization efforts forward and how organizations can future-proof their operations.
On this episode, Dr. Claus Reimers, Chief Technology Officer, Akselos, discusses the challenges in the disconnect between integrity, reliability and operations departments, and how structural performance management and concepts such as "agent AI" and "uber agent" can optimize operations and connect disparate plant systems.
On this episode, Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer, Aduro Clean Technologies, discusses new regulations and challenges around mechanical and chemical plastics recycling, as well as the progress his company is making in developing a novel chemical recycling process technology.
Live from the AFPM Summit, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Constantine Lau, Global Director, Energy and Chemicals, Schneider Electric and Matt Henderson, Triconex Business Development Director, U.S., Schneider Electric to discuss how digital technologies (e.g., AI, operator training simulators, digital twins, machine learning, advanced process control, among others) are advancing and optimizing refining and petrochemicals production, operations and maintenance.
Live from the AFPM Summit, David Leach, Vice President and General Manager-FCC, Ketjen, discusses the challenges refiners are experiencing, especially when processing heavier feeds. This includes implications of metal contamination in FCC unit performance, as well as a new catalyst technology that provides refiners flexibility and enhanced efficiency when processing opportunity/heavier crudes.
Nennette Richard-Jordan, Head of Sales Syngas Americas, Clariant, discusses several new catalyst technologies in the company's Plus series, including ReforMax LDP Plus, ShfitMax 217 Plus and AmoMax 10 Plus, and how these catalysts optimize processing operations.
On this episode, recorded live at the AFPM Summit, Joel Lack, Senior Application Engineer, Baker Hughes, discusses wet reflux, including what it is, why it is a concern and how refiners can mitigate it.
In this episode, Leslie Bellas, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), discusses the U.S. EPA's recent RFS proposal, including costs, feedstock challenges and a simple change to cut regulatory costs, among other items.
Unplanned shutdowns are always challenging for large industrial facilities. For decades, many energy-intensive industries have relied on costly backup generators to provide emergency power during outages. However, companies are now looking to a new, more reliable technology: microgrids.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Cliff Keeler, Vice President, Business Development, SunGas Renewables, to discuss his company's $2-B Beaver Lake Renewable Energy green methanol project, as well as the use of biomass gasification as a pathway to produce clean fuels for the shipping, aviation, chemicals and industrial sectors.
This episode will outline the key benefits of real-time visibility, the technology making it possible and the trends shaping the future of chemical supply chains.
In the debut episode of the WGLC Podcast Series: Empowered to Lead, Conference Director Rachel McGhie sits down with Lauren Levicki Courville, President of Dress for Success Houston, to explore what empowerment looks like for women navigating economic independence, career growth and leadership. Lauren shares the incredible work of DFS Houston—an organization that has impacted close to 50,000 women and 65,000 children through professional development, mentorship and community support. From the first suit to sustained career advancement, she paints a vivid picture of how confidence and community are transformative forces, as well as the shared mission of DFS Houston and WGLC in advancing women’s leadership in energy and beyond. This episode is a reminder that leadership doesn’t start in the boardroom—it starts when a woman realizes she deserves a seat at the table. Learn more and register for WGLC 2025, taking place in Houston on October 28–29, at wglconference.com.
Leslie Johnson, Technical Service Manager, Crystaphase, sat down with Hydrocarbon Processing to address reactor optimization, including recognizing and addressing bed movements, and new technologies and models being used to boost reactor efficiency.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Rajesh Gattupalli, President and CEO, Honeywell UOP, to discuss operational efficiency and profitability in refining and petrochemical operations. This includes various topics such as AI-driven tools that increase unit uptime and throughput, SAF production and adoption, emissions mitigation, digital tools shaping the workforce of the future, and much more.
Can a coating system eliminate corrosion under insulation (CUI)? In this episode, Neil Wilds, Global Product Director of CUI and Testing, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine, discusses how thermal coating solutions can mitigate, and possibly eliminate, CUI in operations.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Nav Sharma, Director of Product Management, Cybersecurity, Honeywell, on safeguarding assets from cyber attacks. This includes behavioral analytics and deception technologies, and what a truly proactive cyber defense system looks like in OT environments.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Amy Hebert, CEO, Arcadia eFuels, regarding her organizations development of multiple eFuel plants in Europe and the U.S. In this episode, Ms. Hebert discusses the scope of these facilities, current status, technology, drop-in performance for these produce fuels, as well as her keynote address at Hydrocarbon Processing's IRPC event in early October, and much more.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Pramesh Maheshwari, President and CEO, Honeywell Process Solutions, on various aspects of the processing industry's digital transformation. This includes adoption, AI, predictive operations and maintenance, advanced process control, cybersecurity, building the digital workforce of the future, and much more.
On this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Vikas Dhole, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Emerson's Aspen Technology business on the current and future state of digital technologies adoption in the processing industries. This includes the use of AI, sustainability and getting the most operational value out of vast amounts of data, among other topics.
In this episode, Fabian Lambert, Technology Development Manager, Axens, discusses the main risks associated in developing new technologies, how demo units are utilized in scaling up new industrial technologies, and various approaches to innovation and risk management with industry partners.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Marybeth McBain and Shane Harvey, Ebara Elliott Energy, to discuss their organizations new testing facility (can test electrical equipment up to 100 MW), new ways turbomachinery can mitigate emissions from industrial operations and much more.
In this special episode, live from Emerson Exchange, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Marcelo Carugo, Vice President of Industry Solution Consulting and Customer Success and Doug Cooper, Director, Product Management, both from Emerson, to discuss new digital pathways and solutions for managing corrosion in the global refining industry.
This episode explores the implementation of a bad actors program at Saudi Aramco's Yanbu NGL fractionation department, focusing on rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines and motors.
Part 2 of Hydrocarbon Processing's global refining analysis focuses on the Asia-Pacific region. This episode details major initiatives that are leading to additional capital expenditures for refining capacity additions, including the ability to satisfy domestic fuel demand, higher biofeedstock blending, increasing SAF production, the inclusion of petrochemical units in existing refining infrastructure and the grassroots construction of mega-integrated complexes, and much more.
On this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing speaks with Daniel Raj David, CEO, and Doug Stephens, Head of Sales, of Detect Technologies on how artificial intelligence is being used to stay ahead of emerging threats in the oil and gas industry, including managing safety fatigue, utilizing data for operational decision-making, and much more.
In this latest series, Hydrocarbon Processing will analyze the global refining industry. This first episode provides a breakdown of active projects globally, current capital spending on refining projects, and future distillation and secondary unit capacity additions.
In this episode, live from AFPM's Annual Meeting, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development & Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP, about the current and future state of the U.S. refining sector, projects emerging over the next few years, light naphtha production/exports and crude-to-chemicals technologies.
Hany Fouda, Senior Vice President, Process Automation, Schneider Electric, dives deep into industrial artificial intelligence (AI), including the state of the processing sector's adoption of AI, how the industry can accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, benefits/barriers to embracing digital transformation and the future of AI, among much more.
On this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing continues its discussion with Bruno Destour, Ethylene Licensing Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Technip Energies. In this episode, MR. Destour dives deep into Technip Energies' ethylene technologies, how traditional ethylene production be revamped or retrofitted to reduce carbon footprint, and a look at several ethylene projects currently in Technip Energies' pipeline.
Live from the Pumps and Valves show in Dortmund, Germany, this compilation features some of the latest fluid/gas flow technologies from companies such as Zwick, Distran and Leistritz.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Rob Benedict, Vice President, Petrochemicals and Midstream, AFPM, about the most pressing issues facing the petrochemical industry, from the status of the UN negotiations for a Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution to the reauthorization of the Toxic Substance Control Act.
In this two-part series, Hydrocarbon Processing sits down with Bruno Destour, Ethylene Licensing Manager, Technip Energies, to discuss various aspects of ethylene production. Part 1 dives into Technip Energies' outlook on the global ethylene market, as well as ways that ethylene production can be done more efficiently and sustainably.
Continuing with Gulf Energy Information's Women in Leadership series, we welcome Carol Lloyd, Vice President, Planning and Stewardship, ExxonMobil. In this episode, Ms. Lloyd discusses various aspects of her respected career, including mentorship, building a professional network, increasing credibility and influence within an organization, and other aspects of being a leader in the energy industry.
On this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Ernie Miller, CEO, Verde Clean Fuels, to dive deep into the company's STG+ technology, which converts natural gas or biomass to gasoline.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Kevin Norfleet, Global Sustainability Director, Celanese, on a new project to capture carbon and utilize it to produce methanol at the company's JV facility in Texas (U.S.), Fairway Methanol.
In this episode, adapted from the Gulf Energy Information webcast, the editors of World Oil, Petroleum Economist, Pipeline & Gas Journal, Hydrogen Economist and Hydrocarbon Processing discuss how Trump's incoming administration will shape global energy markets and the effects of future policy and regulations. Key topics include regulatory changes, adjustments in subsidies and taxes, and potential impacts on the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors worldwide.
