Economics
Safety and environmental updates for HPI storage tanks
   © leungchopan—Shutterstock.com Storage tanks are common in any hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facility or receiving/shipping terminal. Crude oil, refined produc..
Shintech commits to new US Gulf ethane cracker, contracts Toyo, CB&I
The new facility will use the licensed ethylene technology by Lummus Technology. The produced ethylene will be supplied as feedstock to Shintech’s existing PVC resin production facilities.
Asian partners mull building Ohio ethane cracker
With a site for the ethane cracker now selected, PTTGC and Marubeni will take the next 12-to-16 months to complete the detailed engineering design and permitting at the Ohio site.
Braskem, Odebrecht put US ethane cracker plans on hold, citing markets
In a joint statement, Braskem and Odebrecht confirmed to media outlets that the delay is necessary due to present energy market conditions.
Top seven causes for lost olefin production
Long-term trends in production losses, showing total loss production measured in seven biennial studies, are discussed in this article to determine if these losses are increasing or decreasing over time.
Use vapor distributors to improve fractionation column performance
Vapor distribution has often been neglected in fractionation columns. Although the importance of liquid distribution is well understood and has been a consideration in column design from the early sta..
Bolivia expands petrochemical capability with Bulo Bulo ammonia complex
The Bulo Bulo ammonia-urea facility will be Bolivia’s first petrochemical venture. This new facility is expected to produce sufficient urea/ammonia supplies for domestic demand and will provide surplus product for export.
US petrochemical construction boom and refining margins cushion profits
Domestic refiners and petrochemical producers will face changing supply and demand conditions, particularly as the sharp decrease in oil prices influences drilling decisions.
Update on the catalytic cracking process—Part 2
One of the prime challenges in the operation of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is keeping the catalyst circulating. Compared to other challenges with FCC operations, correcting erratic catalys..
HP Editorial Comment: Accessing the value of methane and the North American petrochemical revolution
The North American (NA) petrochemical industry is experiencing a renaissance of new project announcements and manufacturing expansions. This wave of activity is supported by abundant, low-cost natural gas supplies. In particular, many ethylene projects are under various stages of development.

- IHI, Vopak to launch ammonia terminal project in Japan 7/11
- India's BPCL plans to shut Bina refinery unit for 15-day maintenance in August 7/11
- Soaring electric truck sales deal new blow to diesel use in China 7/11
- Russia`s Tatneft launches new hydrocracking unit on TANECO refinery 7/11
- IEA: Global oil market may be tighter than it looks 7/11
- India must boost its petchem output to counter China's dominance, Reliance says 7/11