This section explains how crude oil treatment and hydrogen purification equipment works, in plain engineering language. It holds comparison explainers, a glossary of terms with short definitions, and technical papers written by engineers. Everything is open to read, with no registration. Values quoted are typical published ranges unless a page says otherwise.
Comparison explainers
- PSA vs TSA for hydrogen purification: which adsorption process fits which duty, and why they are not interchangeable.
- Crude oil desalter vs dehydrator: one vessel type, two duties, and what changes between them.
- Single-stage vs two-stage desalting: how staging changes salt removal and wash water use.
Glossary
The glossary defines the terms used across this site, from basic sediment and water (BS&W) to tail gas. Each term has a short definition you can quote and a longer explanation with context.
Technical papers and market insights
Longer pieces are published as full web pages, with a PDF copy as a convenience. See technical papers, market insights and news.
Have a specific operating problem?
The troubleshooting index lists common symptoms on desalters, dehydrators and hydrogen adsorption units, with probable causes and the data an engineer would ask for.