Americas
US energy groups petition federal regulators over railcar safety proposals
The Compressed Gas Association is asking that regulations be rewritten to "clearly indicate that the liquid portion of the gas must not completely fill the tank." It says the rule permits the transport of carbon dioxide and refrigerated liquid "in an unsafe condition," according to a petition.
BG sells stake in Chilean LNG terminal to Enagás
BG Group completed the sale of a second and final stake in the Quintero LNG regasification terminal in Chile to Terminal de Va lparaiso, a company majority owned by Spain's Enagás, for $176 million.
Kinder Morgan, Valero launch US Gulf products line
The approximately $250 million pipeline system has an initial capacity of 110,000 bpd with the ability to expand to over 200,000 bpd. The pipeline is now transporting refined petroleum products from refineries in Norco, Louisiana, to an existing petroleum transportation hub in Collins, Mississippi.
US chemicals sector to keep global cost advantage for decades, study finds
The unconventional revolution is contributing to a shift in global competitiveness for the US by unlocking new production cost advantages, which is particularly pronounced in chemicals. The industry could enjoy a “profound and sustained competitive advantage that is expected to last for decades."
BASF extends technology partnership with Apprion for North American plants
BASF and Apprion have finalized an initial $10 million deal for multiple application projects to be implemented over the next two years. These applications will enable BASF facilities to address their industrial safety, security, compliance and performance initiatives via Apprion's systems and services.
Brazil keeps Manguinhos refinery operational as land expropriation stalls
Late last year, the government rejected a company proposal to allow the refinery to continue operations, opting instead to move forward with a plan to clean up the site and build much needed public housing as part of an urban renewal program ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
Case history: Optimization of FCCU with multivariate statistical modeling
Process models and simulation methods can be used to simulate the fluidized-bed catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process.a,b Likewise, kinetic or multivariate statistical models have been used. Rigorous..
Processing shale oils in FCC: Challenges and opportunities
Detailed feed analysis and cracking studies aid refiners in understanding how best to optimize operations and maximize FCC value when processing shale oils.
Mitigate fouling in crude unit overhead—Part 1
In a refinery crude distillation column, up to 40% of the total heat removal may be found in the tower overhead condenser. The quantity of duty available makes heat integration (HI) between the column..
Use modeling to evaluate processing solutions for heavy oils
To optimize processing and reduce design and operating costs, refiners should consider using accurate simulation models that are specifically tailored for heavy crudes.

- 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