Advancing processes, products and technologies: The continued focus on process optimization

The focus on optimization is innate in the fundamental nature of the people working within the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI). For more than 170 yr, HPI professionals have looked for ways to optimize processes, technologies, operations, supply chains and so much more. This instilled quality resonates throughout the different engineering disciplines, business development community and management: How can we make things better?

Optimizing processes has been a staple in Hydrocarbon Processing for more than 100 yr. In fact, it was the primary reason the publication was started in 1922—a way for the industry to speak openly about advances in processing technologies, maintenance, safety and profitability. Process optimization continues to be a focus of our publication.

This month’s issue continues Hydrocarbon Processing’s guiding focus on the latest technologies, products and services that are advancing and optimizing refining and petrochemical plant operations. The following are several highlights of the materials and case studies provided in this month’s issue’s special focus on process optimization:

1. The first article focuses on a successful revamp of a C₃ splitter that was installed safely at one of Saudi Kayan’s plants within a narrow turnaround window during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Operations personnel from TÜPRAŞ detail how co-processing coker naphtha in the Izmit refinery’s fluid catalytic cracking and proprietary hydrodesulfurization units affected yields, operational parameters and product quality.
3. An article from BASF reviews the relevant benefits and challenges associated with using the most common desiccants and highlights the advantages of utilizing proprietary premium adsorbents for high energy efficiency and air dehydration.
4. A case study from Saudi Aramco provides helpful insights and guidelines on the critical aspects that should be considered in a retrofit design of low-alloy 1.25Cr-0.5Mo piping material employed in fabricating and installing a platformer reactor’s partial bypass piping in a naphtha hydrotreater.
5. The last article examines the complete hydroconversion of crude oil to light hydrocarbons. 

These case studies are several examples of how the refining and petrochemical industry continues to strive to more efficient operations. HP