July 2023

The July 2023 issue of Hydrocarbon Engineering has an extensive feature on sulfur treatment within downstream oil and gas operations. The issue also includes an exclusive Q&A with a number of leading companies who manufacture pumps, valves and turbomachinery, as well as two technical articles detailing specific uses of pumps. Additionally, this month’s regional report looks at the state of the oil and gas sector in Sub-Saharan Africa; and the cover story suggests ways to improve thermal performance in ethylene service.

This month's front cover is brought to you by Aspen Aerogels.

Unlocking opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Gordon Cope, Contributing Editor, places a spotlight on the current status of the oil and gas sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, and touches on several factors that are limiting the region’s prosperity.

Cracking the code: thermal insulation in ethylene plants
John Williams, Aspen Aerogels, USA, discusses the root causes of insulation degradation and suggests ways to improve thermal performance in ethylene service.

An insight into India’s sulfur sector
Bhaviksinh Mahida, IPCO, India, outlines why demand for sulfur is set to grow across India in the coming years, and the benefits of turnkey sulfur production and handling solutions.

H₂S removal solutions
Jim Aiello, Merichem Company, presents a number of solutions for removing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from natural gas.

Breathing new life into an old SRU
Scott Kafesjian and Quinn Kotter, Wood, USA, detail how improvements in reliability, operability, safety and performance have helped to revitalise a vintage sulfur recovery unit (SRU) in North America.

Expecting the unexpected
Michael Gaura, AMETEK Process Instruments, USA, explains how to troubleshoot when faced with various issues associated with sulfur recovery unit (SRU) analysers.

Who needs helium?
Lieven Kempenaers and Taco van der Maten, Malvern Panalytical, the Netherlands, look ahead to the updated ISO 13032 standard, and consider the role that next-generation X-ray fluorescence will have to play.

Pumps, valves & turbomachinery Q&A
Hydrocarbon Engineering sits down with a number of leading companies that specialise in pumps, valves and turbomachinery used in the downstream oil and gas sector.

Selecting reliable pumps
Nicki Teumer, LEWA GmbH, Germany, details a specific case study whereby the company replaced pumps within a German refinery’s distillation unit, after they were damaged.

Bad vibrations
Marwan Karaki, Weir Minerals, discusses the complications associated with mechanical and hydraulic vibrations in vertical chemical pumps, which are used to transfer molten sulfur, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid within plants.

July 2023

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