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2024 Global Syngas Technologies Conference

KP Engineering is a proud sponsor of the 2024 Global Syngas Technologies Conference (GSTC) from October 7 - 9th in San Diego, California. As the largest syngas industry event, this conference will bring together top experts and corporate leaders within the industry to network and share key knowledge in an effort to accelerate the syngas sector. For more information or to register, click the link below.

KPE Announces Promotion of Ricardo Velez, Director of Engineering

KP Engineering, a subsidiary of The Shaw Group, has promoted Ricardo Velez to Director of Engineering. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving alignment across our engineering business, including process, mechanical, electrical, and civil/structural engineering.

Factors Affecting Gasoline Prices

What determines the price of gasoline that consumers pay at the pump? Several factors come into play, including the various steps taken to produce and sell gasoline, all of which have an associated cost. Learn more about why we pay the price we do at the pump from AFPM's latest by clicking the link below.

U.S. CO2 Utilization

In an economy that's striving to reach net-zero carbon emissions, carbon utilization is one solution that can be leveraged to help reach this goal. Through this process, fossil fuel-based products create less of an impact and can be classified as more sustainable.

KP Engineering Now Hiring

Team KPE is hiring for an Electrical & Instrumentation Designer with 5-10 years of experience. This position will be located in either our Woodlands, Texas or Tyler, Texas office and will support the development of E&I drawing packages for industry projects.

Click the link below to learn more about the job responsibilities and the qualifications and experience needed for the role.

Downstream Oil & Gas: From Refining to Retail

Have you ever wondered about the journey of refining crude oil to the distribution and retail of petroleum products? In Oilman Magazine's latest article, they elaborate on the intricacies of sustaining modern economies.

KPE Supports Client with the Build of an RDU

KP Engineering has extensive experience in renewable diesel unit (RDU) technology evaluation. This, along with many other reasons, is why our client, a petroleum refining company, sought us to assist with developing a total installed cost (TIC) estimate for the build of an RDU at one of their existing plant sites.

U.S. SAF Production Forecast

With more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects underway, the U.S. SAF production capacity is expected to increase from 2,000 bpd to approximately 30,000 bpd in 2024. So, what are the primary drivers that have led to increased SAF investments?

Green Hydrogen Production Methods

Electrolysis has historically been used to produce green hydrogen. But did you know that waste can be converted into green hydrogen too? Click the link below to learn more about the different production methods and why one might be preferred over the other.

Hurricane Beryl Emergency Food Distribution

Members of Team KPE recently partnered with colleagues from our parent company, The Shaw Group, and sister company, Chemex Global to assist Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM) with emergency food distribution for those that were impacted by Hurricane Beryl. As volunteers, our support included sorting donated goods, assembling baskets of groceries, and providing curbside delivery to families in need. Click the link below to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved to make an impact within the community.

What is carbon intensity?

Without surprise, there's been a growing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to minimize environmental impact and achieve sustainability. While there are many different types of emissions, carbon dioxide takes the lead as one of the primary emitters. So, understanding carbon intensity and the factors that contribute to scoring is vital.

KP Engineering Now Hiring

Are you an Electrical Engineer looking to further develop your career and make an impact within the energy industry? KP Engineering is looking for an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our team in our Woodlands or Tyler, Texas office! For more information and directions on how to apply, click the link below.

The Evolution of Energy

U.S. energy consumption (comprised of various energy sources such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, renewables, and others) has evolved throughout the centuries. For 65 years, coal was the largest source of U.S. energy consumption but has now been surpassed by petroleum, natural gas, and, most recently, renewables.

Production for Hydrogen Types

Hydrogen can be produced in many different ways, but the mode of production determines the type of hydrogen byproduct (e.g., gray, blue, and green hydrogen). So, what is the difference between gray, blue, and green hydrogen?

Gasoline Blending

Gasoline blending is a common practice that helps optimize engine performance and improve fuel efficiency. When blending various components, there are many factors to consider, such as regional fuel specifications, environmental regulations, and market demands. Click the link below to read more about why overcompensating in any one area can impact refinery profitability.

