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Asia/Pacific

Hydrocarbon Processing forecasts 2012 global HPI spending to rise to $222 billion

Spending for the hydrocarbon processing industry is expected to exceed $222 billion next year, up 1.1% over 2011 spending, according to information released on Friday at Hydrocarbon Processing magazine's 38th annual HPI Forecast and Breakfast.

PetroChina venture to build Tangshan LNG terminal

PetroChina is joining forces with Beijing Enterprises and China Suntien Green Energy Co. to build and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Caofeidian harbor of Tangshan, north China, according to several local media reports.

IEA secures energy alliances with India, Russia

Officials with India and Russia each signed deals this week with the International Energy Agency (IEA), pledging to strengthen bilateral co-operation in areas such as oil and gas security, energy efficiency and renewables, and overall dialogue.

Global motion control market improves amid strong semiconductors, automotive - study

The worldwide market for general motion control systems increased by a double-digit percentage since 2009, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study. Suppliers who endured as much as 50% declines in business during the downturn reported a tremendous rebound in shipments, the study says. This renewed growth, first felt in Asia, progressively extended to Europe and North America as well.

Global flowmeter market surging in 2011 amid high energy business - study

The worldwide market for flowmeters declined in 2010 but is expected to strongly rebound in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study. Despite a challenging year, suppliers saw strong order taking in 2010, which bodes well for the market in the years ahead. Indeed, sales of major flowmeter technologies will move at brisk, above average rates as the market recovers in 2011 and 2012.

KBR, SK Group license advanced catalytic olefins technology to China plant

KBR was awarded a license and process design package contract for a new olefins production unit using its advanced catalytic olefins (ACO) technology. This award represents the first license using this innovative technology, the company said, which catalytically cracks naphtha and other straight run feeds to produce olefins yields which surpass those available from traditional steam cracking technology.

Foster Wheeler inks deal in India to design, supply CFB steam generators

Global construction major Foster Wheeler has been awarded a contract by Essar Projects, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, to design and supply four circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) steam generators for Essar Power Salaya in India - the owner and developer of the project. Foster Wheeler has received a full notice to proceed on this contract, it said.

Yantai Wanhua to start up China propylene plant in 2013, use UOP technology

Honeywell’s UOP has been selected by Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes to provide propylene production technology for a new plant projected to come online in 2013. Yantai Wanhua will use Honeywell's UOP process technology, catalysts and adsorbents to produce propylene, a building block for films and packaging, and isobutane, a raw material used in the polyurethane production process, at its facility in Yantai, China.

IEA cuts global oil demand forecast for 2011, 2012

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday again revised down its forecast for global oil demand in 2011 and 2012 amid lower projections for global gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Thailand's PTT Chemical to buy 50% stake in bioplastics firm NatureWorks

PTT Chemical is buying from Cargill a 50% stake in NatureWorks, a leading bioplastics manufacturer and supplier of renewable Ingeo biopolymers made from plants to global plastics and fibers markets. PTT will pay $150 million for its 50% part in the venture, it said.