The Main Column

Hosted by Hydrocarbon Processing

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the 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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 202612 min

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 ability to move through critical operating windows without disruption. In this discussion, Jenna Granstra, Director of Project Development, Onterris, explores how leading downstream organizations are building environmental programs that directly support operational assurance, reliability and efficiency.

July 12, 202628 min

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 ahead in cybersecurity.

June 23, 202615 min

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.

June 18, 202620 min

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 to new energy technologies. The conversation also highlights the emerging markets of low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen, as well as the strategies for maintaining a sustainable and reliable supply chain.

June 16, 202624 min

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 quality and strategies for successful digital transformation in the energy sector.

June 10, 202616 min

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.

June 3, 202625 min

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.

May 27, 202619 min

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 the BFJ certification program, the certification process, and industry impact and importance of bolted flange joint competency.

May 21, 202613 min

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 efficiency and product quality.

May 18, 202622 min

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 petrochemicals industries.