In this episode, Live from Valve World, Hydrocarbon Processing speaks with Siemens, Zwick Valves and Hoerbiger on some of their latest valve and actuator technologies.
In this episode, live from Valve World, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Knut Riegel, Senior Sales Manager, Emerson, about their organization's new K-LOK Series 38 high-performance butterfly valve. Mr. Riegel dives into the valve's use in the global chemical industry, the need for its development and usage benefits.
In this episode, Andreas Teir, Head of Chemical Recycling, Neste, and Outi Teras, Lead Technology Commercialization, Neste, dive deep into advanced/chemical recycling of plastics, including challenges, advancements, the future of chemical recycling technologies and their work with modular plastic waste liquefaction plants.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Mario Tommaselli, Senior Vice President of Gas and Low Carbon Energies at Technip Energies. Mario discussed Technip Energies' gas and low-carbon business line, which includes LNG, blue hydrogen and ammonia, and its offshore business related to LNG, among other areas.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing speaks with Amanda Martin, Global Communications Lead, Global Impact Coalition, to discuss how her organization is working with some of the largest petrochemical/chemical producers to reduce carbon emissions and facilitate circularity in the global petrochemicals sector.
In this episode, Michael Balakos, Technology Advisor, Styrene, Clariant, dives deep into styrene production, including its importance, how it is produced and challenges in production. Mr. Balakos also provides insight on how Clariant's ribbed-shaped StyroMax™ catalyst optimizes performance, lowers pressure drop and reduces steam consumption.
Hydrocarbon Processing met with Rob McGreevy, Chief Product Officer, AVEVA, at ADIPEC. In this episode, Mr. McGreevy details how digital technologies-such as generative AI, visualization and digital twins-can/are being used to decarbonize the energy sector and optimize oil, gas and energy value chains.
Leading up to the Women's Global Leadership Conference in Energy, Gulf Energy Information sat down with Caroline Alting, Senior Vice President, Operational Excellence, Noble Corporation. In this episode, Ms. Alting discusses her career progression and the role of women in the oil and gas industry, including major inflection points of her career, advice for attracting and retaining female talent, advice for young women starting their career and much more.
In this episode, live from ADIPEC, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Francois Laborie, Executive Vice President Strategic Projects, Cognite, to discuss how downstream operators can utilize data, artificial intelligence (AI), AI agents and other digital technologies to improve operational efficiencies, optimize production processes and energy efficiency, and much more. This includes benefits, challenges and the future of processing.
This special podcast, live at the AFPM Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana, features Jenny Hebert, Vice President of Business Transformation, Ketjen. In this episode, Ms.Hebert speaks about the global catalyst market, the history of Ketjen and the company's current/future investments, as well as a look at future market growth.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Justin Hair, Key Account Manager, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine, to discuss the global LNG industry, focusing on maintenance and the protection of facility assets against corrosion in various environments, ensuring longer service life.
In this episode of the Main Column, Hydrocarbon Processing interviews Keven Dunphy, Vice President and General Manager at Emerson. They discuss Dunphy's role and Emerson's contributions to the hydrocarbon processing sector. The conversation delves into recent technological advancements that enhance efficiency and safety in hydrocarbon applications, the impact of fluctuating investments and renewable energy adoption on the industry, and strategies companies are employing to adapt. Additionally, they explore how operating companies are addressing environmental regulations and sustainability goals, and which sectors within the energy transition market are attracting investment. Dunphy shares insights on how Emerson and its partners are positioning themselves for future growth in this evolving landscape.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Yasmine McColl, Global Chemical Segment Leader, Schneider Electric, to discuss what refining and petrochemical companies are doing to decarbonize their operations. This episode dives deep into electrification, renewables, energy efficiency and other routes companies are taking to limit GHG emissions in refinery and plant operations.
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Nick Blackman and Rich Tereba, Application Engineers, Baker Hughes Downstream Chemicals at the AFPM Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nick and Rich provide the benefits of crude pre-treatment, how it can maximize the value of plant assets and success stories.
This episode, live at the AFPM Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana (U.S.), features Barbara Slettenhaar, Global Business Director-Clean Fuel Technologies, Ketjen. Ms. Slettenhaar provides details on Ketjen's advancing catalysts technologies for hydroprocessing, as well as the evolution and future of the organization's catalysts offerings.
We spoke with Jay Hunt, Global Business Development Manager, Valmet, on the latest AI technology for valve predictive maintenance, including the evolution and benefits of this technology.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Andrie Prasetyo, Polypropylene Process Engineer, Pertamina, at the International Refining and Petrochemical Conference. Andrie discussed his presentation on the organization's Breezon R1270, and how it has helped optimize operations at Pertamina's plants in Indonesia.
In this episode, Siemens Energy’s Stefan Diezinger explains the growing role of electrification in the industrial world. Learn about the benefits of converting mechanical systems to electric drives, how this change supports decarbonization efforts, and what challenges companies face in implementing these technologies.
In this episode, we spoke to Burkhardt Compression about compressor solutions and services, Leistritz about multi-phase compressors and Atlas Copco about their CPC pumps.
In this episode, we sit down with Aerzen, Burckhardt Compression and Ebara Elliott Energy to discuss oil-free and oil-flooded compressors, piston reciprocating compressors, non-contact sealing mechanisms that enable a gas to seal itself, transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen, and much more.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Gertjan van der Ven, Vice President, Global Project Pursuit, Emerson Automation Solutions, on challenges facing capital project construction, including timeline and cost pressures, supply chain constraints, the need to make projects more sustainable, and much more.
Compression is used in nearly all industries around the world, including in natural gas processing and LNG. In this episode, Gas Processing & LNG spoke with Klaus Brun, Global Director of Research & Development, Ebara Elliott Energy, on the latest advancements in refrigeration compression, choosing the right turbomachinery equipment for specific LNG applications, and how the process of engineering and designing compressors have advanced over the last decade.
The demand for low-carbon ammonia is projected to triple in the coming decades, driven by its pivotal role in decarbonizing sectors such as agriculture, power generation, and heavy industry. In this episode, Maurits van Tol, Chief Executive of Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey (JM) will discuss blue ammonia’s role in decarbonization, autothermal and gas heated reforming and future projects and innovations JM is working on in the realm of low-carbon technologies.
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with John Thayer, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, for Nova Chemicals. In this episode, Mr. Thayer discusses Nova Chemicals current and future plans in building a circular economy, including the development of new plastics recycling centers and how chemical facilities can decarbonize their operations.
Join Jim Watkins as he talks with Stephen Toups, CEO of Turner Industries, about the evolving role of AI in construction. Recorded during the ECC PerspECCtives Conference, Stephen offers a candid look at how Turner is preparing for the future by harnessing technology and data.
In this episode, we sit down with Klaus Brun, global director of R&D at Ebara Elliott Energy, to explore the significant changes underway in the energy industry. Klaus discusses the company's recent rebranding and its shift towards developing innovative turbomachinery tailored for the evolving demands of hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in optimizing compressors, expanders, and pumps for both traditional and renewable energy sectors. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of energy and the critical role of customized machinery in driving efficiency and sustainability.
Join us for part 3 of our interview series recorded during ACHEMA 2024, the world's premier trade show for the process industries.
Join us for part 2 of our interview series recorded during ACHEMA 2024, the world's premier trade show for the process industries.
Join us in this episode of "The Main Column" as we welcome Andri Orphanides, director of individual certification programs at the American Petroleum Institute (API). Andri discusses API's Individual Certification Programs (ICP), highlighting their significance, the differences between certifications and training certificates and what sets API’s credentials apart in the oil and gas industry. Learn how the ICP is evolving to meet industry demands, including adapting to new technologies and addressing the knowledge gap as experienced professionals retire.
In this episode of the Main Column Podcast, host Lee Nichols talks with Julie Cranga, Vice President of Market Decarbonization Solutions at Technip Energies. They discuss the advancements and trends in the global Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) market, the technologies utilized, and the challenges faced by the industry. Julie highlights Technip Energies' initiatives and projects in the CCUS space, emphasizing the company's leadership in engineering and technology for energy transition. The episode sheds light on CCUS's critical role in achieving net-zero targets and the importance of political and financial support for its scalability.
In this episode of Hydrocarbon Processing's The Main Column, Lee Nichols is joined by Tiffany Barnes, senior offering manager at Honeywell, at the Honeywell Customer Experience Center. Tiffany shares insights into the challenges faced by the industry, particularly in plant lab systems, and how Honeywell's Digital Prime addresses these issues. Learn how digital twins, proactive maintenance, and seamless integration can significantly enhance plant uptime, safety, and overall operational efficiency.
In this episode of Hydrocarbon Processing's Main Column Podcast, host Lee Nichols is joined by Gunther Kracker, Head of Product Management and Cost Estimation at Linde Engineering. They discuss Linde's innovative EDHOX technology, a novel process for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to produce ethylene and acetic acid. Gunther shares insights into the sustainable and economic benefits of EDHOX, its potential applications, and the future of this technology in the petrochemical industry. The episode also references a technical article published in the March 2024 issue of Hydrocarbon Processing and offers resources for further information.
