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PODCAST · technology

The Main Column

by Hydrocarbon Processing

The Main Column podcast, brought to you by Hydrocarbon Processing, stands as the premier audio destination for professionals in the downstream oil and gas industry seeking the latest insights and trends. Each episode delves into critical topics, including technology advancements, sustainability, energy transition, and operational excellence. With expert interviews and high listener engagement, this podcast delivers significant value, offering listeners thought-provoking discussions that enhance understanding and drive industry innovation. Whether you're seeking to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry news, deepen your professional knowledge, or explore emerging technologies and strategies for sustainability and efficiency, The Main Column podcast is your essential resource for all things downstream. Join us as we navigate the industry's complexities, offering valuable perspectives and insights that empower professionals to make informed decisions and lead confidently.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 7, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Axens at 25: From technology licensor to industrial partner

    In this episode, Tina Cract, CEO of Axens Americas, shares insights into the company's innovative technologies, market strategies and future plans in the energy and refining sectors. Discover how Axens is shaping sustainable fuels, decarbonization and industrial efficiency.

  2. CLARITY™ Digital Solutions: What Better Catalyst Data Could Do for Your Plant

    This episode, featuring Felicitas Cokoja and Morgan Englemeyer of Clariant, explores how Clarity and Clarity Prime are transforming refining and chemical plant operations by leveraging real-time data, artificial intelligence and environmental considerations to optimize performance and...

  3. Advancing gas and LNG through digitalization and decarbonization: A discussion with Chay Kin Wah of Yokogawa

    Chay Kin Wah, Regional Chief Executive for ASEAN, Pacific and China and President of Yokogawa Engineering Asia Pte. Ltd., discusses the future of natural gas and LNG in Southeast Asia, digital transformation, cybersecurity and decarbonization efforts shaping the industry.

  4. Turning refinery data into operational value

    In this episode, Cesar Martinez, Industry Marketing Manager, Oil and Gas, Endress+Hauser discusses how refineries can leverage process data and measurement technology to optimize operations, improve margins and prepare for future digitalization trends including AI and automation.

  5. Creating value through refinery transformation : A 360° approach to revamps and repurposing with Axens

    In this episode, Benoit Chedal-Anglay, Global Asset Optimization Director, Axens, shares insights on global fuel market needs, technological solutions for energy and chemical industries, and what sets Axens apart in supporting operators worldwide.

  6. Flare gas recovery: Turning emissions into value

    In this episode, Seth Lloyd, Business Development Manager, Oil and Gas, Aerzen USA, discusses flare gas recovery, its benefits, design considerations and future prospects. Learn how this technology can reduce emissions, recover valuable resources and meet regulatory demands.

  7. Balancing refining reliability and the low-carbon transition

    In this episode, Gustavo Marroquin, Director of Global Service Sales, Americas, Ebara Elliott Energy, shares insights on balancing traditional refining with low-carbon initiatives, reliability challenges, regional support strategies, and future technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture..

  8. Close measurement gaps without shutdowns

    This episode explores how non-intrusive measurement instrumentation can help refineries improve safety, reliability and efficiency by closing measurement gaps without shutdowns. Marcelo Carugo, Senior Director, Global Refining Market Strategy, Emerson, shares insights on practical applications,...

  9. Nucleated foam: Transforming heat exchanger maintenance with ReNu technology

    In this episode, Vanessa Frugé, Regional Sales Manager, Refined Technologies, discusses innovative cleaning methods for air-cooled heat exchangers, emphasizing nucleated foam technology and its impact on refinery efficiency and maintenance costs.

  10. Digitalizing catalyst management for next-generation refinery optimization: A discussion with Ketjen

    In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing explores how Ketjen’s innovative platform iKet™ is transforming catalyst management in refineries through real-time data analysis, AI integration and enhanced decision-making speed. Guest Henry Tausch, Chief Commercial Officer, Ketjen, shares insights on...

  11. From flow assurance to asset reliability: Technology-driven solutions for midstream operations excellence

    In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing sits down with Ebuka Nwakile, Industry Technical Consultant and Global Marketing Manager Midstream, Nalco Water (an Ecolab company), regarding the challenges and solutions in midstream operations, focusing on asset reliability, flow assurance and digital...

