Aromatics
Aromatics, so called because of their distinctive perfumed smell, are a group of hydrocarbons that include benzene, toluene and the xylenes. These are basic chemicals used as starting materials for…
Petrochemical
Petrochemicals are chemicals made from petroleum or natural gas. Primary petrochemicals are divided into three groups, depending on their chemical structure: Olefins include ethylene, propylene, and butadiene. Ethylene and propylene…
Blending and distribution
After the refining processes, the various fractions are stored in intermediate tanks, then blended into marketable products for loading onto railcars, trucks or ships, and distribution to gas stations or…
Upgrading and advanced processes
The Refinery make up differs from an upstream plant, in that the overall site is divided up in to process types or 'units'. The refining plant type processes are generally…
Refining
Up to the early 1970s, crude oil prices were kept reasonably stable by major international oil companies and industrialized nations. Less value was created in the upstream production operations and…
Storage, transport and regasification of LNG
Storage at the terminals and on LNG carriers is done in cryogenic tanks at atmospheric pressure or slightly above, up to 125 kPa. The tanks are insulated, but will not…
LNG
LNG is a gas transport product. The gas, which is primarily methane (CH4), is converted to liquid form for ease of storage or transport, as its volume is about 1/600th…
Pipeline management, control and safety
Pipeline management is used to maintain operation and integrity of the pipeline system. It is usually handled by a SCADA system, which interfaces with remote locations and collects data and…
Liquid pipelines, pump and valve stations
Liquid crude or product pipelines are handled much the same way, with pump stations and block valve stations along the pipeline. However, when the pipeline goes up or down over…
Pipelines Installations
Pipeline installations consist of driving compressors and pumps, valve stations, pig receive/launch facilities, where the pig is used for cleaning or inspecting the pipeline. A pipeline SCADA system and pipeline…
