Chemicals and Refining

Enhancing Processes. Ensuring Excellence.

At EPS, we offer comprehensive expert engineering and consulting services tailored to the chemicals and refining industry. With our deep technical expertise and extensive experience, we help clients navigate the complexities of the chemical and refining technologies, economics, regulations, and business appraisals to achieve their strategic objectives.

chemical plant processing

Process Engineering and Optimization

Maximize your operational efficiency and product quality with our expert process engineering services.

    • Conceptual and Detailed Design: Creating efficient and scalable process designs for new and existing facilities.

    • Simulation and Modeling: Utilizing advanced software to model processes and predict performance.

    • Scale-Up and Technology Transfer: Assisting in scaling laboratory processes to commercial production.

    • Debottlenecking: Identifying and eliminating constraints to increase throughput.

    • Yield Improvement: Enhancing product yields through process adjustments.

    • Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and costs through optimization.

    • Automation Integration: Implementing control systems for precise process management.

    • Process Monitoring and Diagnostics: Real-time monitoring to detect anomalies and prevent issues.

    • Data Analytics: Leveraging data to drive process improvements.

refinery engineering services

Oil Refinery Engineering Services

Enhance refinery performance, safety, and profitability with our specialized services.

    • Distillation Systems: Design, optimization, and troubleshooting of distillation columns.

    • Hydroprocessing Units: Improving efficiency in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes.

    • Catalytic Processes: Expertise in catalytic reforming, FCC units, and other catalytic operations.

    • Maintenance Strategies: Developing effective maintenance and inspection plans.

    • Project Management: Coordinating turnaround activities to minimize downtime.

    • Safety Compliance: Ensuring all activities meet safety regulations and best practices.

    • Emission Control Technologies: Implementing systems to reduce SOx, NOx, VOCs, and particulate emissions.

    • Wastewater Treatment: Designing and optimizing treatment processes to meet discharge standards.

    • Regulatory Compliance Support: Navigating EPA and other environmental regulations.

chemical plant services

Commodity, specialty, and fine chemical Plant Services

Optimize your chemical production facilities for improved performance and compliance.

    • Process Selection and Design: Choosing the optimal process type for your products.

    • Reaction Engineering: Designing reactors for optimal conversion and selectivity.

    • Separation Technologies: Implementing efficient separation processes like distillation, extraction, and crystallization.

    • Process Hazard Analysis (PHA): Identifying and mitigating potential risks.

    • Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Designing systems to prevent accidents.

    • Compliance with OSHA PSM and EPA RMP: Ensuring adherence to safety regulations.

    • Quality Control Systems: Implementing robust QC procedures and systems.

    • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Monitoring processes to maintain product consistency.

    • Formulation and Scale-Up Support: Assisting in developing and scaling new products.

Why Choose EPS for Chemicals and Refining?

EPS Logo

Technical Excellence and Industry Experience

Our team brings decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of the chemicals and refining industry.

  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Chemical, mechanical, process, and environmental engineering.

  • Certified Professionals: Licensed engineers and industry-recognized experts.

  • Advanced Technologies: Proficiency with the latest tools, simulation software, and analytical methods.

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Customized Solutions for Complex Challenges

We understand that each facility and process is unique. Our services are tailored to your specific needs.

  • Client-Centered Approach: Working closely with you to understand your goals and challenges.

  • Innovative Solutions: Applying creative thinking to solve complex process issues.

  • Strategic Insights: Providing actionable recommendations for operational excellence.

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Proven Track Record of Success

EPS has a history of delivering successful outcomes for clients in the chemicals and refining sectors.

  • Extensive Project Experience: From small-scale optimizations to large capital projects.

  • Satisfied Clients: Testimonials highlighting our effectiveness and professionalism.

  • Industry Recognition: Trusted by leading chemical and refining companies globally.

  • Case Study #1: Optimizing a Refinery Distillation Unit

    Challenge: A refinery was experiencing reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption in one of its crude distillation units.

    Solution: EPS conducted a thorough analysis of the distillation column, including simulation and assessment of operating conditions. We identified issues with tray performance and heat integration.

    Result: Implemented recommendations led to a 15% increase in throughput, a 10% reduction in energy consumption, and improved product quality.

  • chemical plant process improvement

    Case Study #2: Process Improvement for a Chemical Plant

    Challenge: A chemical manufacturing plant faced frequent downtime due to equipment failures and inconsistent product quality.

    Solution: EPS performed a comprehensive process audit, identifying root causes of equipment failures and variability in production. We recommended equipment upgrades, process control enhancements, and operator training.

    Result: The plant saw a 20% reduction in downtime, consistent product quality, and increased customer satisfaction.

  • Petrochemical Facility

    Case Study #3: Emission Reduction in a Petrochemical Facility

    Challenge: A petrochemical facility needed to reduce emissions to comply with new environmental regulations.

    Solution: EPS evaluated existing emission sources and control technologies. We recommended and assisted in implementing advanced emission control systems, including VOC recovery units and flare gas recovery.

    Result: The facility achieved compliance ahead of schedule, reduced emissions by 35%, and gained positive recognition from regulatory agencies.

“John Williams is an expert in the field. He not only renovated the business, but he changed the flow of the product for the company in terms of minimizing distances from raw materials to production to warehousing to shipping. Nobody within the company was thinking that way.”

— Ron Halik, International, Bioprocessing and Chemicals, Corporation

“EPS has for more than 20 years effectively provided mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and structural engineering, as well as project development and construction management, to increase our manufacturing site's competitiveness. The cost of EPS engineering is well justified in setting direction and providing project savings.”

— John McKinley, Plant Manager, US Petrochemical Producer

“They can help with project research and analysis, providing clients with options and how they stack up against one another — equipment-wise and energy use-wise — and help conclude which option is best.”

— Pat Simms, Global VP, Renewable Chemicals and Biofuels Developer

Industries
We Serve

  • Petrochemicals

  • Fine Chemicals

  • Specialty Chemicals

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Agrochemicals

  • Polymers and Plastics

  • Bulk Inorganic Chemicals

  • Bio-based Chemicals

Our Services
Include

    • Process Design and Simulation

    • Debottlenecking and Capacity Increase

    • Energy Efficiency Improvements

    • Unit Operations Design and Optimization

    • Turnaround Planning and Execution

    • Catalyst Selection and Management

    • Emission Control and Reduction Strategies

    • Wastewater Treatment and Management

    • Regulatory Compliance Assistance

    • Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)

    • Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) Design

    • OSHA PSM and EPA RMP Compliance

    • Feasibility Studies and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)

    • Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management

    • Commissioning and Start-Up Support

    • Customized Training Programs

    • Workshops and Seminars on Industry Topics

    • Operator and Maintenance Staff Training

About Dr. John A. Williams

A Leader in Chemicals and Refining Engineering

Dr. John A. Williams, PE, ASA, MBA, CFEI, AIChE Fellow, is the founder and General Manager of EPS. With over 40 years of operations, engineering, and construction experience, Dr. Williams is a recognized expert in the engineering analysis and financial appraisal of energy, power, and manufacturing technologies.

Dr. Williams has a distinguished career, including roles in process development, scale-up operations, and manufacturing. He has authored numerous publications and has been a featured lecturer for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

    • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) by the American Society of Appraisers in Machinery & Technical Specialties: Energy, Environmental, and Manufacturing Technologies.

    • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) by the National Association of Fire Investigators.

    • Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE Fellow).

    • PhD in Chemical and Fuels Engineering from the University of Utah

    • MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago

    • BS in Chemistry from the University of Delaware

    • Licensed Professional Engineer in over 20 states