Americas
US research center produces first jet fuel from both coal, biomass feedstocks
The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota said its refining technologies have led to a breakthrough in production, creating jet fuel from a combination of both coal and biomass feedstocks.
Kentucky PVC pipe production facility shuttered
Westlake Chemical Corp.’s North American Pipe Corp. subsidiary has shut down its Springfield, Kentucky, PVC pipe production facility in an effort to reduce costs and optimize production operations as a result of excess capacity in the PVC pipe market.
Shell, Sandvik to collaborate on sulfur technology at refinery projects
Shell Global Solutions and AB Sandvik Process Systems have agreed to collaborate on total sulfur technology solutions to their respective clients, particularly in refinery-wide projects, the companies said on Monday.
Delta Rigging strikes deal to expand Bakken shale presence in North Dakota
Delta Rigging & Tools (DR&T), a leading US provider of lifting and rigging products, announced on Monday that it acquired North Dakota-based Grizzly Wire Rope & Chain.
Dow opens water technology R&D center in Spain
Dow Water & Process Solutions, a business unit of Dow Chemical, celebrated the grand opening of its Global Water Technology Development Center in a ceremony at the Dow facilities in Tarragona, Spain.
Sasol takes 50% stake in Canada shale project
Sasol has completed a $1.08 billion deal for a 50% stake in a western Canada shale gas project, the South Africa-based energy firm said on Friday.
DCP Midstream to buy, expand Conoco US pipeline
DCP Midstream has agreed to buy the Seaway Products Pipeline Co. from ConocoPhillips for between $750mn and $850mn, creating new natural gas liquids (NGL) transportation capacity from the US Mid-continent to Texas Gulf coast markets.
Momentive begins expansion of specialty ceramics plant in Ohio
Momentive Performance Materials has begun expanding specialty ceramic powders production at its manufacturing facility in Strongsville, Ohio, the company said on Friday.
US labels styrene as likely human carcinogen; industry group vows to contest
A trade group representing the US styrene industry said it would vigorously contest a finding from federal health regulators that the chemical is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHH) issued the findings on Friday in its 12th Report on Carcinogens (RoC), in which styrene was listed as a likely cause of cancer in humans.
FMC picks design firm CH2M HILL for engineering on Wyoming soda ash expansion
Construction and design firm CH2M HILL said Thursday that it was selected by FMC Corp. to provide engineering and procurement services for FMC's soda ash expansion in Granger, Wyoming.

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- Russian energy facilities targeted recently in drone attacks 8/15
- Shell: Norco, Louisiana (U.S.) refinery gasoline unit work to start on Friday 8/15
- Sanctions-hit Indian refiner Nayara in talks with govt to sustain operations 8/15
- The API challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits 8/15
- IAG selects record 29 startups for accelerator program 8/15