Americas
Sulfur-recovery solutions for small-scale petchem processing
Ongoing concern about the sulfur content of natural gas and processed fuels is leading to tighter regulations and more stringent standards for sulfur emissions from processing facilities. In particula..
Invensys to supply refining simulators for KBR
Invensys will supply simulation software to help KBR best model its process technology, which KBR will use in design proposals to customers and on technology licenses.
Invista aligns with Ingenza to develop bio-based industrial chemicals
The collaboration will leverage INVISTA’s capabilities in biotechnology and catalysis, as well as its knowledge of the chemicals industry. It will also utilize Ingenza’s synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology capabilities for the development of new, bio-derived routes to industrial chemicals.
LyondellBasell opens chemical R&D hub in Houston
Research and development activities at the facility will focus on improving catalyst and process technologies to reduce manufacturing costs, improve yields, and lower capital costs of new construction for LyondellBasell's global chemicals business. The center will employ about 80 people.
Shell, Technip to collaborate on improving CO2 capture technologies
The agreement enables both Technip and Shell Cansolv to offer a full chain of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for post-combustion CO2 capture projects.
Brazil to raise gasoline, diesel prices by 5%
Petrobras sells gasoline at about a 30% discount to international benchmark prices, with the government reluctant to authorize higher prices for fear of stoking inflation. The subsidized fuel sales have caused steep losses in Petrobras's refining division, thus raising concerns over investment plans.
Petrobras open to restoring PdVSA refinery plan
PdVSA is welcome at the Abreu e Lima refinery project under the planned JV model, the Petrobras CEO said. But, she added, PdVSA must first cut a check for about $6.8 billion to cover the firm's 40% stake in the $17 billion project. An alternative solution would be to pay in oil.
UOP forms alliance with Black & Veatch to develop transport LNG fuels
Through the alliance, the two companies will offer integrated, small-scale LNG plants capable of processing between 50,000 and 500,000 gal/day of LNG per single processing train, with the capability to extend capacity. LNG can be sold as transportation fuel or used instead of traditional diesel.
Pemex picks ICA Fluor to expand distillates output at Mexican refinery
ICA Fluor will be responsible for the basic and detailed engineering for the process plants, auxiliary services and integration works required to raise the refinery’s distillate production from 63% to 80%.
Shell picks Louisiana site near Baton Rouge for proposed GTL plant
Shell says it remains several years away from making a final investment decision. But selecting a site allows Shell to begin engineering studies and the permitting process.

- BASF launches the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability 9/9
- Worley awarded FEED contract for renewable diesel and aviation fuel project in Sweden 9/9
- U.S. tariffs worsen petrochemical sector challenges, executives warn 9/9
- Clariant to supply catalyst to SYPOX for world’s largest electric steam methane reformer 9/9
- Mitsubishi Chemical to adopt a "product traceability platform" to build a reliable chemical recycling supply chain 9/9
- Phillips 66 announces agreement to purchase remaining interest in WRB Refining LP for $1.4 B 9/9