Americas
OxyChem, Mexichem target early 2017 for startup of new Texas cracker
In August 2012, OxyChem signed a memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Mexichem to evaluate a joint venture for the cracker. It is anticipated to have a capacity of approximately 1.2 billion lb/year of ethylene, or just above 500,000 tpy. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Canada approves LNG exports for Shell, partners from British Columbia
LNG Canada, a consortium led by Royal Dutch Shell, is the second group to win a license from the Canadian government. Shell's partners in the project include PetroChina Co., Korea Gas Corp. and Japan's Mitsubishi. Last July, Shell applied for a license to export up to 24 million tpy of LNG.
Pemex blast caused by methane gas accumulation
Investigators are still working to determine where the gas came from, and whether or not there was anyone to blame. The reasons for ruling out the use of explosives include the fact that there was no crater at the site of the blast, the steel girders weren't fractured, and the bodies weren't dismembered.
PBF completes expansion of crude rail terminal at Delaware City refinery
The completion of the facility brings the amount of crude that can be offloaded at the refinery to 110,000 bpd -- 40,000 bbl of heavy Canadian crude oil, and 70,000 bbl of light crude. Trains carrying Bakken oil are expected to begin arriving at PBF's 182,200 bpd Delaware City refinery this week.
Magellan plans new Texas crude pipeline network
The project, estimated to cost approximately $50 million, is supported by long-term committed volumes and is expected to be fully operational by mid-2014 subject to necessary permitting.
Explosion at Pemex headquarters kills at least 35
Pemex CEO Emilio Lozoya said at a press conference that officials did not yet know the cause of the explosion, which destroyed part of an administrative building adjacent to the landmark skyscraper in Mexico City. One employee said the blast came from an electricity substation in the building.
Refinery optimization: Closing the gap between planned and actual performance
Plant managers should remember that small, incremental changes can make huge differences to the competitiveness of a refinery in today's international marketplace.
New residue-upgrading complex achieves Euro 5 specifications
In late 2010, Grupa LOTOS SA completed construction of a major residue-upgrading project at its refinery in Gdańsk, Poland. Its 10+ Program was designed to unlock a step change in the facility’s long-term profitability. After two years of operating, this project has had a profound effect on the refinery’s economics.
How to choose a refiner for your precious metals catalyst
The criteria to consider when selecting a precious metals refiner include procedures associated with the refiner's sampling, assaying, processing and logistics arrangements.
Select new production strategies for FCC light cycle oil
Selective adjustments to FCC operating variables and catalyst quality can significantly increase LCO production, which refiners can then upgrade into diesel blendstock.
- U.S. firms to develop Syria energy masterplan after Trump lifts sanctions 7/18
- Russian seaborne diesel exports for July 1–15 fall 6% month-on-month 7/18
- INEOS invests £30 MM to slash emissions at Hull site by 75% 7/18
- Mitsubishi Chemical Group invests in Licella Holdings, oil conversion technology using supercritical water 7/18
- BASF and Equinor sign 10-yr natural gas supply agreement 7/18
- Oil prices rise after new EU sanctions on Russia 7/18
