Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Lead with Confidence in Tank Integrity – Join PetroSync’s API 653 Training and Stay Compliant

 

Ensure your storage tanks meet industry standards. PetroSync’s API 653 Training helps you lead inspection and compliance with confidence.

Have You Ever Wondered If Your Storage Tanks Are Truly Safe?

Imagine walking through your facility one quiet morning, hearing the subtle hum of operations and seeing your storage tanks standing firm — as they always have. But beneath that calm surface, undetected corrosion, settlement, or weld defects could be silently growing. You’re not alone in this concern. Many engineers and plant managers ask themselves: "How do I really know if my storage tanks are still reliable?"

Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are often out of sight and, unfortunately, out of mind — until it’s too late. A single failure could lead to catastrophic spills, environmental damage, and millions in losses. That’s why regular, qualified inspections are not just important — they’re essential.

And this is where the API 653 standard comes into play.

API 653: The Inspection Code That Could Save Millions

API 653 is more than a set of guidelines. It’s a powerful inspection standard developed by the American Petroleum Institute specifically for aboveground storage tanks. It covers critical areas such as tank inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction — ensuring structural integrity and compliance with best practices.

Here are a few eye-opening facts:

According to NACE International, corrosion-related failures in storage tanks cost the industry over $7 billion annually.

Improper or missed inspections have been cited in over 80% of major tank-related incidents.

Tanks older than 20 years without API 653-compliant inspections are at significantly higher risk of failure.

Following API 653 ensures your tanks meet safety and environmental standards — but more importantly, it gives you peace of mind.

From Confusion to Confidence: Your API 653 Learning Journey

Reading the API 653 codebook might feel overwhelming. It’s technical, dense, and filled with detailed engineering requirements. But don’t worry — you don’t need to navigate it alone.

Through the API 653 training course, you’ll learn how to:

Evaluate tank shell integrity, roof structures, and bottom plates

Calculate corrosion rates and remaining life

Interpret inspection intervals and repair criteria

Prepare for the API 653 certification exam with real-world case studies

At PetroSync, we understand that every professional learns differently. That’s why our courses are designed with a hands-on approach, combining theory with actual inspection scenarios, so you’re not just memorizing codes — you’re applying them.

Whether you’re a fresh inspector, a reliability engineer, or a seasoned plant manager, this training helps transform confusion into clarity.

Why Professionals Choose PetroSync for Their API 653 Training

There are dozens of training providers out there — so why do industry professionals consistently choose PetroSync?

Here’s what sets us apart:

Expert Instructors: Our trainers are certified professionals with decades of inspection experience.

Interactive Format: Engage with practical case studies, mock exams, and live discussions.

Globally Recognized Certification Prep: Boost your chances of passing the API 653 exam on your first try.

Career Advantage: Many of our alumni have gone on to secure key roles in top energy companies after completing our course.

Joining PetroSync is not just about attending a class — it’s about investing in your professional growth, earning industry respect, and making a real impact in your organization.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Monday, July 21, 2025

Drive Thermal Excellence – Master Fired Heaters with PetroSync’s Industry-Proven Training

 


Kuala Lumpur, 20 July 2025 - Master the design, operation, and troubleshooting of fired heaters. PetroSync’s expert training empowers safer and more efficient plant operations.

Your Role as an Engineer in Fired Heater Safety

As an engineer working in oil and gas operations, your role isn’t just about keeping the process running — it’s also about ensuring every piece of equipment runs safely. And when it comes to Fired Heaters, that responsibility becomes even more critical.

Fired heaters are essential for refining processes, but they also involve high temperatures, pressurized systems, and flammable materials — a combination that demands respect and precision. Whether you're in charge of design, operation, or maintenance, understanding your role in safety can prevent small oversights from becoming costly disasters.

Many engineers enter the field with technical knowledge, but real confidence comes from knowing how to recognize risks and respond appropriately — something that only experience and targeted training can fully provide.

What Can Go Wrong — and How to Prevent It

If you’ve worked long enough around fired heaters, you know things don’t always go according to plan. Burners may misfire, tubes might overheat, or refractory linings could degrade. Even a minor deviation in air-fuel ratio can lead to dangerous combustion conditions.

Some common fired heater hazards include:

Flame impingement and tube overheating

Coking and hot spots from poor heat distribution

Improper burner operation or flame instability

Leaks due to poor weld integrity or corrosion

But here’s the good news — most of these issues are preventable. By implementing routine inspection protocols, monitoring flame patterns, and ensuring proper maintenance schedules, many incidents can be avoided.

