Hydrocarbon Processing - August 2022 - 51

HP Flashback
Develop a strategic automation plan
J. B. Stout, May 1992
The development of a strategic vision, and the resulting masterplan,
are the key to a successful automation program. The
masterplan serves as a compass, maintaining focus on the automation
journey while enabling the company to respond tactically
to emerging business issues. This article examines organizations,
architectures, applications and benchmarking as components of
a masterplan, which is key to a successful automation program.
Trends in hydrogen plant design
T. Johansen, K. S. Raghuraman and L. A. Hackett, August 1992
Steam reforming will continue to be the main source for hydrogen
production. Understanding important design considerations
for hydrogen production via steam reforming require
detailed attention to the many elements that comprise the process.
Design trends focus on improvements to the plant's three
principal unit operations:
* Generation of hydrogen/carbon monoxide syngas
* Conversion of carbon monoxide in the syngas
* Separation/purification of hydrogen from syngas.
Improve activated carbon bed adsorber operations
G. C. Shah, November 1992
Activated carbon beds (ACBs) provide the final cleanup
phase of most vapor streams before venting to air. Generally,
ACB applications include volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
control, odor removal and recovery/recycle of hydrocarbons.
Properly designed ACBs have a long service life; however,
they do develop problems. This work provides a few troubleshooting
tips to solve ACB poor performance situations.
Safety system performance terms:
Clearing up the confusion
P. Gruhn, February 1993
The problem of ambiguous terms is particularly acute when
dealing with safety systems. These systems are often referred to
as emergency shutdown systems or interlock systems. For example,
ask a chemical engineer and a safety engineer the meaning
of " failure, " " availability, " " reliability, " or " integrity " and you will
probably get surprisingly different answers.
The problem is real and is causing considerable confusion
in the safety control industry. This work will discuss how the
industry can improve reliability and performance by using the
right terminology.
Process optimization in the HPI
O. Pelham, July 1993
The increasing complexity of refineries and petrochemical
plants requires closer integration and cooperation between
traditional licensing activities and newer process control and
optimization technologies. Greater complexity is being driven
by new business, environmental and safety pressures. Advanced
process control and information systems must accommodate
expected changes in process configurations.
Single-sited catalysis leads next
polyolefin generation
A. A. Montagna and J. C. Floyd, March 1994
New catalyst families are broadening product opportunities
for polyolefins. An updated catalyst system, metallocene, has entered
the technology race. This catalyst offers single-site activity,
which narrows molecular weight and gives molecular weight distribution
control for ethylene and propylene-based polymers. A
comparative history details how metallocene-based polymers
stack up to conventional Zieglar-Natta catalyst-produced resins.
New strategies maximize paraxylene production
J. J. Jeanneret, C. D. Low and V. Zukauskas, June 1994
Strong consumption growth and the shutdown of some capacity
in 1992 have eliminated the surplus of paraxylene (PX)
capacity, which existed from 1990-1993. PX supplies are becoming
tight and market prices have risen dramatically over the
last several months, sparking considerable interest in new PX
production capacity. However, adding new PX capacity does not
mean building new grassroots units. Additional capacity can be
" found " by creative use of existing benzene, toluene and xylenes
resources. By making the most of existing facilities, producers
can capitalize on the current upswing of the PX market cycle.
Build pollution prevention into system design
P. P. Radecki, D. W. Hertz and C. Vinton, August 1994
Imagine using a computer-based tool that allows process
designers to find and include pollution-prevention information
and technology during the conceptual design stage. Emerging
computer-based tools are now incorporating environmental
considerations into process development.
Simplify process hazard reviews with 3D models
G. Tolpa, October 1994
Replacing plastic models with 3D electronic versions of the
facility helps hazard and operability review (HAZOP) teams
to increase review efficiency, reduce meeting time and record/
document critical changes made during procedural meetings.
Recycle plastics into feedstocks
H. Kastner and W. Kaminsky, May 1995
Thermal cracking of mixed-plastics wastes with a fluidizedbed
reactor can be a viable and cost-effective means to meet
mandatory recycling laws.
Use reliability-centered maintenance to identify
real-world risks
R. B. Jones, October 1995
Using reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methods,
HPI companies can make realistic, tangible progress toward
reducing risk, improving productivity, minimizing downtime
and increasing profitability. Because the HPI uses complex processes
and operational practices to manufacture products, an
effective analytical technique such as RCM is needed to help
identify and mitigate high-risk situations that may occur.
Use alloys to improve ethylene production
S. B. Parks and C. M. Schillmoller, March 1996
Selecting suitable cast heat-resisting alloys for ethylene furnace
tubing can cost-effectively improve product yield and selectivity,
reduce downtime and lengthen production runs. Using
better alloys for tubing has enabled raising temperatures,
Hydrocarbon Processing | AUGUST 2022 51
Hydrocarbon Processing - August 2022

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