December 2025

The December issue of Hydrocarbon Engineering opens with a keynote from Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC) who explore how CCUS technology can be used by refiners as a tool for decarbonisation. Further articles offer technical discussion with detailed case studies covering mass transfer, separation technology, gas processing, heat technology, corrosion, digital technologies, AI, robotics, corrosion, insulation, and many more.

This month's front cover is brought to you by Distillation Equipment Company Ltd.

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Creating a circular carbon economy
Miro Cavkov, Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC), Bulgaria, explores how carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technology can be used by refiners as a tool for decarbonisation, by preserving and reusing the carbon molecule.

A marathon, not a sprint
The journey toward low-carbon competitiveness is a marathon of discipline, not a sprint of innovation. Sanjay Bhargava and Michelle Wicmandy, KBC (A Yokogawa Company), consider how refinery profit improvement programmes (PIPs) can substantially increase margins and sustain real-time performance.

Beyond automation
Cody Falcon, ABB Energy Industries, considers how industrial operations are evolving from traditional automation to autonomous systems that can adapt, learn, and operate with minimal human intervention.

Improvement through collaboration
Yoshito Sato, Yokogawa, details the collaboration between Shell and Yokogawa in machine vision and robotics.

Revamping distillation columns
Aadam F. Aryan, Distillation Equipment Company Ltd, UK, discusses the necessary process and mechanical considerations for successfully revamping distillation columns to improve efficiency.

Optimising LPG mercaptan removal – part 1
Muhammad R. Tariq and Taib B. Abang, Saudi Aramco, discuss LPG mercaptan sweetening technologies and present their findings.

Enhanced fired heater efficiency
Bert Klussmann, Sulzer, USA, considers developments in heat technology that can improve heater efficiencies alongside reducing emissions.

Cracking the challenge
Al Geraskin, Integrated Global Services (IGS), Czech Republic, examines challenges facing steam cracker performance, and provides solutions that can maximise olefin production and ensure sustainability.

Coating capabilities
Hani Taan, NanoTech Materials Inc., USA, examines the properties and applications of spray-applied coatings that can protect industrial tank and piping systems from corrosion under insulation and safeguard personnel throughout operations.

Solving the corrosion conundrum
Fadi Bachir, Owens Corning, outlines key factors to consider when designing an insulating system that defends against corrosion under insulation, while supporting the longevity of equipment used in hydrocarbon processing applications.

December 2025

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