Americas
SABIC signs research pact with MIT to develop unconventional feedstocks
The agreement paves the way for SABIC and MIT to work together to develop new practical innovation for the company’s solutions and processes in order to meet global needs from developing unconventional feedstocks to innovating new material solutions, SABIC said in a statement.
Pemex picks Spanish companies to build Mexican refinery cogeneration plant
Pemex said the future facility will be equipped with a heavy-duty type gas turbine as well as with a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), with supplementary combustion associated to the gas turbine, which will generate 115 t/h of steam at a pressure of 19 kg/cm² and 275 º C.
GPA awards midstream companies on work safety, environmental excellence
Member companies that submitted their 2012 safety statistics were considered for the first and second place awards available within three award divisions, with divisional eligibility being determined by the number of work hours submitted. US-based and non-US companies are recognized separately.
Eni crude business in Iran may lead to US sanctions
Eni's daily output in Iran averaged 3,000 bbl of oil equivalent in 2012, representing less than 1% of the company's total production. Eni said its refining and marketing division bought 498,000 metric tons of Iranian crude in 2012, paying the country's state oil company $396 million.
Saudi downplays shale boom outside US, Canada
The extra supply is not a competitive threat because it costs more to produce than oil in most of OPEC's member countries, a Saudi official said. "There are many difficulties that face the production activities of shale oil... most importantly, the high production cost which amounts to about $70 to $80/bbl."
KBR wins construction work for revamp, expansion of Texas ammonia furnace
KBR will provide turnaround construction and project management services for the shutdown, maintenance and retubing of the ammonia furnace scheduled to take place in August 2013. The plant turnaround services are expected to increase efficiencies and extend the operational life.
Global chemical industry to see modest growth, driven by M&A activity
In its 2013 outlook, Deloitte finds that the financial influences of globalization, market maturation in China, and raw material trends will position M&A as an effective strategic tool.
Mitsubishi eyes new methanol complex in Trinidad
In the first phase, the proposed plant would produce 1 million tpy of methanol and 100,000 tpy of dimethyl ether. The partners expect to reach a final investment decision by March 2014 and start commercial operations by March 2017, the two Japanese companies said in a statement.
EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean
During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.
Air Liquide starts up new nitrogen liquefier in Texas
The new liquefier is the second of two now in operation at the Cleburne facility. It will enable Air Liquide to increase its supply of liquid nitrogen to customers in a range of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.

- USA BioEnergy secures Johnson Matthey and Honeywell technologies for new SAF facility in Texas (U.S.) 9/10
- Consortium receives AiP for floating ammonia cracker unit 9/10
- Southeast Asia set to export surplus biofuels to Europe, Petronas executive says 9/10
- U.S. refinery-state senators look to block Trump from shifting renewable fuel obligation 9/10
- Canada pledges money, regulatory reform to boost biofuels 9/10
- LNJ GreenPET, Sumitomo partner to accelerate recycled PET sector 9/10