March 2024 Article: A novel process for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to produce ethylene and acetic acid (hydrocarbonprocessing.com)
Contact Dr. Gunther Kracker: gunther.kracker@linde.com
00:00 Introduction to The Main Column Podcast
00:24 Welcoming Our Special Guest: Gunther Kracker
01:41 Overview of Linde Engineering
04:17 Sustainable Technology Solutions
07:09 Introduction to EDHOX Technology
09:42 Key Features and Benefits of EDHOX
15:52 Economic Advantages of EDHOX
18:20 Target Audience and Market for EDHOX
22:05 Commercial Readiness and Future Steps
27:39 Conclusion and Further Information
Join us for the first part in our interview series recorded during ACHEMA 2024, the world's premier trade show for the process industries. In this episode, we feature interviews with top industry leaders who share their insights on the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of engineering, chemicals, and biotechnology. Discover groundbreaking technologies, hear expert opinions, and gain a deeper understanding of where the industry is headed.
Join us from ACHEMA 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, as host Mike Rhodes interviews Gho Shwu Tyng, global product manager for packing at Sulzer, about their latest innovation in structured packing. Learn how the MellaPakEvo enhances efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and optimizes column performance.
Join us as Shawn Evans from Sherwin-Williams dives into the critical issue of corrosion under insulation (CUI). This episode highlights the innovative Heat-Flex CUI-mitigation portfolio, showcasing how these advanced coatings provide superior protection for industrial assets. Learn how these advanced coatings are engineered to combat CUI and provide long-lasting protection for industrial facilities.
Dan Huben, Director of Project Engineering, Evonik, sat down with Hydrocarbon Processing to discuss the challenges in the global engineering and construction sector, possible solutions and the benefit of industry events, such as the ECC Annual, to exchange ideas on optimizing efficiencies.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Shana Bortka, bp, to discuss the benefits ECC's Future Leaders program can offer professionals in the refining and petrochemical industries' engineering and construction sectors.
https://web.cvent.com/event/e383f012-d3fc-4ad7-b31e-e94f464db1b8/summary
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Dr. Nina Schwalb, Vice President and Head of Aspentech DataWorks at Aspentech's OPTIMIZE event. Dr. Schwalb discussed the challenges companies are experiencing with data silos, ways the refining and petrochemical industries are building a strong data foundation, and advice for organizations setting out on its digital journey.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Houston Haymon, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, PSC Group. Houston shares insights on their logistical operations within the hydrocarbon industry, illustrating how PSC facilitates the intricate movement of raw materials and finished products, ensuring operational excellence and sustainability.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Ben Beberness, Vice President, Industry Business Unit GM, Aspentech at Aspentech's OPIMIZE event. Mr. Beberness provided his insights on the challenges the refining and petrochemical industries are having on balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability, and how digital solutions are aiding in this endeavor.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Don Busiek, Senior Vice President, APM GM, Aspentech at Aspentech's OPIMIZE event. The discussion focused on how asset performance management (APM) can and is helping refiners and petrochemical producers' operations and maintenance teams optimize their daily activities, as well as where APM is likely to progress in the near future.
From the AFPM Annual Meeting, this episode features William E. (Bill) Preston discussing KP Engineering's adaptation to the renewable energy boom. Insights include trends in renewable diesel and green methanol, client dynamics in these markets, and the evolving engineering landscape.
In this special edition of Hydrocarbon Processing's podcast series, recorded live at the AFPM annual meeting, host Mike Rhodes and Honeywell UOP's Keith Couch explore developments in the hydrogen and petrochemical sectors. They discuss the potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) and the economic and technical benefits driving their adoption, particularly in Japan. The episode also touches on UOP's new Naphtha to Ethane and Propane (NEP) process, highlighting the strategic shift towards more efficient and sustainable petrochemical production, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals navigating the energy transition.
In this episode, Mike Rhodes sits down with Daniel David and Teddy Huerta of Detect Technologies at the AFPM Annual Meeting where they unpack how Detect's AI innovations are specifically designed to tackle industrial safety challenges, turning data into actionable insights for risk mitigation. From vision-based intelligence to impactful customer stories, this discussion highlights the tangible benefits of AI in enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Gain unique perspectives on how technology is not just evolving but revolutionizing safety protocols in the industrial sector.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Luis Cirihal, President Refining Technologies, W. R. Grace, to discuss FCC propylene production, catalysts technologies and new solutions that are evolving the global hydrocarbon processing industries.
This episode of The Main Column addresses the vital role of preventive maintenance optimization in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Highlighting the inefficacies of routine checks that don't yield actionable insights, it emphasizes the importance of comprehensive process safety information and strategic maintenance revisions for equipment and system reliability. Listeners will learn about the significance of failure analysis, the implications of plant changes on maintenance practices, and how to implement effective strategies to prevent asset failure, conserve resources, and ensure safe, reliable operations.
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of digital technology in specialty chemical production. Delve into the critical role of smart devices, data analytics, and cloud solutions in enhancing operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and safety across the chemical industry. Discover how advanced fluid control, pneumatic solutions, and real-time data analytics are driving improvements in process throughput, reducing costs, and boosting sustainability.
In this episode of The Main Column, we delve into the critical necessity of implementing industrial cybersecurity programs within the oil and gas sector. Amidst a surge of unprecedented cyberattacks, we explore six compelling reasons why oil and gas organizations must fortify their defenses against evolving threats.
In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of optimizing combustion processes for enhanced safety and efficiency across various industries. Discover the pivotal role of flue gas measurements, including excess oxygen, combustibles, and methane/hydrocarbon detection, in achieving operational excellence. Learn how these parameters, when accurately monitored and controlled, lead to significant reductions in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, while simultaneously minimizing fuel consumption.
Planned shutdowns (SDs) are critical events that can significantly impact production and expenditures. Poor planning and preparation can directly affect the success of any SD, making attention to detail imperative. Over the past few decades, the management of SDs has evolved appreciably, with some organizations establishing comprehensive SD management systems and stringent processes, while others manage SDs through the short-term appropriation of SD routines and principals without long-term strategies and objectives. This podcast will fill this gap and provide a step-by-step approach to SD planning and execution for organizations to adapt to their specific requirements.
While striving to remain profitable against market uncertainties, the chemical industry must comply with environmental regulations and handle the pressure to address plastics circularity. Consequently, the chemical industry is pursuing new business models to address these challenges. This podcast examines how net-zero policies are effecting the chemical industry, and how chemical companies are evolving their business models to not only address it, but strive in this new age of sustainability.
As countries around the world seek to limit carbon emissions, sustainable fuels will play an important role. However, fundamentals of the sustainable fuels market are complex and traders should seek to understand which markets will increase in liquidity, which arbitrage plays to explore across products, which storage hubs to invest in, and which offtakes to secure to gain access of supply. This podcast examines these areas.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Jan Shumate, Director, Worldwide Engineering and Construction Solutions, Eastman Chemical, and Kyle Lednicky, Vice President, Business Development, Arion, to discuss the many challenges facing the global engineering and construction sector, and how the Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association is helping owners and project developers find solutions to these items.
Today’s alternative fuel projects evaluate their greenhouse gas emissions reduction by determining a carbon intensity (CI) score—the lower the CI score, the better. When all factors are considered, how much does manufacturing and consumption of an alternatively sourced transportation fuel represent a lower CI score vs. conventionally produced crude oil? This podcast will examine some of today’s options.
In today's rapidly changing energy landscape, refinery transactions have become a focal point of investment discussions. Despite uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of refineries in a transitioning world, many refineries continue to be acquired but at lower values than in the past.
This podcast explores trends in refinery transactions, the short- and long-term opportunities for investors and what to keep in mind when deciding whether to invest.
Maximizing propylene production can offer attractive opportunities to refiners. Refiners with the ability to integrate petrochemical units into existing operations will have a competitive advantage as transportation fuels are forecast to decrease and petrochemicals demand forecasted to significantly increase to 2050.
The oil and gas industry are increasingly relying on chemometrics and Raman spectroscopy to expedite quality assurance, processing and distribution, with predictive modeling playing an important role. This podcast looks at how predictive modeling is helping companies achieve faster turnaround, higher throughput and real-time results for the processes that they are looking to monitor, quantify or blend.
In this episode, we spoke with Clinton Johnson, Vice President of Process Engineering at S&B Engineers and Constructors. The conversation covered incentives and penalties shaping the clean energy subsidies landscape, how the IRA tax credits influence ammonia projects and low-emission natural gas and how it compares to renewable natural gas.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Delbert Grotewold, Renewable Fuels Domain Expert, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions on the state of today's renewable fuels market, and their potential impact on global refining operations.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing discussed the hydrocarbon processing industry's workforce with Doug Sinitiere, Senior Business Development Manager, Turner Industries. Doug provides his thoughts on key elements in the workforce, including important aspects on those looking into a career in the oil and gas industry, as well as those that may be thinking about pivoting their current oil and gas job to another pathway within the industry.
