Hydrocarbon Processing - September 2022 - 131

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quiring facilities within its member countries to report GHG
emissions and to meet reduction targets in accordance with the
Kyoto Protocol. Other countries around the world are in the
process of implementing similar programs.
What is driving changes in polyolefin catalysts
and catalyst technology?
J. Hain, A. Hummel, M. Jensen and A. Myers, April 2008
In 2007, polyolefin demand was two-thirds of total thermoplastic
demand or more than 110 MMt. By 2012, polyolefin
demand is expected to be almost 150 MMt. Polymer demand
grows quickly in developing countries as they move toward a
consumer-based economy. While the polyolefin industry enjoys
increasing polymer demand and high operating rates, producers
face many of the same challenges that threaten the profitability
of other industries:
* Threats from low-cost imports sourced from feedstockadvantaged
Middle East producers
* High natural gas and crude oil prices putting upward
pressure on production costs
* Industry consolidation has created fewer but larger producers
who control larger market shares and more assets.
Traditional ownership by oil and gas companies is not the
rule anymore. Financial firms are showing interest in ownership
and changing the way these companies are managed.
Are floating LNG facilities viable options?
A. J. Finn, July 2009
Technology developments in offshore LNG storage and
transfer have made offshore LNG production commercially viable.
Due to rising costs for onshore LNG facilities, floating LNG
(FLNG) is cost competitive. Techno-commercial issues associated
with floating LNG and how they are resolved will be discussed.
What metals should be used in critical service
heat exchangers?
R. Pramanik, August 2009
In heat exchanger applications, titanium (Ti) and its alloys
are increasingly replacing copper-nickel alloys as construction
materials for seawater service. However, some specific issues
related to the design and fabrication of Ti-based shell-and-tube
heat exchangers have surfaced. The presented strategies will focus
on developing design criteria to optimize heat exchangers
without compromising the quality of fabrication. The presented
case history will explore issues with special emphasis on the design,
material selection and fabrication of various components of
shell-and-tube heat exchangers from Ti and Ti alloys.
Improve usage of regenerated refining catalysts
G. J. Yeh, February 2010
A major Middle East oil company uses regenerated hydrocracking
catalysts up to three regenerations by ex-situ and regenerated
semi-regen naphtha reforming catalysts up to 10 regenerations
by in-situ. This article explores common practices
in the refining industry regarding the application of regenerated
hydrotreating, hydrocracking and semi-regen naphtha reforming
catalysts. Presented guidelines over regenerated catalysts show
how refiners can save by using regenerated catalysts or enhance
revenue by using the fresh catalysts.
Improving pH control mitigates corrosion in crude units
D. L. N. Cypriano, J. A. C. Ponciano, A. T. Vilas Boas,
P. D. Murray and M. R. Nasser, March 2011
For crude-unit overhead systems, pH is the main process
parameter that impacts corrosion rates. To control corrosion
conditions, many operators use various neutralizers at optimum
ranges determined by site-specific conditions. A four-year
study (2005-2008) was conducted at a Petrobras refinery using
amine-blend solutions to control pH. Over this period, corrosion
rates were measured through ultrasonic inspections and
weight-loss coupons. This investigation proved that maintaining
a low chloride level and stable pH levels were the most effective
ways to control equipment damage from corrosion.
Overcome challenges in treating shale gases
R. H. Weiland and N. A. Hatcher, January 2012
Shale represents an astonishingly large, new source of natural
gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). However, a common misconception
seems to be that, for the most part, shale gases are
sweet and do not need to be treated. Shale gas tends to have
considerable variations from play to play and even from well to
well within the same play. This article describes several challenges
in processing shale gas and how to overcome them.
Alternative feedstock options for petrochemicals:
A roadmap
M. O. Garg, S. K. Ganguly and S. Sen, April 2012
Following the economic slowdown in the U.S. and Europe,
a gradual demand shift has occurred from west of the Suez
to east of the Suez. Asia-Pacific nations are the areas for energy
and petrochemical-based product demand growth. After
China, India is the next growth hub for chemicals. A steadily
growing middle class is a significant driver in India's economy
and supports new petrochemical/chemical consumption. This
young population with rising incomes is responsible for growing
demand for consumer durable goods, such as automobiles
and packaging. Petrochemicals constitute over 20% of the total
chemical sector output-63% as polymers and 29% as synthetic
fibers. To satisfy demand, new hydrocarbons will be needed
to meet future demand.
Maximize diesel production in an FCC-centered refinery
P. K. Niccum, September 2012
For refineries with an FCC unit as the main conversion vehicle,
ongoing debate is how existing refinery assets can best be
used to economically increase diesel production. This article
presents methodologies for maximizing the production of highquality
diesel in a refinery that relies on FCC as its principal
means of heavy oil conversion.
Use 3D visualization to improve refinery
engineering and design
S. Bennett, June 2013
One of the most significant outcomes of rapidly increasing
computing power has been in 3D visualization. Technology involving
3D visualization has long been essential to the work of
the engineering designer, but lush visual rendering has historically
been sacrificed for more immediately productive uses of
available processing power, such as responsiveness and sophisHydrocarbon
Processing's Centennial Anniversary | SEPTEMBER 2022 131
Hydrocarbon Processing - September 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hydrocarbon Processing - September 2022
