Europe
Materia extends global catalysts distribution pact with Sigma-Aldrich
Materia’s olefin metathesis catalyst technology enables chemical compounds to be synthesized with greater efficiency, under less stringent reaction conditions, and with reduced byproducts and hazardous waste, according to the company. Financial details were not disclosed.
Invista to expand aromatic polyester polyols plants in Netherlands, US
The investments involve upgrades to boost global production volumes of the Terate HT polyols product line to help meet growing global demand for INVISTA’s aromatic polyester polyols, according to the company. Financial commitment for the expansions will be in the "millions of dollars".
Evonik begins building German polybutadiene plant, plans mid-2013 startup
The plant is scheduled for completion in the middle of 2013. Functionalized polybutadienes, which Evonik plans to market under the name POLYVEST HT, are used mainly in sealing compounds for insulated glass windows and for adhesives used in the automotive and electronics industries.
CB&I wins work on BASF Belgium butadiene project
This award, valued in excess of $50 million, builds on CB&I’s existing relationship with BASF as licensor of its butadiene technology, according to the companies. The plant is scheduled to start up during 2014.
Shell picks Jacobs as European downstream services provider
Under a five-year deal, Jacobs will perform work ranging from feasibility studies and small plant modifications to discrete projects for major Shell refining and chemical sites.
Global refinery runs poised to rise amid growth in developing countries
The IEA forecast shows that despite concerns about growth in emerging economies, such as China, demand from there is still growing and refining margins still have room to improve. China's crude intake is likely to increase in the coming months, just at a slower pace than previously expected.
India oil product demand to slow in months ahead
The EIA's monthly forecast is broadly in line with domestic projections. Summer energy demand recently peaked, and it will likely fall off over the next few months, barring unforeseen contingencies. The government has announced plans for $1 trillion in infrastructure investments over the next five years.
EU chemicals output shows monthly, yearly decline
Monthly data for May 2012 showed a 0.7% decline compared with May the year prior, according to figures from trade group Cefic. Industry confidence also deteriorated in May, based mainly on a strong weakening in managers' expectations for the months ahead.
Invista acquires Europe, Mideast licensing rights to PTA, PET technologies
In 2000, the ownership of intellectual property and licensing rights for the region transferred to a regional joint venture company established by INVISTA’s and La Seda’s predecessors. Until Wednesday, licensing had required collaboration between the two companies.
Jacobs wins South Africa sulfuric acid plant work
Under the terms of the deal, Jacobs is designing the equipment and process for two final acid towers. The company is also designing and fabricating a proprietary anodically-protected sulfuric acid cooler, which will be manufactured at Jacobs' facility in Pickering, Ontario. Financial terms were not disclosed.
- SIBUR produces test batch of first hexane plant in Russia 8/28
- Universal Fuel Technologies’ SAF accepted into ASTM Clearinghouse for qualification 8/28
- Sinopec wins engineering contract for Saudi Arabian green hydrogen/ammonia project 8/28
- Russia's idle oil refining capacity record high after Ukrainian drone attacks 8/28
- Brazil approves temporary antidumping measures against Canadian, U.S. polyethylene resins 8/28
- South Korea petrochemical overhaul likely to shut small, stand-alone naphtha crackers 8/28