The key is to know what to look for and why it matters. That kind of judgment can’t come from guesswork — it requires training grounded in field-proven techniques and expert insights.

Top Safety Practices to Apply in the Field

To help you stay sharp and proactive in fired heater safety, here are several practices you can apply starting today:

Always verify burner performance before startup A clean, stable flame reduces the risk of tube overheating or incomplete combustion.

Inspect refractory linings regularly Damaged linings can expose tubes to direct flame, increasing the chance of rupture.

Monitor stack temperature trends Rising temperatures may indicate coking or fouling — a red flag for maintenance.

Perform combustion analysis frequently Optimizing air-fuel ratios not only improves efficiency but also minimizes safety risks.

Stay updated on standards like API 560 and NFPA 85 These provide essential guidelines for design and safe operation.

While these tips are valuable, the real challenge is knowing how to apply them correctly in dynamic, high-pressure environments — especially when you're facing time constraints or unexpected system behavior.

Why PetroSync’s Training Makes a Real Difference

This is where the right training becomes a game-changer.

Joining a specialized Fired Heaters training course with PetroSync gives you a structured, hands-on understanding of heater safety, from design principles to emergency response.

At PetroSync, you’ll gain:

Real-world case studies from refinery operations

Interactive modules taught by seasoned industry experts

Tools to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks

Confidence to make informed decisions under pressure

If you’re serious about your growth as a technical professional and want to ensure you're not just doing the job — but doing it right — PetroSync’s fired heater training is a solid investment in your future.

About PetroSync Global Internasional
PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.
 
Press Release ini juga sudah tayang di VRITIMES

Philippines’ Digital Workforce Emerges as Economic Force, Taxumo Report Shows

 


MANILA, Philippines (July 18, 2025) — 
The country’s digital workforce, from gig economy freelancers to online sellers and micro-business owners, is rapidly transforming how Filipinos earn and how they pay taxes.

According to the newly released “State of Online Taxation 2025” report from Taxumo, more individuals are embracing formal tax compliance as a natural step in growing their digital livelihoods.

This shift comes as the Philippine government intensifies its efforts to expand the tax base and meet growing fiscal needs. Taxumo’s report provides a snapshot of who’s paying, how much, and what it means for the future of taxation in a country where the informal economy still plays a major role.

Digital Earnings Are No Longer on the Fringe

Rough estimates suggest that around 1.5 million Filipinos are now active on global freelancing platforms. This number climbs significantly when local online gigs and informal e-commerce are factored in. The growth has been explosive. In 2019–2020, the country saw a 208% increase in freelance earnings, the fastest in Asia. By 2021, roughly one in five workers (around 8.7 million people) earned income from online platforms.

Today, the country’s digital economy is valued at ₱2.25 trillion, or about 8.5% of GDP as of 2024. E-commerce alone contributed ₱302 billion, highlighting the sector’s importance not just for individual earners but for national economic performance.

This momentum has been fueled by young, tech-savvy workers who adapted quickly to pandemic disruptions. From content creators and virtual assistants to online sellers and IT consultants, a generation has emerged that views digital work not as a stopgap, but as a sustainable, often primary source of income.

A Growth in Online Tax Filing Nationwide

Taxumo’s data points to a sharp and steady rise in digital compliance. Since 2020, annual income tax filings through its platform have grown an average of 49% per year. Many of these are first-time or previously informal earners.

This signals not just higher awareness but also a cultural shift. Digital platforms may have made compliance easier and more accessible for individuals who previously saw taxes as burdensome or irrelevant to their small operations.

These are not just Metro Manila-based professionals either. A wide range of users across provinces are using online platforms to stay compliant, particularly as more digital banking and invoicing tools become accessible.

Taxpayers Aren’t Just the Wealthy

One of the most revealing parts of the report is the income profile of online tax filers.

About 47.5% fall under the middle-income category. Surprisingly, 30% of filers are officially classified as poor, according to national income thresholds.

That individuals with modest incomes are still choosing to pay taxes suggests that access to the formal economy is becoming more widespread. Many want to be tax-compliant to qualify for bank loans, secure permits, or legitimize their businesses.

Millennials Drive the Numbers, Gen Z Gains Ground

Millennials continue to dominate the online tax space, making up 66.8% of filers. However, Gen Z is gaining traction, now comprising 22.1%, up from 17.9% the year prior. These younger users may not be earning as much—Gen Z only contributed 12.7% of total online income tax in 2025—but they are formalizing their income earlier than previous generations.