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Matthias Wyzycki, Global Head of Market Segment-Synchem, BU Catalysts, for Clariant, to discuss the role blue hydrogen has in the energy transition. This discussion includes the pathways to blue hydrogen production, technologies that are facilitating blue hydrogen production, projects and the future of blue hydrogen globally. After listening, to find out more about this topic, visit https://www.clariant.com/en/Business-Units/Catalysts/Energy-Transition/Blue-Hydrogen.
The development of hydrogen hubs is intended to be the first step toward the creation of a national network of clean hydrogen producers and customers to facilitate a clean hydrogen economy. Although hydrogen hubs are a significant step toward decarbonization, several items must be considered. This episode examines seven considerations that must be studied by hydrogen hub developers and participants.
With momentum building in the renewable fuels space, refiners are looking to convert their existing facilities to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). However, this is not a simple switch. This podcast details the drivers, strategies, challenges and opportunities for refinery conversions to renewable fuels and SAF.
This episode, by Marcus Brucher, Senior Vice President of Compression, Siemens Energy, discusses the potential of ammonia as a clean energy carrier and the critical role compressors play in its production.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Matt Kirchner, Vice President of Marketing for Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) at the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturer’s Association (AFPM) Summit. This episode dives down into the current FCC catalyst market, challenges facing the refining industry and how catalyst are playing a role in the solution, and where the FCC catalyst market is heading in the future.
In this episode, the editors of Hydrocarbon Processing interview Rogan Jones, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, AIS Software, live from the AFPM Summit. The discussion focuses on using operations monitoring and reporting software to increase situational awareness and boost safety in processing plants.
This episode focuses on modern advanced process control (APC) and how it can help personnel and operations increase efficiencies, optimize operations and provide more unit uptime. As described, the latest APC systems are more intuitive and can be adopted by most organizations for enhanced operations management.
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Jeff DeWitt, Applications Engineer for Swagelok, to discuss the many facets of gas distribution systems, including new trends, safety, selecting the best regulator(s) and ways asset owners can optimize their internal gas distribution systems.
There is no doubt that shift handovers represent a knowledge-transfer challenge for plant personnel. Knowledge-transfer challenges can be even greater when seasoned workers retire or leave for another organization. However, as this podcast explains, knowledge-transfer challenges are a great opportunity to incorporate digitalization into plant operations, providing workers with numerous benefits.
This podcast looks at several techniques to help guide accident investigation managers and teams, with the ultimate goal of empowering personnel to find the root cause(s) and striving to mitigate repeated incidents.
There are countless challenges involved in the development of a megaproject. One area of particular importance is the facility's fluid systems. This podcast details the strategies that the owner of a $27-B petrochemical megaproject in the Asia-Pacific region used to achieve standardization of tubing and fittings throughout several key fluid system applications.
This episode provides the benefits of optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras in detecting leaks in various areas of petrochemical plants, including improving worker safety and plant efficiency while reducing emissions.
This episode examines the use of digital tools and resources to effectively plan a refinery/plant turnaround, as well as using those digital technologies to better plan maintenance and operations moving forward.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Udo Dengel, Director Membranes and High Performance Polymers, Evonik, on the latest advancements in gas processing membranes technologies.
This episode, adapted from the article of the same in the July issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, explores how cloud-based analytics software is creating the reliability and maintenance teams of the future.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Muhammad Islam, Vice President, Commercial and Technology, S&B Engineers and Constructors to discuss how projects are changing in the energy transition, what project owners/developers need to know about maximizing regulatory credits (e.g., U.S. IRA) and how EPCs can help project owners/developers to select the optimum flow-scheme and technology for their respective projects.
Today's project profile is comprised of various stakeholders, processing technologies and vendors. Developers with little experience in major complex projects must now navigate financing challenges, conflicting EPC approaches and entrenched product retailers. These factors add up to a new project risk profile. This podcast examines three critical areas to managing these new project profile risks: project definition, technology selection and stakeholder requirements.
Adapted from the July issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, this podcast details the types of carbon capture technologies, phases of deployment and cost-effective ways to make carbon capture and storage projects economically.
One of the most popular and important topics affecting the oil and gas industry is emissions. This episode is a discussion with Owen Plowman, Vice President of Business Development, Actenum, and Wes Schumacher, Applied Applications Analyst, Actenum, on emissions forecasting capabilities, tools needed by company leadership to manage present and future emissions responsibilities, key components in emissions capture and a novel technology that can help companies with emissions abatement.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Brian Boeger, Senior Technology Manager, Axens North America, to discuss sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including incentives and regulations that are increasing its usage globally, the latest processing technologies being used to produce SAF, and the key attributes that make SAF technologies bankable and projects economically viable.
Hydrocarbon Processing had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Maughon, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Technology and Innovation, SABIC. In this episode, Dr. Maughon provides insights into SABIC's drive for sustainability, including capital investments, EVs, the circular economy, electrically heated steam cracker furnaces, and much more.
This episode, adapted from the May issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, provides an overview on the various routes to incorporating carbon capture technologies in industrial facilities, including what should be considered when selecting a particular carbon capture technology and the benefit of partnering with an EPC firm that has vast experience in energy transition projects (e.g., renewable energy/fuels production, syngas, biofuels).
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Vikas Dohle, General Manager, Sustainability for Aspen Technology to discuss emissions reduction, including how companies can/are monitoring it, how digital technologies can help reduce emissions and real-world examples of companies using digital technologies to reduce plant emissions.
This episode examines the new value chain in integrated project development vs. the traditional method, including the three most critical areas in a project: project definition, technology selection and stakeholder requirements.
Popular arguments, such as compression energy and flexibility, are not the only key considerations when designing a capacity control system for centrifugal compressors. A holistic design approach is essential to ensure good operability, reliability, energy efficiency and flexibility of the overall system. This episode provides a better understanding of selecting the optimum capacity control technique by incorporating other design aspects using refinery case studies.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Sally Jacquemin, Vice President and General Manager, Power and Utilities, Aspen Technology, and Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Aspen Technology, to discuss electrification in the oil, gas and processing industries, including the use of renewables and microgrids.
In this episode, live at the AFPM Annual Meeting, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development and Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP, to discuss how refining and petrochemical companies can optimize operations to lower total energy consumption and carbon footprint, as well as the effects of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, carbon capture technologies and much more.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Gene Cammack, Chief Operating Officer, Aduro Clean Technologies, regarding plastics recycling and the circular economy. This includes Aduro's Hydrochemolytic technology, its origin, uses and benefits in the hydrocarbons processing industry.
Hydrocarbon Processing caught up with Keith Chiasson, Executive Vice President, Cenovus Energy, at the AFPM Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. In this podcast, Mr. Chiasson talks about Cenovus Energy's growth in the U.S. refining market, energy security, decarbonization and much more.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Paul Barna, Southwest/West Regional Sales Manager, RDI Technologies to discuss motion amplification and how it can provide better insight to plant operations, as well as increase safety for personnel.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Dave Kidd, Commercial Director-Decarbonization Technologies, Shell; and Laurent Thomas, Licensing Technology Manager, Shell, to discuss carbon capture and storage (CCS), including ways to reduce project cost, additional challenges in CCS, Shell's alliances in the CCS market and much more.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Chris Scharf, Vice President, Petrochemicals, KBR, to discuss the latest advancements in petrochemicals processing technologies, including KBR's ScoreKlean and Acetica licensed processes for zero-carbon ethylene and acetic acid production.
This podcast, taken from Thermo Fisher Scientific's technical article in the January issue of Hydrocarbon Processing, details how high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography systems can provide better analysis in biofuels production.
According to industry analysis, the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market is expected to increase from $216 MM in 2021 to $14.77 B by 2030. This podcast features some of the major initiatives and trends in the SAF industry.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Aspen Technology, on how using digital technologies can increase/boost energy efficiency and help companies meet their carbon emissions goals.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Melissa Clough Mastry, Director, Global Technology and Technical Services, BASF, and Mark Schmalfeld, Global Marketing Manager, Refinery Catalyst, BASF, to discuss how the energy transition is affecting refiners and petrochemical producers, feedstocks, FCC co-processing and much more.
