Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Americas

Keyera to build de-ethanizer at NGL fractionation facility in west Canada

The de-ethanizer will allow Keyera to process an ethane-rich stream of NGLs, creating specification ethane for delivery to petrochemical producers in Alberta and a propane-rich stream of NGLs for delivery into Keyera’s fractionation facilities. Keyera is targeting completion for the first half of 2014.

Texas biofuels group Terrabon files for bankruptcy

The company has the licenses on technologies from Texas A&M University System, where they were developed and where it was formed to bring the products to market. However, it couldn't obtain the additional financing necessary to finish developing a commercial plant.

SK Energy, Kuwait agree to build Indonesia refinery, petrochemical complex

The refinery will have a capacity to produce between 200,000 and 300,000 bpd of Kuwaiti crude oil and will be located inside the petrochemical complex, which will be built in Balongan, West Java, according to KUNA.

Isaac delays Valero Louisiana hydrocracker project

The hydrocracker is still on track to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2013, though Hurricane Isaac did delay work at the 205,000 bpd St. Charles refinery. The previous timetable for startup was late this year.

Delta Air begins restarting Trainer refinery in US

Delta chief executive Edward Bastian said at the Deutsche Bank Aviation and Transportation Conference on Thursday that the refinery is on track to start producing jet fuel by the end of September. Mr. Bastian said he expects the refinery to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in savings.

Calumet to expand Pennsylvania specialty site with modular gas-to-liquids plant

Calumet has commissioned Ventech Engineers, specialists in modular petroleum processing plants, to design and deliver the GTL plant utilizing an autothermal reformer (ATR) from Haldor Topsoe and Fischer-Tropsch technology from Velocys. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2014.

Shell proceeds with Alberta oil sands CO2 capture

Starting in late 2015, Quest will capture and store deep underground more than 1 million tpy of carbon dioxide produced during the bitumen processing, reducing direct emissions from the upgrader by up to 35%. Shell Canada owns 60% of the joint venture, which also includes Chevron and Marathon Oil.

EPA waives clean gasoline rules for eight US states following Hurricane Isaac

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which may result in a temporary shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations. The waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the impacted states until normal supply can be restored.

US reiterates tough stance against BP on Gulf spill

In the filing, made in response to a previous BP request to accept a $7.8 billion settlement between the company and thousands of plaintiffs over economic losses and property damage, the Department of Justice said that BP had a culture of recklessness, and also pointed the finger to Transocean.

Dow Chemical to revamp organizational structure

Effective immediately, Dow is eliminating the current business division structure and move to a global business unit model that will have business presidents. The presidents will be accountable for generating increased earnings and the accelerated advancement and execution of Dow's strategy.