Types of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is here to stay as an alternative feedstock for energy and fuel production. But there are various types of hydrogen (i.e., grey, blue, and green), so how do you know which one is the most economically viable option? Read our blog, "How Hydrogen Can Fuel the Energy Transition," by clicking the link below to find out.

Hydrogen's Role in Traditional Refining

Why is hydrotreating significant in the traditional refining process? Hydrotreating mitigates the risk of equipment corrosion and increased levels of air pollution. Click the link below to see how.

KPE - Renewable Fuels Market

KP Engineering has extensive hydroprocessing experience that enables our team to successfully support the build of renewable diesel plants. Learn more about our project history and experience as it relates to renewable fuels by clicking the link below.

Petrochemical Industry Overview

Today, we are still seeing the effects COVID-19 had on the petrochemical industry. This includes oversupply met with minimal demand. Click the link below to find out what can be expected in 2024.

KPE - Specialty Chemicals Market

Looking to optimize the efficiency of your chemical plant? At KPE, our team of engineering experts delivers world-class designs and engineering solutions that are both cost-effective and meet environmental regulations.

Workplace Safety

The development and implementation of workplace safety practices are vital to mitigating incidents and accidents. Click the link below to read eight best practices that will help foster a culture of safety.

KPE - Hydrogen & Syngas Market

KP Engineering is committed to providing cost-effective hydrogen plant solutions. From feasibility studies to project execution, our team of engineering experts apply their years of gasification experience to find the best solutions for our clients. Leverage our expertise to achieve your hydrogen goals by clicking the link below.

KPE - Refining Market

The refining sector has been a core business unit for KPE from the beginning. With 200+ years of experience in refining process technologies, we are uniquely qualified to help you design and construct process units that help ensure maximum return on investment.

U.S. Biodiesel Imports have Doubled Since 2022

Over the last ten years, U.S. biodiesel imports have fluctuated significantly due to a combination of subsidies and duties. As of February 2024, the U.S. has seen an all-time high in imported biodiesel since June 2017. Click the link below to find out why.

KPE Markets

At KP Engineering, our team of expert engineers and project managers are ready to assist in finding cost-effective solutions that align with your project needs. We apply years of process engineering experience to the needs of varying industries.

The Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste

Did you know that only 1.7% of global plastic waste was reported to be recycled between 1950 - 2015? High recycling costs and a lack of infrastructure and technology to support large-scale plastic waste are to blame. With increased plastic production and consumption, finding an alternative disposal solution is critical.

Tackling Emissions Reduction

Promises made by oil and gas and petrochemical companies to reduce emissions will require key strategic decision-making. KP Engineering is highly qualified to help with the combination of approaches necessary to tackle emission reduction:

✅Feedstock substitutions
✅Product pivots
✅Technology upgrades
✅Carbon capture
✅Detection and monitoring systems
✅Advanced process control and digitization

2024 Ethanol Summer Sale

Approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fuel retailers have been given the green light to sell gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol this summer. What kind of impact does this have on the environment and consumers of transportation fuel?

The "Drive" to Renewable Fuels

Renewable fuels remain prominent within the energy sector due to their low-carbon characteristics. What kind of an impact has this had on traditional petrochemical and refining companies?

Five Key Takeaways From the 2024 AFPM Annual Meeting

Despite anticipated changes in U.S. energy policies, refining and petrochemical companies remain committed to creating a sustainable future through various initiatives. Click the link below to read five key takeaways from the most recent AFPM Annual Meeting, including the importance of a diverse energy mix.

EPC Project Development

The culmination of all previous stages, the final stage of the EPC project development process is FEL-4, also known as EPC execution. The success of this stage is dependent on the previous stages, so if done right, project owners will have the opportunity to see their project come to fruition. Click the link below to find out the average duration of the full EPC project development process.

Global Syngas Technology Council

Last week, members of Team KPE who serve on the Board of Directors for the Global Syngas Technologies Council, attended the annual Spring Member Meeting alongside other industry leaders. Hosted in Colorado Springs, this meeting serves as an opportunity for member companies to network and review plans for the Annual Conference. Click the link below to learn more about the benefits of being a GSTC member.