In this episode, we sat down with Syrie Crouch, Vice President of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Shell, to discuss the CCS sector, Shell's projects in operation and under development, and how the CCS industry will evolve in the future.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development and Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP, and Greg Funk, Senior Offering Manager, Honeywell UOP, to discuss the growing need for petrochemicals production globally and how refiners can respond to this opportunity in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Curt Graham, Vice President, Office of Technology, Fluor, to discuss carbon capture and storage (CCS), the current CCS market, available technologies and where CCS may be in the next decade.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with John Colpo, Strategy and Marketing Leader for Upstream and LNG at Honeywell Process Solutions and Bhargav Sharma, Global Sr. Business Leader for LNG & Gas Processing at Honeywell UOP. The conversation touches on the importance of liquified natural gas (LNG) in global long-term GHG reduction plans and Honeywell UOP's work on LNG liquefaction projects.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Nicholas Myerson, CEO of Crossbridge Energy, about its Fredericia refinery, the reasoning behind starting an energy company so late in the game and Crossbridge's future decarbonization plans.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Keith Couch, Senior Director, Business Development & Integrated Projects, Honeywell UOP; and Mark Houdek, Director, Sustainability for the Refinery of the Future, Honeywell UOP to discuss sustainability and petrochemicals integration. This discussion includes how refiners are tackling the challenges associated with sustainability, where plant owners can start in their sustainability journey and the trend of refiners integrating petrochemical production into existing operations.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Alec Cusick, Technical Service Engineer for Owens Corning, about corrosion under insulation in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Cusick explains common issues and preventative measures to consider when insulating pipes and storage vessels.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Austin Schneider, Director of Technology, Crystaphase on the companies RDT technology, its pressure drop simulator and how the processing industry has changed since the companies inception and where it is heading in the future.
In this latest installment of the Women in the Downstream podcast series, Hydrocarbon Processing interviewed Laura Leonard, Vice President and General Manager of UOP Process Technology at Honeywell UOP (former). In this interview, Ms. Leonard discusses the global energy transition, her background, how the industry has changed, advice she can provide young engineers, the future of the global processing industries, and much more.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Willis Jernigan, Director of Health and Safety, Koch Industries, and Lara Swett, Vice President, Technical Services, AFPM, on the association's advanced process safety initiative, the success of the program, and its expansion to occupational safety and regional networks.
Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Tim Duncan, Water Technology Consultant, Solenis, about the dangers of biofilm, the threat it poses to refineries and petrochemical plants, and a proven technology to safeguard crucial equipment.
The editors of Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Daniel Oldenburg, Manager Project Development of Engineering, Depcom Power, on their recent project with Flint Hills Resources and how they incorporated solar power to help power a portion of its Pine Bend refinery.
This final installment of the History of the HPI series details major events in the refining and petrochemicals industry over the past 20 yr, including stricter regulations/initiatives to curb carbon emissions, a safer and more environmentally friendly way to produce and handle chemicals, significant capital investments to boost production capacity and digital transformation.
In this first installment of Hydrocarbon Processing's the Women in the Downstream podcast series, we interview Kendra Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Merichem. This discussion includes the current state of the hydrocarbon processing industry, her background and rise to CEO, how the industry has changed during her tenure and advice she can provide young engineers to advance their careers, and much more.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Mark Thomas, Industry Marketing Group Manager, Endress+Hauser, to discuss sustainability in an organization's supply chains, as well as overcoming challenges and best practices in in supply chain management.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Stephen Greene, Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development, Stratus Technologies, to discuss edge computing, how it is being deployed in the energy industry, what is driving the need for it and its future in the oil and gas processing industries.
The digital transformation journey has delivered numerous industry gains, but people are, to a large extent, still working in isolation, albeit with more advanced solutions at their disposal. There is an opportunity to harness the power of digital technologies to fully connect asset layers with their corresponding actors and break away from siloed operations.
Hydrogen recycle gas compressors are one of the most significant rotating equipment in oil refineries, petrochemical plants and upgraders. Without the compressor, a plant’s production will be stopped. This podcast reviews the hydrotreating process and addresses compressor fouling, which impacts the recycle gas compressor’s performance and reliability.
This podcast reviews the types of corrosion that occur on severe-service valves, along with maintenance and prevention techniques to remedy or mitigate damage.
In this episode, we speak with Peter Van Limmen, Rotating Equipment Specialist for Dow Chemical, Ulrich Schmitz, Vice President of Marketing for Atlas Copco and René Waggeveld, Energy Consultant for Blue Terra, about the pilot project at Dow Chemical’s Terneuzen plant in the Netherlands. The plant uses mechanical vapor recompression to upgrade low-pressure steam and reuse it to supply energy.
This month’s History of the HPI section examines the major events and technologies in the refining and petrochemicals industry in the 1980s. These include a third oil price crisis in 15 yr, the creation of novel coal gasification and heavy oil upgrading processes, research on liquid crystals and conducting polymers, new safety measures born from tragedies, and the rise of virtual and augmented reality.
Modular construction allows for standardization and repeatability, which translates to the ability to establish a definitive estimate early in the project development phase. This podcast details the benefits of using truckable modularization technology, including scalability, installation flexibility, repeatability, project predictability and risk mitigation.
In this episode of The Main Column, Sumedha Sharma, Technical Editor of Hydrocarbon Processing gets into conversation with David, Schwalje, Emerging markets business development manager, Axens. We discuss the fundamentals of physical and enhanced recycling and different chemical recycling pathways. We also talk about how Axens’ technology solutions work to optimize and de-risk chemical recycling to solve the plastic pollution problem at a commercial scale.
In this continuation of Hydrocarbon Processing's History of the HPI series, major events and technologies of the 1970s are detailed. These include global oil crises, new regulations/laws and technologies to mitigate emissions, the creation of the plastic bottle, the construction of Jubail and Yanbu industrial cities, and the origins of the distributed control system.
In this episode of The Main Column, we speak with Hans Claussen, Digital Lead, North Europe at ABB, and talk about IT/OT convergence in the form of Software as a service to the industry. We also discuss how SaaS solutions offer flexibility while still driving sustainability in operations.
To help decarbonize industrial plants, CO2 emissions can be captured and stored. However, challenges exist in moving CO2 from the plant to storage. In this podcast, Elliott Group discusses several solutions for the compression and transport of CO2 to sequestration and storage sites.
In this episode, Axens details some of the challenges in chemically recycling plastics, along with new technologies that can be solutions.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are making their way to the forefront of boardrooms within the oil and gas industry. Strong ESG performance is rapidly transitioning from a differentiator to a requirement for many corporations. In this podcast, Emerson explains the importance of ESG initiatives and how advanced automation can help achieve sustainability goals.
This podcast examines several aspects of using blockchain within the oil and gas industry, including why it is used and how, its benefits, and challenges.
Hydrocarbon Processing continues its History of the HPI series with major technological developments in the refining and petrochemical industries during the 1950s. These included the discovery of polyethylene derivatives, polycarbonates, the first use of computers in refining operations and the advancement of rocket fuels.
AVEVA discusses why adopting digital technologies is paramount to ensuring safe, efficient and profitable operations, as well as providing a case study on how SCG Chemicals and AVEVA built a single digital platform to centralize the chemical producer's data collection, visualization and maintenance, achieving a 9X return on investment in only 6 mos.
With extreme weather and natural disaster events growing in frequency worldwide, ABS Group provides pathways that organizations can take to protect their assets and mitigate some of the risks posed by natural hazards.
AspenTech provides in-depth analysis on a joint survey with Hydrocarbon Processing focused on how EPC companies are focusing future efforts on incorporating sustainability projects into their operations and portfolios, including the challenges and benefits that come along with venturing down this road.
Hydrocarbon Processing continues its History of the HPI series with major technological developments in the refining and petrochemical industries during the 1940s. Listen to how global conflict sparked new refining and petrochemical processes/products and how the processing industry advanced through the decade.
In this episode of The Main Column, Filtration Technology Corporation explains the benefits of exploring innovative solutions for solids contaminant control, the costs of unplanned plant downtime if the right filtration technology is not deployed and designing filters for value and improved catalyst performance.
AVEVA discusses the need for energy companies to prioritize their emissions-related initiatives based on detailed analysis of technology options, market conditions and regulations; the digital capabilities and solutions needed by organizations to uncover this profitable path to net-zero; and a recommended framework and next steps for organizations that wish to build this capability.
In this episode of The Main Column, Tyler Campbell, Associate Editor of Hydrocarbon Processing, shares some of the top news stories from February. From studies on electrification technology of ethylene cracking furnaces to the sustainability of corn-based ethanol, this episode will bring you up to speed on all the happenings in the industry.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Julie Valentine, Director, Global Refining and Sustainability Measurement Solutions, Emerson Automation Solutions, to discuss how digital technologies are enabling producers to enhance renewable fuels/biofuels production and provide a path to decarbonizing operations.
To decarbonize the global marine shipping industry, companies are researching new fuels to limit emissions. The Refinery Automation Institute has conducted a thorough investigation on five green fuels for marine vessels: LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels. Part 1 of this podcast examines LNG, hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels, while Part 2 will detail the use of methanol and biofuels.
This podcast, from OSIsoft, provides a roadmap for companies looking to incorporate digital technologies into their operations. This podcast provides details how operational intelligence drives optimization, how carbon accounting is becoming a new currency, pitfalls to avoid when adopting digitalization and keys to successfully implementing new digital technologies in operations.
In the wake of an extraordinary year marred by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, DuPont Sustainable Solutions released the results of its 2021 Operational Risk Management Survey of executives, a barometer of the topics that dominate boardroom discussions around the world. This podcast provides a look at the results.
