Columns
The mechanics of a sound assessment
FIG. 1. Vibration measurements are essential for detecting integrity issues. Compressors lie at the heart of countless enterprises across numerous industries, and those businesses’ success depends on their equipment performing reliably, efficiently and sustainably. When this is not the case, the..
Liquefaction MPC delivers holistic business returns
Multivariable predictive control (MPC) technology has been successfully applied to many liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing plants around the world, but there are always challenges that must be overcome to achieve success. For the Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) site, these challenges included addr..
Stop sour gas flaring: Advances in H2S treatment drive improved economics
FIG. 1. Gas can be recovered, which makes the wasteful and environmentally damaging practice of flaring unnecessary. Driven by increased global demand for natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), countries across all oil-producing continents are addressing the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2..
Global Projects Data
At the time of this publication, Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure (GEI) database was tracking > 310 active gas processing/LNG projects globally, totaling nearly $785 B in capital expenditures. Most projects are in Asia, followed by the Middle East and the U.S. These three regio..
Hidden challenges in mercury removal unit operation and design
Mercury removal units (MRUs) are typically regarded as simple fixed-bed systems operating in a passive mode, with minimal instrumentation and limited dynamic behavior. This perceived simplicity sometimes leads to an underestimation of their importance within the overall gas treatment chain. In liq..
Carbon-14 analysis for quantifying biogenic carbon content of hydrocarbon and fuel gases
Hydrocarbons are increasingly prevalent worldwide as a non-renewable energy source. A hydrocarbon gas is an organic compound containing carbon (C) and hydrogen (H2), found in a gaseous state. Its physical properties depend on temperature, pressure and concentration. Methane (CH4) and propane are exa..
The value of experience—Why expertise matters in compressor overhauls and revamps
Companies that prioritize working with experienced providers can avoid costly disruptions, improve the reliability of their assets and extend the life of key equipment, ultimately improving the long-term success of their operations.
Moisture measurement technologies for natural gas
This article reviews the most commonly used moisture measuring instruments and provides a comparison of those technologies.
After 30 years, I am still betting on solid-rotor motors for critical high-speed applications
Solid-rotor technology can be considered to have quietly faded into obscurity—the reality is quite the opposite. Its best days may still lie ahead, especially for demanding high-speed industrial processes. The 'underdog' motor. When I first jumped into the world of power electronics and motor tec..
Global Projects Data - August Update
An overview of active gas processing/LNG projects globally.
What is API 6DX and what does it mean for the energy industry?
This article will discuss API 6D and 6DX, providing an overview of the standards as well as details on the latest requirements and documentation that can be expected when an API 6DX compliant actuator or API 6D actuated valve assembly are purchased.
Optimizing NGL treatment for sulfur and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL Corporation’s Redwater fractionation plant—Part 2
This case study details NGL treatment for sulfur and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL Corporation’s Redwater fractionation plant in Canada.
The future of gas turbines in the green revolution
With the rise of renewables wreaking dramatic changes to gas turbine operational modes, there is now an increased focus on minimizing operational costs. Gas turbines may be here to stay, but filter systems must remain relevant and efficient, as well.
Utilize tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy to ensure natural gas purity in the grid
This article delves into key challenges of preserving quality in natural gas pipelines, and it covers various gas analysis technologies that address these concerns.
Ten ways AI is expediting construction projects in the processing industries
This article explores 10 key areas in which AI can improve project delivery during project planning.
Five essential tips for building efficient hydrogen fluid systems
This article highlights five considerations for engineers who are charged with building an effective, efficient H2 system.
The impact of advanced process control on LPG production
This article summarizes the findings from the APC Benefit project, which evaluates the impact of a proprietary advanced process control (APC) systema implemented at the Salalah liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plant in Oman in 2024.
Optimizing NGL treatment for sulfur and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL Corporation’s Redwater fractionation plant—Part 1
This case study details how Pembina NGL Corp. reduced sulfur and methanol in its NGL treatment at the Redwater fractionation plant in Alberta, Canada.
Tackling the effect of different impurities in CCS pipelines
Controlling impurities in carbon capture and storage pipelines is key reducing CO2 emissions. This article presents an analysis of how trace components in CO2 streams impact thermodynamic and transport properties with potential long-term consequences on asset integrity.
Enhance rotating equipment reliability: Implementing a bad actor program in the oil and gas industry
Bad actor programs play a critical role in enhancing equipment reliability and optimizing maintenance costs within industrial plants. This article explores the implementation of such a program at Saudi Aramco’s Yanbu natural gas liquids Fractionation Department, focusing on rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines and motors.
Optimizing gas analysis in carbon capture, utilization and storage
The CCUS market encompasses wide-ranging applications, with different challenges when it comes to gas analysis. No two CCUS applications are the same, and each therefore requires a tailored approach to best meet gas analysis requirements. The selection of a gas analyzer depends on more than the gases that it can detect, as it must also consider the number of gases that can be measured by a single system, precision and accuracy of the measurement, complexity of the installation, ongoing maintenance requirements, lifecycle costs, and other factors.
Innovations
These are some of the latest innovations in the gas processing and LNG sector.
Modular LNG plant design: Safety, efficiency and scalability
LNG plants have undergone significant changes in their design, construction timelines and overall project management approaches in recent years. One of the most notable changes is the shift towards modular construction, which offers several benefits, including faster assembly, reduced risks and a lower cost.
Power up: Considerations to help understand the potential of cogeneration
Combined heat and power, also known as cogeneration, converts one form of energy to two usable forms, typically heat and power. By simultaneously producing onsite electricity and heat, cogeneration systems can provide reliable energy at reduced overall costs.
Configure safety communication to unleash your safety culture’s true potential
Safety communication is a critical aspect of a site’s safety culture. While most management systems have communication tasks embedded within, it is important to have a dedicated management system overseeing the correct information flow with the right team at the right place at a manageable frequency.
Seven tips to achieve a smoother plant turnaround
This article offers seven tips for a smoother turnaround project.
Monetizing carbon capture, transport and storage
Companies should be exploring the practicality of reducing their emissions by using CCS strategies, along with calculating the possible value of selling their excess reduction as a new income stream. Partnering with a single provider able to support all aspects of such a program can shorten the development time and ensure successful project execution.
Ammonia decomposition—Hydrogen carrier value chain
Ammonia is emerging as one of the most promising H2 carriers, offering solutions to several critical challenges associated with H2 storage and transportation. As H2 is increasingly recognized as a pivotal component in the transition to a carbon-free energy future, efficient storage and transportation systems have become crucial for its widespread adoption.
Enhance cryogenic gas production with a dual-stream vortex tube
The growing field of cryogenic applications underscores the importance of both technical and economical assessment of the available and the emerging methods of chilled gas production. The authors’ company conducted a field study to evaluate its proprietary dual-stream, non-freeze vortex tube technology for the chilling of pre-cooled gaseous nitrogen across a wide range of gas inlet temperatures and gas inlet-to-outlet pressure ratios.
A novel process and machinery unit for the highly efficient liquefaction of renewable natural gases
This article describes a gas expansion-based liquefaction process using a proprietary machine called a compander.. Highlights of the process include ease of operation and permitting, as well as high quality thanks to in-house design, manufacturing, assembly and testing of key components.
- ExxonMobil halts 1-Bft3d blue hydrogen project in Texas
- 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf pipeline reaches FID in $2.3-B LNG expansion push
- Bechtel shares findings of tragic accident at Port Arthur LNG facility
- Aramco and Yokogawa commission multiple autonomous control AI agents at Fadhili gas plant
- Ukraine will resume gas imports via Transbalkan route in November