  12. Refining for the future: Flexibility, innovation and strategy

    In this episode, Gary Cheng, Director, FCC Strategic Marketing, W.R. Grace discusses how the refining industry is evolving in response to global challenges, including feedstock flexibility, the impact of the Middle East conflict and strategic acquisitions. He shares insights on partnership...

  13. Designing and operating successful refinery overhead water wash systems

    In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing interviews Joel Lack, Senior Technology Advisor, Baker Hughes, about water wash systems in refinery overheads, exploring why some systems succeed while others fail, and how to optimize their design and operation for better reliability and corrosion control.

  14. Navigating U.S. energy policy: Impacts of the CRAs and RFS on the fuel market

    In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing interviews Erica Perryman, Vice President of Communications, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), about the impact of the Congressional Review Act and the Renewable Fuel Standard regulations on the U.S. energy sector. The discussion explores...

  15. Managing micro-maldistribution to help lengthen reactor cycles

    In this episode, Austin Schneider, Vice President of Technology at Crystaphase, discusses RDT Technology, an innovative material designed to help address micro maldistribution in fixed bed reactors. Learn how this solution can help improve catalyst performance, enhance distribution, and extend...

  16. How catalysts turn refinery offgas streams into valuable products—Part 2

    In this episode, Holli Garrett, Global Product Manager for Ethylene at Clariant Catalysts discusses the complexities of refinery offgas treatment, focusing on designing effective catalyst treatment packages tailored to specific gas streams. Learn about the key challenges, technologies and…

    more
  17. How downstream operators can build environmental programs that strengthen operational assurance

    For downstream operators, environmental performance can no longer be separate from operational performance. A missed emissions issue, delayed test result, unreliable monitoring system or fragmented compliance workflow can affect uptime, permit confidence, worker safety, community trust and the...

  18. Cybersecurity: A discussion in threat mitigation and resilience

    In this episode, cybersecurity expert Paul Smith, Honeywell Technologies, discusses the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape, the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber threats and strategies for industrial cybersecurity resilience. A must-listen for industry professionals aiming to stay...

  19. Crude upgrading and plastics recycling: A technical discussion with Aduro Clean Technologies

    In this episode, we explore Aduro Clean Technologies' innovative approach to hydrocarbon processing, focusing on waste plastics recycling and heavy crude upgrading. Guest Eric Appelman shares insights into their unique technology, recent advancements and future plans.

  20. Navigating the energy transition: Decarbonization, digitalization, workforce development and supply chains

    In this episode, Ernesto Guevara, Director of Sustainability Business Development, Ebara Elliott Energy, discusses sustainability and decarbonization in the energy sector. He explores the three pillars of decarbonization, and the importance of digitalization and workforce development in adapting…

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  21. Digital transformation: Combining physics-based models with AI to optimize operations

    In this episode, industry experts Eissa Alnatter, Digital Business Development Manager - MENA, Lummus Digital; and Kapil Bakshi, Strategic Advisor, Lummus Digital, discuss the importance of combining physics-based models with AI for optimizing petrochemical operations, the challenges of data...

  22. How industrial AI Is transforming asset performance management

    In this episode, Nithiya Parameswaran, VP of Product Management at Emerson | AspenTech, discusses how Industrial AI is reshaping Asset Performance Management, moving it beyond traditional monitoring toward predictive insights, faster maintenance action, and greater scalability across the enterprise.

  23. How catalysts turn refinery off-gas streams into valuable products--Part 1

    Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Holli Garrett, Global Product Manager, Ethylene, at Clariant Catalysts to discuss the evolution of refinery off-gas treatment, and how those gases are creating value.

  24. Bolted Flange Joint Certification: A paramount industry standard and safety measure

    This episode explores the development and importance of the new API bolted flange joint (BFJ) certification program, featuring insights from industry experts Andri Orphanides, Director of Individual Certification Programs, API, and Andy Smith, Director of Training, VSP Technologies. Learn about…

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  25. Protecting polyolefin catalysts through advanced feed purification

    This episode features Manuel Pfanzelt, Global New Project Manager, Clariant, discussing the critical importance of feed purification and catalyst protection in polyolefin production. Learn about innovative solutions, industry trends and how tailored purification strategies can enhance operational...