Considering these challenges that impurities cause to the petrochemical industry, it is critical for laboratories to monitor the levels of impurities (e.g., metals and sulfur) in common petrochemical products with highly sensitive methods. This podcast, from Thermo Fisher Scientific, will discuss how advances in elemental mass spectrometry systems are enabling rapid and accurate element analysis of impurities, and how small changes in the sample introduction system—such as the use of ceramic torches—are further boosting operational capacities.
Like every other industry, digitalization and AI are positively disrupting the downstream hydrocarbon processing industry. In this episode of The Main Column, we get in conversation with Gino Hernandez, Head of Global Digital Business for ABB Energy Industries, and discuss digital solutions in asset performance management and predictive maintenance. We also talk about predictive maintenance as an important tool for sustainable operations and parts/inventory management, the importance of SaaS, and a futuristic view of ABB’s offerings in AI for autonomous optimization of operations and digital twins.
In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing speaks with the Founder and CEO of H2SZero, Mike Callaway. Among the topics discussed are the latest technologies in treating natural gas, drawbacks to certain systems and enhancing treating operations.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Owen Plowman, Vice President of Business Development, Actenum Corp., to discuss how advanced software can optimize scheduling for plant projects, maintenance and turnarounds, and how these new technologies are increasing efficiency and profitability.
Procuring equipment, materials and services are very important to a project’s financial success. Utilizing the right procurement document and the appropriate process will go a long way to achieve project success. However, which strategy is best? This podcast examines the different procurement documents and which may work best for your project.
MEGlobal's Oyster Creek site plans to switch to 100% renewable electricity by 2023. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with the plant's site leader, Scott Daigle, on the project's conception, how the power will be generated and the benefits to the site's sustainability measures.
Honeywell Process Solutions examines how intelligence, resilience and autonomy can be achieve across functional domains.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Stan Knez, Chief Technology Officer, Technip Energies, to discuss technologies to decarbonize ethylene production and the energy transition in the hydrocarbon processing industry.
This podcast details how process digital twins can help monitor and improve KPIs on processing units, as well as provides the use of a process digital twin to optimize performance of Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery's hydrocracking unit.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Catherine Watkins, Publisher, Hydrocarbon Processing met with JD Slaughter, President, S&B Engineers and Constructors at the 53rd annual ECC PerspECCtives conference to discuss the evolution of capital projects.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast provides an overview on supply and demand dynamics affecting the global LPG market. This includes regions of importance, shipping and trade flows, as well as a sector outlook.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Withers and Rogers LLP explore the key concept of blockchain, the use case and evidence for blockchain technology in the oil and gas industry, the current state and future of the blockchain patent landscape, and what this could mean for the sector.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with John Doyle, Chief Project Officer, Bluescape Clean Fuels, and Brian Loftus, Vice President Business Development, Koch Modular, to discuss Bluescape's innovative STG+ technology and how both companies are working together to build the future of clean-fuels production facilities.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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What is the future role of a process technology licensor? Recently, Lee Nichols sat down with Lummus Technology’s President and CEO, Leon de Bruyn, to answer this question. They discussed Lummus’ first year as a standalone company, recent changes in the market, the acceleration of the energy transition and digitalization, the outlook for technology licensors and a number of other important topics.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Atlas Copco and EnFlex discuss the deployment of integrally geared compressor technology, exploring the drivers behind the rising demand for small-scale LNG and the qualities that make integrally geared compressors an efficient compression solution in small-scale LNG plants.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast provides the ins-and-outs of turbine trip valves, specification requirements and testing. These elements will help facility owners appropriately specify the best trip valve for their operations.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast details some of the way operators are taking advantage of software, digital twins, advanced process automation, simulation, cloud technologies, etc. to optimize their facilities for more sustainable and profitable operations.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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If fugitive emissions are left unmitigated, they can have detrimental effects to a refinery or petrochemical plant, including hefty fines if the facility is not in compliance. This podcast explores some essential strategies for actively addressing fugitive emissions to help reduce leaks, maintain compliance and keep costs low.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast looks at the four key challenge areas for EPC firms, how digital twins can optimize EPC performance and a few success stories on how EPC firms are leveraging digital technologies to enhance the project ecosystem.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast highlights some of the major topics discussed in Hydrocarbon Processing's Mid-Year Market Update webcast. Overviews include fuels demand, capital expenditures and active and new project numbers globally. The market webcast can be viewed on-demand by visiting HydrocarbonProcessing.com/webcasts.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Heinz Bloch's July Reliability column focuses on an interesting case involving sour seal oil traps and how best-in-class companies can work with manufacturers to ensure reliability.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast tackles the four phases of improving production control: normal operation, visualization, quality control and optimum operation. Companies can achieve seamless optimized production through the combination of simulation technology and control technology. This podcast details this strategy.
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To tackle competitiveness and move with the changing digital environment, utilizing mesh-based, IIoT networks is essential. These networks can provide plant-wide connectivity to manage, monitor and optimize assets critical to efficient, safe and competitive petrochemical operations.
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According to Deloitte, the future success of most chemical companies relies on three areas: growth and innovation, performance and cost optimization, and sustainability and the circular economy.
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Before deciding to install the newest widget in the market, it is important to evaluate the everyday work and demands of the process automation professionals who are the end users of the equipment. While the reasoning may change depending on who in the plant one is talking to, simplicity, safety and productivity are interconnected points that provide a solid basis for evaluating new technologies.
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Jim Gable, Vice President of Downstream Technology and Services, Chevron; and Helin Cox, Business Director, Alkylation and Treating, Honeywell UOP, discuss the launch of the world's first commercial ISOALKY process unit. Mr. Gable and Ms. Cox provide an overview of the technology, its scalability, benefits vs. other alkylation processes and future rollout plans.
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Peg Greene and Tobias Eckardt, both from BASF, to discuss a new technology for the LNG industry. This new unit replaces the standard mol sieve dehydration unit in an LNG pre-treatment lineup. This discussion focuses on the operations of an LNG plant's pre-treatment section, as well as the benefits this new technology can bring to the LNG industry.
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SPONSORED: Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Paul Donnelly, Industry Marketing Director, Aspentech, on the importance of FEED and critical steps and technologies that can help optimize capital projects.
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John Baguley, COO for Magnolia LNG, provides how the LNG market needs to adapt to changes in the global market to reach its full potential. This podcast examines the current LNG market, challenges for producers, economic drivers and market opportunities.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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For many manufacturers, greater product diversification and fluctuating demand translates into increased operational complexity, which can have an impact on safety because increased production can put considerable stress on pumping systems. This podcast examines design considerations to ensure safe chemical pumping, along with monitoring and maintenance techniques to ensure efficiency and safety of chemical facility pumping systems.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This podcast examines how working with a service support organization to benefit a processing plant's maintenance and reliability goals.
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This podcast presents some of the common design and execution challenges that occur during brownfield EPC projects, as well as best practices and solutions to mitigate project challenges.
What is open process automation and how can it benefit plant operations? Global Systems Business and Consulting Lead for Yokogawa, Eugene Spiropoulos, provides his insights on how open process automation is being adopted globally and how it is benefitting process engineers.
How has the global basestocks market changed post-COVID 19? Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Laura Pottorf, Global Marketing Manager, Basestocks and Specialties, ExxonMobil, to get her insights on the global basestocks market and steps oil marketers should take to help navigate this evolving industry.
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This podcast details how owner/operators can get started and what they should look for when planning a grassroots or conversion project for the production of renewable diesel.
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Learn the main design considerations that should be considered when designing an ethylene oxide flare system.
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This podcast focuses on the five key advantages of using modular construction, especially during COVID-19 restrictions limiting personnel on work sites.
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SPONSORED BY AspenTech
Hydrocarbon Processing was pleased to sit down with Paul Donnelly, Industry Marketing Director, AspenTech, to discuss how EPC firms are adopting and using new digital technologies, as well as, and most importantly, how these technologies are benefitting these organizations' return on investment.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Swarandeep Singh, Vice President at ABB Process Automation, Energy Industries, to discuss the latest advancements in capital projects construction using digital technologies.
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Refiners around the world are examining instituting renewable diesel production capacity at their locations. Since renewable diesel production uses the same hydrotreating and separation processes used for petroleum diesel, refiners may be better off looking into converting existing assets to renewable diesel production. This podcast details several factors for refiners to analyze when thinking about converting plant assets to produce renewable diesel.
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A sneak preview of the upcoming April issue with an Executive Viewpoint written by Lisa Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Seeq Corporation.
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Hydrocarbon Processing was pleased to speak with Jorge Gascon, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Director of the KAUST Catalysis Center, on developing a new crude-to-chemicals technology with Saudi Aramco. Mr. Gascon provides insights on the one-step process, the benefits of the technology and the next steps in implementing it.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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Through the integration of a closed-loop neural network, refineries and petrochemical plants can interconnect their people and process areas to optimize their most dynamic and profitable processes and capture millions of dollars in annual incremental margin.
