In this section of the site contributing authors submit interesting articles relating
to the various services, industries and research & development efforts of Becht.
How long will the cyclone system in a Cat Cracker reactor or regenerator last? Cyclones systems in Fluidized Catalytic Cracker units (FCC) are typically designed to a creep allowable stress, where the stress field at various locations of the system has been determined by linear elastic analysis. The basic allowable stress for such internal structures […]
Within the Safety Professional community, one topic guaranteed to generate vigorous debate is that of Hazard Identification. Volumes of information exist, theories are plentiful and opinions are abundant. While certain fundamentals always will apply, consideration for the changing dynamic of today’s workforce is essential. Once we understand that dynamic, our approach to hazard identification (and […]
Today it is common practice in overhauls of large rotating equipment to spend many man hours in detailed planning, coordination, writing procedures, reviewing documentation, reviewing past photos, procuring and inspecting spare parts etc. We also review our past experience and put steps in place to mitigate past problems or errors. Now that we have a […]
Valero Energy Corporation recently installed a new, state of the art, hydrocracker at their Meraux, LA Refinery. The reactor lift was filmed by Valero and published on You-Tube as a testament to their commitment to safety and quality. The lift and transportation team safely completed the transport from the ship to the refinery and the […]
There are many reasons cranes fall down. One of the most common causes is ground support failure. Let’s take a closer look at ground failure and discuss what steps we can take to prevent this unnecessary misfortune. Cranes are rated by stability and structural competence. By law, crane manufacturers have to designate the limiting […]
Buried steel pipe is prone to pitting due to external (soil-side) corrosion and internal (water-side) corrosion and biofouling. Preventive and mitigative measures include periodic inspection, cleaning, chemical and biocide treatments, and repairs. A cost-effective alternative consists in replacing the buried steel pipe with a non-metallic pipe, in particular high density polyethylene (HDPE). This alternative, widely […]
Successful organizations have embraced a philosophy of multi-level management for decades; it is embedded within all their processes. Have you ever considered how those leading organizations have applied the same concept to Safety? Within the corporate community, it’s a known fact that the more effectively processes and procedures are implemented throughout that organization, the better […]
CFD was used to confirm that poor design of the steam inlet nozzle was the main contributor to deaerator head to shell weld cracking, and confirmed proposed design improvements. This recent Becht project illustrates one of the causes of deaerator cracking. A through-wall crack had been found at the head-to-shell junction at the steam inlet […]
In the US and throughout much of the world, pressure equipment for oil refining services is designed according to ASME Codes (possibly augmented by API standards) and the integrity is assured by performing periodic inspection and maintenance according to equipment strategies, which often are developed in accordance with and guidance from API recommended practices and […]
Coke drums used in the delayed coking process have historically been subjected to severe operating conditions which result in numerous mechanical problems. The Coke Drum is far from your typical pressure vessel. However, the industry standard foundation, shimming, grouting and anchor bolt design continue to be identical to a typical pressure vessel. There is a […]