  26. The future of industrial operations: AI and enterprise optimization

    In this episode, Hydrocarbon Processing interviews Claudio Fayad, Chief Technology Officer, AspenTech, about the future of industrial operations, AI integration and recent product innovations. We explore how enterprise-wide optimization, AI and data strategies are transforming the refining and...

  27. Decarbonizing industry: Strategies and technologies discussion with the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy

    In this episode, Charles McConnell, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy, discusses the evolution of carbon capture, utilization,and storage (CCUS), its market dynamics in the U.S. and Europe, and the future of energy transition investments. Insights include the importance of monetizing CO2,...

  28. Energy transformation and the role of advanced catalysts

    In this episode, we sat down with Johnson Matthey’s U.S. President, Krista Johnson, to break down how the company is driving modern energy innovation. From emissions breakthroughs to platinum-powered clean tech, this conversation challenges the idea of energy transition and reframes it as…

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  29. Why do equipment failures persist? The answer lies in the three pillars of reliability

    This episode explores the persistent challenge of equipment failures in the hydrocarbon processing industry. It emphasizes the importance of the three pillars of reliability—design it right, operate it right and maintain it right—and discusses how a holistic approach can lead to safer, more...

  30. Procurement's blind spot: Rethinking vendor selection in EPC projects

    This episode explores the critical importance of rethinking vendor selection in EPC projects by shifting focus from purchase order value to the comprehensive cost of ownership, emphasizing long-term value and strategic procurement.

  31. Live from AFPM Annual: Key strategies to help prevent major incidents in refineries

    In this episode, live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Marcelo Carugo, Senior Director, Global Refining Market Strategy and Industry Leadership, Emerson, discusses safety vulnerabilities in modern refining operations, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weak signals, leveraging new technologies...

  32. Live from AFPM Annual: How Chevron Lummus Global is revolutionizing hydrocarbon processing with integrated solutions

    In this episode, Live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Arun Arora, CTO of Chevron Lummus Global, discusses innovative catalyst portfolios, future-proofing assets with advanced technologies and sustainable solutions in hydrocarbon processing. Gain insights into how CLG is leading industry...

  33. Live from AFPM Annual: How digital technologies are shaping the global energy industry

    In this episode, live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Ken West, President and CEO, Honeywell Process Technology, to discuss the latest trends in energy, refining and the industry's digital transformation. Mr. West shares insights on industry shifts…

    more
  34. Live from AFPM Annual: Reducing emissions with advanced gasket technology

    In this episode, Live from AFPM's Annual Meeting, Myron Bockholt, Director of Strategic Accounts-Chemical, LGG Industrial, discusses innovative sealing solutions, U.S. EPA emissions regulations and how their products help refineries reduce fugitive emissions. Gain insights into gasket technology,...

  35. Live from AFPM Annual: Technologies for increasing profits by refining lower-value feedstocks

    In this episode, Live from the AFPM Annual Meeting, Vic Scalco, Global Commercial Strategic Senior Manager, Gulftronics, discusses innovative technologies for refining industry profit enhancement, focusing on slurry clarification, dielectric separation and market applications.

  36. The future of process automation: AI, cloud and cybersecurity

    In this episode, Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Automation, discusses the transformative impact of AI and digital technologies in the energy and process industries. Topics include AI applications, workforce upskilling, cybersecurity and future industry trends.

  37. Optimizing megaprojects with globally distributed teams

    This episode explores strategies for optimizing project management efficiency in megaprojects with globally distributed teams. It covers challenges like communication barriers, technological fragmentation and stakeholder coordination, and presents practical solutions including digital tools…

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  38. Fueling the future: The essential role of biofuels in driving sustainable mobility

    This episode explores the vital role of biofuels in achieving sustainable mobility, emphasizing their compatibility with existing infrastructure, technological advancements and global impact.

  39. Leverage advanced analytics to drive productivity and augment process expertise

    This episode discusses the transformative impact of advanced analytics in the oil and gas sector, highlighting its role in enhancing productivity, optimizing processes and driving operational excellence. The conversation covers the data revolution in the industry, various applications of…

    more
  40. Seal-less pump technology in syngas, ammonia and next-gen energy applications

    This episode features a conversation with Michael Sadoski, Sales Engineer at Hayward Tyler, a 200-yr-old UK-based specialty pump and motor manufacturer. Sadoski breaks down how motor pump technology improves safety, reliability and lifecycle costs compared with traditional sealed and mag-drive...