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Minimizing downtime is vital in the processing industry. A wide range of maintenance methods/technologies are available. When it comes to complex geometries that must be repaired fast and be able to withstand the harsh, continuous operating conditions of petrochemical production. few solutions are as adept and as effective as selective electroplating.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
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This Regional Focus looks into Russia's plan to invest heavily in increasing petrochemicals and LPG production, as well as their drive to boost exports of both.
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Just as society experiences new technologies that affect the way it communicates and interacts, the chemical industry is also experiencing an evolution in new technologies that optimize operations. This is a quick look at how these technologies are impacting the chemicals industry.
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Zachary Burke, Radix Engineering and Software, provides the five levels of digital maturity and how they should focus on the key variable to make these stages sustainable: return on investment.
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Jason Jablonski and Wade Helfer of Emerson to discuss what you should look for when selecting a rotary control valve.
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The global processing industry has experienced several challenges over the past year. However, new technologies are enabling the HPI workforce to optimize operations in a new way. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Tyler Hufstetler, Director of Partnerships, Parsable and Fellow with the World Economic Forum, to discuss how technology is supporting business operations for increased productivity and safety.
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Perry Nordh and Jeet Dey of Honeywell to discuss how the traditional approaches to alarm management have changed over time, as well as the evolution in alarm management and how companies can utilize new technologies to gain a competitive edge.
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Zied Ouertani, Vice President, Chemicals and Refining Global Head of Technology for ABB, to discuss how the global pandemic escalated the necessity of digital technological solutions and if the processing industry's digital transformation will continue in the future.
This podcast details how advanced analytics can reduce unit downtime and improve reliability, freeing hours/days of crucial engineering resource time.
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How much time and costs can be saved by scheduling with an AI-powered solution? This podcast examines how using new digital tools, such as AI, can optimize plant shutdowns and save significant time and money.
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Machine condition monitoring has been playing an increasingly important role in industrial asset healthcare for many years. This podcast dives into details on how historian-base condition monitoring has become much more intuitive, reliable, transparent and widespread.
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Energy optimization is a key opportunity to reduce energy cost and lower emissions. Digital transformation solutions can accelerate the return of energy optimization investments. This podcast examines some digital tools to help optimize energy efficiency in processing plants.
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Hydrocarbon Processing's Reliability Editor, Heinz Bloch summarizes the experience of a former colleague in which he was selected as the expert witness for a company in litigation against a supplier of bulk raw material. The plaintiff’s profitability depended on the uninterrupted flow of raw material from the defendant. The startup was delayed, and the unforeseen consequential losses for the plaintiff were far-reaching.
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How can companies adapt to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and oil/gas market volatility? This podcast examines four levers of transformation that could push companies into the future: energy transition, integrated human-machine collaboration, recoded careers and organizational agility.
This podcast provides an overview of some of the many digital technologies being adopted in the HPI to increase safety, productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Several challenges facing the downstream processing industry have led to reduced insurance limits/coverages at significantly higher prices, leading to a cyclone market that seems inescapable for HPI companies that need coverage for their capital-intensive units. This podcast provides several steps that could help asset owners out of this whirlwind market.
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This podcast dives into the trends that cause vibration issues in boilers and furnaces, along with several techniques to mitigate vibration within these pieces of equipment.
WirelessHART sensors, whether used with existing control and monitoring systems or with new technical applications, provide the data required to improve process efficiency and safety. This podcast examines seven practical examples where wireless instrumentation networks can optimize plant operations.
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This podcast provides an overview on galvanic corrosion, including causes or corrosion, vulnerable areas and prevention.
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This podcast examines future global energy demand and how the energy mix will transition to 2050.
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This podcast dives into Sphera's 2020 process safety management/operational risk management survey. It provides insights into the industry's safety culture, reality of risks, methods organizations are using to identify risks and adopting digital technologies to increase safety in hazardous facilities.
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In this hypothetical case (EPC-2020), the global EPC market is explored and, from that basis, guidelines are presented on how to make an EPC firm more competitive and increase its profit to a healthy 5%-6% of sales.
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The level of competition in the global LNG market is rising as major producers look to increase their shares in a market severely weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes significant competition for Europe's LNG market share, as well as growing LNG demand in Asia.
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Hydrocarbon Processing's Reliability Editor, Heinz Bloch, summarizes the five pillars needed to achieve reliable plants.
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Most megaprojects suffer from costs and timeline overruns. This podcast details 11 prominent areas project managers should focus on to ensure megaprojects are on-time and on-budget.
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The editors of Hydrocarbon Processing forecast HPI spending on capital, operations and maintenance will total approximately $491 B in 2021. This podcast examines a synopsis on global spending, capital expenditures by region and active/new project numbers in the global HPI.
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This executive viewpoint from Brian Gallagher, Vice President of Corporate Development, Graycor, discusses steps the EPC industry needs to take to build a skilled and engaged construction workforce.
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This podcast examines a new proprietary process that produces a mixed butanol product from refinery-grade propylene suitable for use as a fuel additive.
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Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Ben Dickinson, Senior Operations Lead, Cybersecurity, ABB, to discuss the risks companies face from cyber-attacks and guidelines to help mitigate risks and keep facilities and personnel safe.
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Dave Loubser, Senior Staff Consultant, KBC, a Yokogawa Company, to discuss the importance of a plant's shift handover, along with ways to implement and effective shift handover strategy.
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This podcast, written by Marcelo Carugo, Vice President of Global Refining and Chemical Programs, Emerson, provides examples to show how a company's digital transformation journey works in practice to improve operations, focusing primarily on safety and reducing emissions.
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This podcast details Methanex's Chile 4 Standalone Operation project. It details the development process performed by Methanex, starting from the business context through an explanation of the original design and the proposed new design and, finally, depicting the benefits derived from the project's implementation.
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In-person group training may never look the same as it did prior to the pandemic, but 2020 has shown that organizations can get much more out of remote tools than previously thought possible. This podcast examines five lessons to create flexible and engaging remote training sessions for plant personnel.
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This podcast examines the value of engineering data and innovation throughout the life cycle of a project. For successful data management, users need to focus on several important questions: What data is required? How can data be managed and used effectively? How can engineers achieve consistent data?
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Among numerous emerging technologies in the process industries, the digital twin is the most powerful and disruptive. Why? Listen to this episode of The Main Column Podcast to learn more.
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Most oil and gas companies are investing in digitalization; however, they often fail to move beyond proof of value or pilot projects. This podcast examines key factors that can set a digitalization program up for success and allow scaling past the pilot stage.
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This podcast, written by ExxonMobil, explains how digital platforms can offer significant benefits across the oil and gas value chain by employing advanced analytical tools and near-real-time access to technical expertise to improve daily plant performance.
HPI organizations generate vast amounts of data throughout their operations. It is imperative to utilize this data in the most optimal way. This podcast examines several advanced data management tools to help organizations optimize workflows and bring benefits to the entire enterprise.
Hydrocarbon Processing sits down with Bill Preston, President and Chief Operating Officer of KP Engineering, to discuss how this EPC has leveraged their diverse background in oil refining to adapt to the sustainable market needs of hydrogen and clean fuels.
One way refiners can better control or even reduce costs is by accurately monitoring hydrogen levels in several locations throughout the facility. This podcast examines the importance of hydrogen monitoring and suggestions on improving hydrogen measurements for optimal performance.
This podcast discusses seven crucial qualities terminal operators are looking for in a modern inventory management solution--a terminal operator's "wish list." These qualities help terminal operators reduce inventory uncertainties, increase efficiency and minimize product losses.
How is the role of the process technology licensor evolving to meet future energy and products demand? Hydrocarbon Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Lee Nichols, discussed the role of the process technology licensor--now and the into the future--with Leon de Bruyn, President and CEO, Lummus Technology.
This podcast details how Eastman Chemical's Longview, Texas site instituted specific goals to institute excellence in its maintenance department and optimize the way it works with operations.
Yokogawa recently released a survey that found that two-thirds of process industry companies are anticipating fully autonomous operations by 2030. Hydrocarbon Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Lee Nichols, discussed the findings of this report with Duncan Micklem, Vice President, Yokogawa, and how the industry is adopting new digital technologies, what it means for the future workforce and how asset owners/operators can respond to these trends.
OT/IT integration is required for sharing information among all levels of manufacturing organizations to achieve profit-driven operation (PDO). This podcast examines a particular PDO solution, which breaks down production performance indicators down to the technical and operative levels, using industrial best practices to create synaptic performance indicators.
This podcast examines specific concepts and technologies used in reducing emissions and effectively decarbonizing LNG production. This includes liquefaction facility design, power generation, renewables and energy storage and digitalization.
This podcast outlines best practices and methods to reduce installation time of trays in distillation columns.
This podcast examines problems caused by using manual on/off valves in tank and terminal facilities, along with detailing the best ways to automate operations by selecting the right type of valve for each application.
