Americas
Huntsman to expand Texas ethylene oxide plant
The expansion will leverage Huntsman's integrated EO derivatives production to produce surfactants, ethanolamines, specialty chemicals and ethylene glycol (EG).
Shell considering gas-to-diesel plant in Louisiana
Royal Dutch Shell is considering building a giant plant in Louisiana that would convert natural gas into diesel fuel, several people familiar with the company's plans said. The Anglo-Dutch company is expected to take up to two years to develop detailed engineering plans to determine if the plant is economically viable.
US trade groups slam EPA for E15 ethanol blend, citing risk to consumers
The API and AFPM trade groups are critical of the US EPA's recent decision to approve higher levels of ethanol in gasoline (E15) before testing is complete, alleging that it could put consumers at risk. Earlier this week, the EPA approved the first applications to make E15, a 50% increase from the E10 blend.
Plains acquires Canadian NGL, LPG business of BP
BP says that the sale of its Canadian natural gas liquids (NGL) business to Plains has been completed. The business includes assets involved in the extraction, gathering, fractionation, storage, distribution and wholesale marketing of NGLs across Canada and in the Midwest US.
Air Products wins top safety improvement award from US gas group
Air Products was recognized Thursday for its improvement in occupational safety, receiving the annual Leonard Parker Pool Award from the US Compressed Gas Association (CGA) trade group. The award is based upon the total recordable incidence rates, as defined by OSHA.
PPG, Argex form technical partnership on TiO2
PPG Industries says it has entered into a technical collaboration deal with Canada's Argex Mining to utilize PPG’s existing technology and know-how relating to the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment for paints and coatings applications. Both companies have agreed to certain terms of mutual exclusivity.
UOP to expand adsorbents, catalysts production at Alabama facility
Honeywell's UOP will invest $20 million to expand its production facility in Mobile, Ala., to produce adsorbents and catalysts. The products are often used by petrochemical producers and refiners. The expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the company.
Petrobras reportedly in talks to buy Manguinhos refinery in Brazil
Brazil's government-run oil company Petrobras, is in talks to buy the local privately-owned refinery Refinaria de Petroleo Manguinhos SA for at least 2 billion Brazilian reais ($1.1 billion), a local newspaper said over the weekend. Petrobras and Manguinhos officials weren't immediately reached for comment.
Dow Chemical to close plants amid cost cuts, cites weak Europe economy
Dow will shut down three insulation products plants as well as idle a plant in Terneuzen, The Netherlands. The company is also closing its TDI plant in Camaçari, Brazil.
Foster Wheeler inks global services pact with Dow
Foster Wheeler has signed a strategic umbrella agreement with Dow Chemical for the provision of project management, consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and construction services. The deal offers support by Foster Wheeler to selected Dow global capital projects, the companies said.
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- BlackRock-led group in talks to raise around $10.3 billion for Aramco deal 9/12
- ABS approves blue ammonia FPSO concept from SBM Offshore 9/12
- Pakistan's top refiner Cnergyico to boost fuel oil exports as domestic sales plummet 9/12
- E20 fuel safe but curbs vehicle performance, Mahindra executive says 9/12
- Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of new climate plan 9/12
