Conference Alert & Call for Papers: IRPC Americas (International Refining and Petrochemical Conference)

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” -- Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

Hydrocarbon Processing’s annual IRPC Americas (International Refining and Petrochemical Conference) is coming up … 25-26 September 2019, Houston Texas. The theme is Share your Innovative Technological Developments, Case Histories and Best Practices!

There is also a call for papers. Deadline for abstracts is April 3, 2019.

Whether you decide to present, or simply attend, it is worth you attention.

TIP: Visit the Web pages for GTC Technology (http://www.gtctech.com/) and Tubacex (http://www.tubacex.com/en/) for background on the sponsors of the pre-conference workshop.

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IRPC Americas
Thu, Feb 21, 9:08 AM (23 hours ago)
Share your Innovative Technological Developments, Case Histories and Best Practices!
For eleven years, Hydrocarbon Processing's International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC) has been the leading downstream technology event.
As an industry professional, your contributions are essential to the future of this vital market sector, and you are invited to present a paper at IRPC Americas this Fall.
Held annually in Houston, the conference will provide a high-level forum for key players in the petrochemical and refining sectors to share their knowledge, learn about best practices, and stay abreast of the latest advances.
Rise above your peers and share your case study, technological innovation or market insights today! IRPC Americas is accepting abstracts through Wednesday, April 3.
Submit your abstract for IRPC Americas today!
Important Deadlines:

Call for Abstracts Opened—January 24, 2019
Submission Deadline—April 3, 2019
Decision Deadline—May 26, 2019
Agenda Released—June 26, 2019                                                        

We're looking for submissions on the following topics:
Biofuels/alternative fuels
Digital Transformation
Clean fuels/Fuels of the future
New transportation technologies
IMO regulations
Advances in refining and petrochemical technologies
Carbon capture/CO2 emissions mitigation
Heavy oil/bottom-of-the-barrel
Catalysts
Feedstocks
Refinery-petrochemical integration
Policy and regulations
Process controls, instrumentation and automation
Economics/financing
Maintenance/reliability (equipment lifecycle, new materials revolution, corrosion, benchmarking/analytics/metrics, troubleshooting, etc.)
Safety/environment
Energy efficiency
Water management
Projects (revamps, turnarounds, grassroots, design, EPC, commissioning)
Upgrading
The “green refinery”
Circular economy/plastics recycling

Questions about exhibiting or sponsoring? Contact your Hydrocarbon Processing representative or Hortensia “Tish” Barroso, Business Development Manager, at Hortensia.Barroso@GulfEnergyInfo.com.

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Pre-Conference Workshop
Sponsor:                                           Mini Tech Session
Sponsor:                                           Delegate Bag
Sponsor:                                           Sponsor:

Quest, the Series: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do … Literature Searches (Part 5)

The third broad category of online research is … the literature search.

What is a literature search?
Well, according to one source, “A literature search is a systematic, thorough search of all types of literature (e.g. books, peer reviewed articles, etc.) in your topic.”.

TIP: Google® how to do a literature search for more descriptions on this topic

Here are some key points to consider …

• A literature search is a time-intensive endeavor. Plan your time accordingly.
• Literature searches involve several steps. Break up your task into manageable bites. The article reproduced below describes the various steps.
• Finally, are you a PhD candidate performing the literature search? OR are you a research assistant performing the research for someone else? This difference in perspective can make a big difference in your approach. For one thing, if you are not that familiar with the topic, you might want to get some key words from the person that is directing you.

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How do I do a literature search?
A literature search is a systematic, thorough search of all types of literature (e.g. books, peer reviewed articles, etc.) in your topic. Commonly you will be asked to undertake literature searches as part of your level 3 and post graduate study.
It's important before undertaking any research to fully understand the shape of the literature in the area. Literature searching can be broken down into a series of iterative steps. You may want to revisit some of these several times throughout your search.
Planning your search
What to search for: Key words and phrases
Start the process by clarifying the research question you would like answered. Your next step is to use your research question to help you identify keywords. The language and terminology of your subject area will help you to identify the most effective words for your search.
You can also identify keywords by looking for background information on key areas within your topic online as this will give you ideas for synonyms and other words commonly used.
Where to search: Databases and Google Scholar
Now that you have your keywords you need to decide which databases to search. No two databases include exactly the same content. It is therefore advisable to search several databases to make sure you do not miss a key paper on your topic. If you are unsure where to search the selected resources for your study pages will help you find the most relevant databases. You may also like to use Google Scholar, which will search a wider set of resources, including items not available through the OU library.
Search techniques
Once you have your keywords you will need to combine them, this helpsheet on Advanced search techniques will provide assistance. The library online training session Smarter searching with library databases may help with search techniques.
Further reading:
Byrne, D. (2017). Developing a researchable question. Project Planner. 10.4135/9781526408525. Sage Research Methods.
The Access eresources using Google Scholar page shows how to add the "Find it at OU" button to Google Scholar search results.
Byrne, D. (2017). Reviewing the literature. Project Planner. 10.4135/9781526408518. Sage Research Methods.
Evaluating information
You will need to evaluate the literature you find for quality and relevance. The PROMPT criteria will help you with this. If you have problems applying any of the criteria this activity on evaluating the quality of information (requires login) will provide more assistance .
Organising information
When conducting a literature search recording the information you find in an organised manner is essential. Literature searches require you to read and keep track of many more articles than you would read for an assignment. You may want to try using a bibliographic management tool to help organise the references you have found. The library page on Bibliographic management will help you understand the different tools available.
The library's organising information activity will explain:
•why it is important to organise information
•what is meant by referencing and why it is important
source: http://www.open.ac.uk/library/help-and-support/how-do-i-do-a-literature-search

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