  41. The real cost of eFuels: Closing the gap with fossil fuels through technology, location and policy

    This podcast episode discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with e-fuels as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in the decarbonization of global transport. It highlights the economic, technological, and policy-related factors that influence the production and scalability of…

    more
  42. A breakthrough in styrene catalyst technology: An interview with Dr. Wolf Spaether of Clariant

    In this episode, Dr. Wolf Spaether, Global Head of Product Management and Strategic Marketing for Ethylene, Clariant, discusses the groundbreaking StyroMax UL100 catalyst, which revolutionizes styrene monomer production by achieving unprecedented low steam-to-oil ratios. The conversation covers…

    more
  43. Revolutionizing power systems: The future of load smoothing, a discussion with Siemens Energy

    In this episode, Danny Clayton, Director of Sales for Electrification, Automation and Digitalization, and Bjørn Rasch, Head of Technology Management for Electrification, Automation and Digitalization, both from Siemens Energy. discuss the challenges and innovations in power systems, particularly...

  44. Revolutionizing operations: AI's Impact on the processing industry

    From our sister publication World Oil, this episode features Greg Trostel and Gil Cohen discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the energy industry, particularly focusing on optimization in process industries. They explore the journey of Imubit, the importance of education…

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  45. Decarbonizing industry: The intersection of AI and natural gas

    In this conversation, Devin Pillay, Global Segment President for Heavy Industries at Schneider Electric, discusses the critical intersection of AI and natural gas, emphasizing the need for responsible energy management and decarbonization. He highlights the importance of efficiency as a pathway…

    more
  46. How valves technologies can enhance operations: A discussion with Clint Schneider of Emerson

    In this episode, Clint Schneider, Vice President of Fisher Instruments, Emerson Flow Controls, discusses how the latest valve technologies can enhance plant operations, efficiencies and sustainability.

  47. Transforming oil and gas operations using AI: A discussion with the CEO of AIQ, Dennis Joel

    Dennis Joel, CEO, AIQ, discusses the transformative role of AI in the energy sector, particularly in optimizing operations and enhancing sustainability. He highlights AIQ's collaboration with ADNOC and other global partners to develop innovative solutions that redefine industry roles and improve...

  48. Digital technologies and the evolving energy landscape: A discussion with Schneider Electric

    In this conversation, Amit Kar, Digital Solutions Leader (Global) at Schneider Electric, discusses the company's role in energy management and automation, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors. He highlights the importance of digital solutions, efficiency and autonomous operations in...

  49. Unpacking the energy transition through syngas innovation

    In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving world of energy transition through the lens of syngas innovation. Grant Grothen from Burns Mcdonnell shares insights about their work in advancing infrastructure and energy solutions, and how syngas plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient,...

  50. Refining flexibility: The future of sustainable operations, a discussion with Technip Energies

    In this conversation, live from ADIPEC, Sylvain Cabalery, Senior Vice President Sustainable Fuels, Chemicals and Circularity, Technip Energies, discusses the future of refineries, emphasizing the need for flexibility and sustainability. He highlights the importance of co-processing sustainable...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Main Column podcast, brought to you by Hydrocarbon Processing, stands as the premier audio destination for professionals in the downstream oil and gas industry seeking the latest insights and trends. Each episode delves into critical topics, including technology advancements, sustainability, energy transition, and operational excellence. With expert interviews and high listener engagement, this podcast delivers significant value, offering listeners thought-provoking discussions that enhance understanding and drive industry innovation. Whether you're seeking to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry news, deepen your professional knowledge, or explore emerging technologies and strategies for sustainability and efficiency, The Main Column podcast is your essential resource for all things downstream. Join us as we navigate the industry's complexities, offering valuable perspectives and insights that empower professionals to make informed decisions and lead confidently.

HOSTED BY

Hydrocarbon Processing

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Main Column have?

The Main Column currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Main Column about?

The Main Column podcast, brought to you by Hydrocarbon Processing, stands as the premier audio destination for professionals in the downstream oil and gas industry seeking the latest insights and trends. Each episode delves into critical topics, including technology advancements, sustainability,...

How often does The Main Column release new episodes?

The Main Column publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Main Column?

You can listen to The Main Column on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Main Column?

The Main Column is created and hosted by Hydrocarbon Processing.
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