EPC Project Development

In the stage-gated EPC project development process, the third phase (referred to as FEL-3 or FEED) requires accurate material quantities from all engineering disciplines to develop a +/-10% cost estimate. Continue reading at the link below to see why decisions made in this stage have significant impact on project success.

Low U.S. Distillate Consumption

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, records indicate that U.S. distillate consumption for January - April of 2024 has decreased compared to previous years. The unusual winter climate this year may be to blame; but could it also be a result of increased renewable fuel consumption?

EPC Project Development

A project's advancement to the FEL-2 phase is only feasible when all prior phase objectives have been met and deliverables have been produced. If a project reaches this phase, it can be a good indicator of the project's survival rate. Find out why FEL-2 matters most for owners and investors by clicking the link below.

EPC Project Development

As a result of FEL-0, if a project satisfies the business objective and ranks higher than other competing alternatives, it moves to the next step of the project development process: FEL-1. In this phase owner/operators and developers are one step closer to identifying the total installed cost (TIC) of a given project. Click the link below to find out what deliverables are required to qualify a project at this stage.

Shift in LNG Demand

By surprise, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry is seeing a shift in demand from developing nations. Historic records indicate that LNG has primarily been purchased and used by richer nations. So what is causing this shift?

EPC Project Development

In the engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") realm, projects are developed using a sequential phased approach. The initial phase of the process, referred to as Phase 0 or FEL-0, marks the beginning of a new project opportunity. So what is included in this phase? Click the link below to find out.

ExxonMobil's Baytown Decarbonization Plan

The U.S. Department of Energy plans to allocate up to $6 billion in funding for 33 decarbonization projects across more than 20 states. How will this directly impact emissions reduction?

EPC Project Development

What does proper EPC project development look like and why is it crucial for successful project execution? Simply put, the process has significant impact on the business' bottom line. Check out our approach to see how we uphold rigorous standards for this process in our blog, "EPC Project Development," by clicking the link below.

Leveraging Gasification to Lower a Project's Carbon Intensity Score

With many competing carbon capture technologies on the market, choosing the most effective one for your project can be daunting. In our webinar, "Leveraging Gasification to Lower a Project's Carbon Intensity Score," we compare three different types of technologies: chemical and physical solvents and cryogenic technologies.

Leveraging Gasification to Lower a Project's Carbon Intensity Score

Methane vs. CO2 emissions - which is worse? Methane emissions are estimated to be 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over a 20-year period. These emissions are caused by renewable feeds (woody biomass, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste) that are left to degrade naturally. Read more to find out how gasification and carbon capture can be used to combat this issue.

Leveraging Gasification to Lower a Project's Carbon Intensity Score

Did you know gasification has existed for decades? For most of its existence, this technological process has primarily been used to convert fossil fuels into energy. Recently, its been known for converting renewable feeds into cleaner energy. Learn how KPE leverages gasification to help energy producers achieve a lower carbon intensity (CI) score in our latest blog by clicking the link below.

2024 AFPM Annual Meeting

Members of Team KPE recently attended the Annual Meeting for the American Fuel & Petrochemicals Manufacturing organization ("AFPM"), the world's premiere refining conference. This two-day event took place in Grapevine, TX, and focused on topics relative to the adaptation of energy markets in the evolving national and geopolitical landscape. Click the link below to learn more about the event.

BASF Launches ChemCycling in the U.S.

Did you know that less than 9% of plastic waste is recycled in the U.S. each year? This means that 91% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, leading to unwanted pollution. One solution to combat this issue is a recently launched ChemCycling solution. Click the link below to learn more about how this innovative solution promotes a circular economy.

Four Alternative Fuels to Watch

What makes a viable fuel alternative? Our subject matter experts dive into renewable diesel, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and green gasoline in our latest blog, "Four Alternative Fuels to Watch." Learn how the chemical make up and flexibility of each fuel provides a great alternative for neutral and zero-carbon solutions by clicking the link below.