This pattern reflects both necessity and culture. Gen Z workers, many of whom started freelancing during the pandemic, are comfortable using digital tools and are more likely to view compliance as a default rather than an exception. It also suggests a long-term shift toward a more tax-aware workforce.

More Women Are Leading the Way

A closer look at the data shows that women, particularly Millennial women, comprise the largest demographic group among Taxumo’s users. Female Millennials account for about 40% of users, outnumbering their male counterparts significantly.

Gen Z females are also showing strong engagement, representing 13.6% of all users, compared to just 7.9% for Gen Z males. This trend mirrors wider patterns of women’s increasing participation in digital entrepreneurship, particularly in creative and service-based fields.

A New Chapter for Philippine Taxation

Taxumo’s report suggests that as more Filipinos become self-employed and digitally connected, they are also becoming more tax-aware. This highlights the need for the government and the private sector to work together to help these taxpayers.

Providing continued support, education, and incentives can help keep these digital worker into consistent contributors.

Read the full “State of Online Taxation 2025” report at: https://www.taxumo.com/state-of-online-taxation-2025/

About Taxumo
Taxumo is the Philippines’ most trusted online tax platform for freelancers, professionals, and small business owners. Since 2016, it has helped thousands of Filipinos stay compliant by making tax filing simple, secure, and fully digital.
 
Press Release ini juga sudah tayang di VRITIMES

Have You Seen the Coolest Xpress BYD Rides in Tommie King’s PALIHIM Music Video?

Xpress Super App’s BYD EVs shine in Tommie King’s PALIHIM video, signaling its green mobility movement. Partnering with LGUs, Xpress brings sustainable, hybrid car-taxis to cities while empowering drivers. Have you ridden one yet? Smarter, cleaner transport is here — and you’ll want to experience it firsthand.

In a world where most brands play it safe, Xpress Super App just drove straight into the cultural fast lane. If you’ve seen Tommie King’s new hit music video PALIHIM — premiered July 11 and already racking up views — you already know: those sleek, futuristic vehicles weaving through Manila’s neon nights aren’t just props.
They’re Xpress BYD electric and hybrid car-taxis, and they’re signaling more than style. They’re signaling a movement.

Have you ridden in an Xpress EV yet? You’ll want to after watching this.

The collaboration is more than a marketing flex. It’s a bold message: Xpress isn’t waiting for the future — it’s already driving it.

The BYD vehicles featured in PALIHIM reflect Xpress’ deep commitment to being part of the environmental and social solution. While most competitors stick to outdated fleets, Xpress integrates green technology into its ride-hailing services, delivering cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transport for Manila, Bataan, Boracay, and soon Palawan.

And they’re not doing it alone. You’ll notice — if you pay attention — how the company aligns with local government units (LGUs) in every destination. That’s no accident. Xpress co-designs its services with municipalities, creating transport systems that actually solve congestion, reduce emissions, and empower local drivers with new digital income streams. It’s the kind of partnership that others talk about, but Xpress is already making real.

“We didn’t just want to slap logos on a car and call it green,” said a senior Xpress rep. “We worked with LGUs and our drivers to bring in BYD EVs and hybrids that fit each city’s rhythm. That’s what sets us apart — it’s more than technology. It’s trust.”

The sleek presence of Xpress’ BYD EVs in PALIHIM makes you stop and think: Have you actually experienced the ride yet? If not, you’re missing out — on both the feel-good factor and the cultural moment.

Because when tech dares to connect meaningfully with the streets it serves, it sparks more than just efficiency. It sparks pride.

So go ahead: watch PALIHIM again, this time paying closer attention to those iconic rides. Then book your first Xpress EV trip.

After all, when the roads get smarter and greener — shouldn’t you?

About Xpress Super App

Xpress Super App is a Filipino-born mobility platform revolutionizing transport with smarter, greener, community-driven solutions. Operating in Manila, Bataan, Boracay, and soon Palawan, it partners with LGUs to deliver sustainable EV and hybrid rides, empower local drivers, and enhance tourism — proving innovation works best when built with the people it serves.
 
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Laban Pilipinas! KDM and VF Lead the Charge as CrossFire: Legends Championship SEA Regional Stage Kicks Off

   The battle for tactical supremacy has officially moved to the regional stage! The  CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC) 2025–2026  is n...