Search by topic : Mechanical Engineering
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An exercise in large scale reactor replacement.

Evert P Kleynhans, Zbigniew F Matyja, A Paulo De Gavino Dias, Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd

1999 / Q2

The question was how best to design and fabricate - and then transport over 500km of roads - seven pressure vessels totalling 6600 tonnes, and finally erect them in a live operating plant.
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Operational life improvements in modern hydroprocessing reactors.

Leslie P Antalffy and Michael B Knowles, Fluor Daniel Inc
Takayasu Tahara, Japan Steel Works Ltd
Pran N Chaku, ABB Lummus Global Inc.

1999 / Q2

This article outlines some of the major problems that can occur during the service life of hydroprocessing reactors resulting from existing manufacturing flaws and through the high temperature and pressure hydrogen environment.
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FCCU reliability and mechanical integrity

D F Shaw, R E Walter, S Zaczepinski, Exxon Research and Engineering Co

1997 / Q2

FCC reliability and mechanical integrity contribute strongly to profitability, and Exxon's efforts to improve these attributes have resulted in a significant increase in unit run lengths, plus large reductions in unplanned outages.
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Critical factors affecting crude corrosivity

Saadedine Tebbal and Russel D Kane, CLI International
Jorge L Hau, Intevep SA

Edmundo J Mirabal, Refineria Isla

1997 / Q2

Lower quality "opportunity" crudes are now processed in most refineries and their source may vary daily.  Knowledge of the principal parameters affecting crude corrosivity is essential to prevent failure and shortened life of equipment.
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Optimising assets with machinery management systems 1997 / Q2


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New innovations in coke drum deheading

Leslie P Antalffy, Michael B Knowles, Samuel A Martin, William B Sines, Fluor Daniel Inc

1998 / Q2

The typical delayed coker drum operation cycle is outlined in this article, focusing on deheading.  Alco discussed is one of the first coke drum deheading systems installed, which gave operational safety; and a new automated boltless closure for ultimate use in coke drum top and bottom head applications.
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Modern pressure vessel technology for hydroprocessing reactors

Takayasu Tahara, Japan Steel Works Ltd

1998 / Q2

Along with refiners' economic needs for long, maintenance-free runs goes the requirement for high pressure, high temperature operation in large reactors.  The author describes developments in Cr-Mo steels to meet the increased stresses.
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Future role of industrial gas turbines

Shashi Dharmadhikari, Ingerop

1998 / Q2

Recent developments in gas turbine technology have produced impressive improvements in performance.  Some are described in this article, which also illustrates gas turbine applications in cogeneration and trigeneration.
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Large ethylene furnaces: changing the paradigm

John R Brewer, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation

2000 / Q2

The past decade has seen ethylene plants increase capacities to more than 1 million tonnes a year.  The largest ethylene plant in the world, at 1.3 million tonnes, is being built, yet only six furnaces are required to meet this capacity, making these the largest-ever ethylene pyrolysis furnaces.

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Optimal reactor configuration with simulation tools

Karin Bronsaer, DSM Research

2000 / Q2

This article describes how the modelling of high-pressure tubular reactors is approached and the way simulations are used in cost-optimal reactor design.

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Reboilers behind distillation tower problems

Edward L Hartman and Daryl W Hanson, Koch-Glitsch Inc

2001 / Q2

A review of common reboiler designs, with a discussion of case studies of reboiler problems that caused towers to fail to meet expectations.  The aim in each case was to undertake simple modifications to reboiler circuits without costly revamps.

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Avoiding unscheduled shutdowns

Gary L Martin and Tony Barletta, Process Consulting Services Inc

2001 / Q2

Case studies have demonstrated that correct heater design and consequent performance will determine crude unit run length.  This article reviews two case histories that highlight some of the problems that result in rapid coking.

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Instrumentation: the key to revamp benefits

Andrew W Sloley, The Distillation Group Inc

2001 / Q2

The author presents some examples from recent troubleshooting experiences at plants with ineffective instrumentation, all of which caused major losses before they were found and fixed.

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Reduction of refinery stack emissions

John Ellis, BP Oil

2002 / Q2

The latest generation of low NOx burners has been tested in a full-scale fired process heater application and the results have demonstrated the cost effectiveness of combustion source control.

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Understanding centrifugal compressor performance

Scott W Golden, Scott A Fulton, Daryl W Hanson, Process Consulting Services Inc

2002 / Q2

In a connected process system, expensive changes to the compressor and driver can be avoided with system debottlenecking modifications.  The authors give examples of cost effective ways of increasing compressor suction  pressure.

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Using gamma scans to plan maintenance of columns

Lowell Pless and Bjorn Asseln, Tru-Tec Services Inc

2002 / Q2

An outline of the way in which gamma scanning of columns and vessels can be used to evaluate, perform troubleshooting and prepare for a planned shutdown of trayed and packed column and other equipment while the unit is operating.

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