Sky High For Kids Volunteer Event

Members of Team KPE recently volunteered with Sky High For Kids, an organization whose mission is to end pediatric cancer. Their efforts fund research projects to advance treatment and provide comfort to families with children fighting cancer. To help provide comfort, we made hand-tied blankets that will be donated to Sky High’s hospital partners (includes St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, and the Texas Children’s Cancer Center).

To learn more about Sky High For Kids, the impact they're making, and how to get involved to support their mission, click the link below.

Four Alternative Fuels to Watch

It's no surprise that global energy demand has increased post-COVID-19 due to heightened economic activity. To meet this demand, companies must pull from a broader energy mix—green energy. Click the link below to find out what these green energy solutions are and how they are being leveraged.

Lifecycle Carbon Accounting & Why It Matters

What is lifecycle carbon accounting and why does it matter? In order to achieve a low carbon future, value chains must be evaluated to understand current emission levels. With this knowledge, organizations can decipher whether or not they need to implement lower carbon alternatives.

New, Expected Hydrogen Plant in Houston, TX

Have you heard about the expected green hydrogen production site in Houston, Texas? This green plant is expected to produce, store, and dispense 500kg of green hydrogen per day. Click the link below to find out when this project is expected to be completed.

Leverage Our Expertise

From technology evaluations and feasibility studies to cost estimates and final investment decision, our resource library guides you through some of the most challenging topics in renewable energy, refining and energy transition projects. Click the link below to explore our library.

Belgian and Houston-Based Partners Form Energy Transition Cooperation

Achieving a cleaner energy future requires engagement and participation across the globe. Consider the MoU recently signed between multiple Houston and Belgian-based partners to boost transatlantic cooperation in support of the green energy transition. Houston and Antwerp are the biggest petrochemical clusters in the world; many Belgian and US companies are present on both sides, and the long-standing commercial maritime connection between both ports is a backbone for cooperation. Click the link below to read more about this partnership.

On-Site Plant Services

Since 2004, KPE has partnered with refiners to provide engineering services to support maintenance, reliability, turnaround/outages, and small capital construction projects. From FCC revamps to control room upgrades, our experienced team of engineering pros provide solutions that work, optimizing plant performance while reducing CAPEX and OPEX costs. Click the link below to learn more about the on-site plant services we offer.

New Catalyst System to Produce Renewable Diesel and SAF

Maximizing yields can be challenging in a volatile energy market, but the latest emerging technologies make it more possible. A new catalyst system was recently launched by ART Hydroprocessing that supports greater contaminant capture and selective deoxygenation, leading to maximized yields for both renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Click the link below to read more about this technology.

ECC Extra 2024

Are you attending the Engineering and Construction Contracting Extra Conference this week? Members of Team KPE will be there and welcome the opportunity to meet you! This sold-out event is a thought leadership conference for engineering and construction professionals with the goal of improving the execution of capital projects. Click the link below for more information about the event.

Seven Billion Dollars for Seven Hydrogen Hubs

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced its contribution of $7 billion to go towards the development of seven regional hydrogen hubs. Efforts like this, along with public and private industry support are vital to maintaining a healthy hydrogen economy and supply. Click the link in our bio to find out where these hydrogen hubs will be located.

KP Engineering Services

KP Engineering provides full-scope engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction management solutions. Our vast project experience in renewable fuels, hydrogen/syngas, refining, and specialty chemical markets enables us to seamlessly integrate with our clients to bring their projects to life. Click the link below to learn more about the services we offer and how KPE can help support your next project.

The Evolution of Texas' Chemical Industry

As we strive towards a more sustainable future, industries, like chemicals, must adapt and operate in a more eco-friendly manner. Leading this transition are two highly active industry sources for many of the products we use daily: the Texas Chemistry Council and the Texas Chemistry Alliance. Read more about the evolution of the chemical industry in Texas from BIC Magazine's latest.

Streamlining Clean Energy Approvals and Legislation

The innovation required to build a more sustainable future is accompanied by many challenges. Among these is the gap between federal interests and implementation of these projects. Discover more from Power Magazine on why streamlining clean energy approvals and implementing nationwide organic waste policies are essential to achieving clean energy goals.