Regulations on refining/petrochemical wastewater effluents and controlling their use in freshwater sources are getting stricter in many countries around the world. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Bill Cunningham, Siemens, to discuss a case study on two separate projects Siemens conducted at Sinopec's Anqing refinery to adhere to new environmental regulations and how technology can be applied to industrial plants around the world to adhere to strict wastewater guidelines.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Many HPI companies are taking different approaches to integrating new digital technologies. This podcast provides the five best practices when starting a digital journey.
This podcast provides five rules to great communication that can lead to increased safety within refineries and petrochemical plants.
Hydrocarbon Processing discusses the HPI's digital transformation journey with Ron Beck, Marketing Strategy Director at Aspentech, along with the future of the self-optimizing plant and how digital technologies will lead to more efficient operations.
Today’s terminal operators are facing several challenges related to the profitability of their bulk terminal, petrochemical and oil field storage sites.
Learn more in the latest Main Column Podcast. For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
While countless machines and equipment in a petrochemical plant can be monitored continuously, pumps and compressors are generally some of the most critical.Yet, while plants regularly recognize the importance of monitoring pumps and compressors, and often make periodic checks of these machines part of regular rounds, they are often overlooked as key candidates for continuous monitoring.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Among numerous emerging technologies in the process industries, the digital twin is the most powerful and disruptive. Why? Listen to the latest episode of The Main Column Podcast to learn more.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Hydrocarbon Processing’s Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher, Lee Nichols, sits down with Rick Dougherty, Chief of Base Stocks and Specialties Technology, ExxonMobil, to discuss the base stocks market, the base stocks interchange, OEM specifications and much more.
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Combustion processes of all types generate emissions of one kind or another. For example, hydrogen- and carbon-based combustion processes produce water and carbon dioxide (CO2), respectively.
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The coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted all sectors of the oil and gas industry, including asset management. Many plants around the world are operating in emergency mode or shutdown.The following are six recommendations to help organizations optimize their asset management decisions during this unprecedented time and to emerge from the COVID-19 slowdown unscathed.
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Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Mike Reed, Head of AVEVA AI Center of Excellence--to discuss how AI can be used to improve your asset performance management techniques. Listen now to the latest AVEVA sponsored podcast.
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With the increasing volatility of the oil and gas markets (involving price fluctuations and oil demand uncertainties) and stricter environmental constraints, a new normal for the world is being built right in front of us. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Over the past 5 yr, the energy industry has been forced to navigate highly volatile conditions, including unstable economics, increased sustainability concerns and a shortage of experienced leaders to succeed those approaching retirement. Learn more in this AVEVA Sponsored podcast.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with three subject matter experts from Endress + Hauser--Prasanth Sreekumar, Mark Thomas and Sam Miller--to discuss the latest in measurement technology and how instrumentation and analyzers can help optimize production plants and improve efficiency. Listen now to the latest AVEVA sponsored podcast.
In the oil and gas sector, managing a shutdown, turnaround, or even an outage is an unavoidable requirement. These projects are complex, with multiple stakeholders focused on limiting the time assets are offline with zero tolerance for safety incidents. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Given increasingly stringent automotive specifications and the advent of the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 sulfur regulations, the continued decrease in Group I base stocks demand should come as no surprise for anyone in the industry.Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
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2020 may be the worst year in history in the Oil & Gas industry. We witnessed one shock after another. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
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PricewaterhouseCoopers reports that, since 2014, the oil and gas industry has put off noncritical spending to reduce costs.1 In 2016, for example, the average number of backlogged labor hours for corrective and deferred safety-critical maintenance increased by 25%. Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
Staffers in many plants in modern industry are assigned to job functions related to reliability assessment and implementation. How these reliability-related job functions are carried out varies greatly from plant to plant.Learn more in this AVEVA sponsored podcast.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
According to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), there were 31 fatal incidents across the industry in 2018. This result was down only slightly from 33 the year before—a startlingly small improvement, given that preventing major accidents, injuries to people and hydrocarbon releases are top priorities across the energy industry.
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When you think of your supply chain, what do you consider? For a traditional downstream refiner, you may include pipeline, truck, rail and vessel logistics. Where inventory is stored is another consideration.
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While there is no way to predict the length of the current pandemic or crude price volatility, you can help your refinery navigate risk and manage uncertainty by rapidly reacting to market volatility. This AVEVA sponsored podcast examines the use of cloud computing to speed up refinery planning and taking the current slow-down to future-proof operations to be in a better position to survive the next downturn.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
The oil industry’s interest in the downstream segment of the business has known ups and downs. This article reviews the past, present and projected future of the downstream sector and its companies.
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Workforce experts and employers often suggest that the millennial generation is responsible for sparking the job-hopping trend. A 2018 Deloitte survey1 found only 28% of millennials plan to stay with their companies for more than 5 yr. From an employee’s perspective, a strong case can be made for job-hopping. In a good job market, workers—especially younger generations—often can find better opportunities and make bigger salary jumps by changing companies.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Rice Global Engineering & Construction (E&C) Forum held its first virtual roundtable on April 24 on the subject, "Leading through a crisis: E&C leadership perspective." The lunchtime seminar, which was moderated by Hydrocarbon Processing Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher Lee Nichols, focused on how E&C companies are working and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New perochemical project announcements plateaued year-over-year (y-o-y), according to data from Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database.
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Propylene is at the core of the petrochemical industry, with the synthesis of its numerous derivatives finding greater application in industries from textile to automobile, cosmetics and beyond. Propylene is also a foundation block/intermediate for numerous chemicals, from isopropanol to polypropylene (a widely used synthetic material) to gasoline octane enhancers.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Digital technologies are being widely adopted across nearly every industry. Industrial companies are moving as far away as possible from manual, document-centric processes and replacing them with cloud services, digital solutions and data-centric strategies.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Meridian Energy Group is building two new refineries in the U.S. These projects will be in the Bakken and Permian shale region. Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Lance Medlin, Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Fonda, Chief Technical Officer, to discuss the company's two projects and how they are building the greenest refineries in the world.
Crude oil has been the fundamental element of transportation fuel for many decades. However, market factors are changing this dynamic, creating incentives for some organizations to consider oil-to-chemical complexes to maintain a competitive edge.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Today’s tools are often specialized for a certain type of task; however, they often lack the connectivity that would enable the easy comparison and cross-reference of asset information. Engineering tools are well suited for design and build phases, but may be less suited for use in operations and maintenance.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Gas processing, liquefaction, oil refining, bulk petrochemicals and chemicals plants represent a large population of frontline engineers and technical managers. Their professional lives will become increasingly impacted by the growing adoption of disruptive digital technologies and digital platforms.
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At first glance, this is probably not a startling number—not when you consider the size of the entertainment industry and how immersed AR has become in video games, movies and the various ways it is being used by smartphone apps.
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The plant runs fully automated; robots glide silently back and forth, ensuring an optimized process; and your maintenance technician—with a few keystrokes—can tell you exactly how each piece of equipment is running. The promise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has been delivered.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
A 15-yr rise in U.S. exports of refined products continued in 2019 with the nation exporting more than ever, underscoring the importance of these products to fueling a growing world. In the latter half of the last decade, U.S. petrochemical production capacity increased—with more than $20 B invested in domestic petrochemical projects in the last 2 yr alone—and exports of petrochemicals and petrochemical feedstocks rose, as well.
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According to conferences and various media, the digital revolution is largely underway. However, many EPC executives say that their companies have experimented with digital initiatives, but they are still deliberating on where they will place their “big bets.” With that in mind, the characteristics that can help shape how and where EPC firms will invest for a brighter future are listed here.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Unfortunately, many engineering and construction (E&C) firms operate without firm direction. This is hurting these companies in adapting to new market conditions. This podcast provides four factors—capital, physical assets, knowledge and time—that, when improved upon, can greatly improve productivity and profitability of E&C firms.
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Sustainability efforts affect four key areas within a processing plant: efficiency, business, talent and safety. This podcast dives into how digital technologies are enabling companies to increase sustainable operations in these four key areas.
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Achieving effective catalyst regeneration requires a process that produces a very high level of heat in a very efficient manner. Traditional steam has been a popular choice; however, this podcast explores how electric heaters can be an ideal heat source in the regeneration of catalysts within processes.
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To boost operational efficiency and support regulatory compliance, many petrochemical companies use informatic tools, such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS), to organize data. These systems enable companies to make data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently. This podcast focuses on how a petrochemical company implemented a cloud-based LIMS system to support workflows across the entire organization.
How are companies putting new digital technologies to work? This podcast details how companies have implemented improvement programs with digitalization and where they have witnessed major advances in operations.
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New technologies are broadening the scope of automation’s reach. This podcast explores some of these new technology concepts and how they are being applied to process safety.
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SPONSORED BY: Energy Web Atlas
Lee Nichols, Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher, provides a brief overview on the global capital projects sector. This synopsis provides active and new project numbers, capital spending by region, major initiatives affecting spending and a forecast on global HPI spending in 2020.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com
Investments in digital technologies have shown to save companies money, optimize operations and streamline maintenance. The big question is how to evaluate digital investments? This podcasts details two investment models to consider in this analysis.
For comments or feedback, please contact: podcast@hydrocarbonprocessing.com