Petrochemicals
Mexichem to expand German specialty PVC plant
Vestolit will build a new production line with an annual capacity of 40,000 metric tons of paste (emulsion) PVC. The line will combine the established leading polymerization technology with a newly-developed, energy-efficient, drying technology.
Oman to invest $7B on new Indonesia refining, petrochemicals complex
The refinery and petrochemical complex would be built in Indonesia's Riau province, with the oil products being purchased by state-owned Pertamina. Groundbreaking is expected to begin in 2016.
Manoir to supply furnace coils for Shintech’s new US Gulf ethane cracker
The furnace components are based on Manoir's proprietary Manaurite high-alloy technology and are manufactured in its leading production center in Yantaï, China.
KBR forms alliance with Exelus to license solid acid catalyst technology
Global demand for motor fuels continues to rise while stricter environmental standards and oxygenate blend requirements for gasoline place a premium on clean burning fuels such as alkylate.
US chemical activity index rises sharply as outlook for business improves
The Chemical Activity Barometer has four primary components, each consisting of a variety of indicators: 1) production; 2) equity prices; 3) product prices; and 4) inventories and other indicators. Inventories, product prices, and equity prices all improved over the prior month.
EPA, Citgo strike deal to resolve Corpus refinery emissions violations
The agreement follows an unannounced inspection by EPA enforcement staff in June 2012, who acted on a tip from the Chemical Safety Board. The inspectors found violations in a range of areas, including equipment and controls, operation and auditing procedures, and initial and ongoing training.
Borealis, Agrifos to develop world-scale ammonia project on Texas Gulf
The brownfield, hydrogen-based project is scheduled for mechanical completion and start-up in early 2019. The site will benefit from existing infrastructure and excellent logistics capabilities, which will allow product supply to a variety of long-term off-takers and customers.
Sasol expands German catalyst carrier capacity
Due to physical and chemical properties, the shaped carriers produced by the division are sought-after in fast-growing markets, such as the refinery catalyst market.
IPP solicits offers to buy, relocate methanol plant
IPP officials say the plant is in excellent operating condition and was only shut down due to high feedstock (natural gas) costs in its current location. Major modifications through 2009 have increased both the flexibility of the plant's operation and reliability.
Grace, Chevron venture ART to build world-scale US Gulf catalysts plant
An ever-increasing global push for bottom-of-the-barrel upgrading is leading to a significant increase in investment by refiners for fixed bed resid hydrotreating and ebullating bed resid hydrocracking process technologies.
- TotalEnergies extends its fuel price cap policy in France until the end of April 4/7
- Navigating the montan wax challenge with renewable alternatives for polymers 4/7
- AFR selects Axens as technology provider for Texas (U.S.) refinery 4/7
- Iran has attacked Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex, IRGC says 4/7
- Iran's Marvdasht Petrochemical complex attacked by US and Israel 4/7
- Fluor awarded engineering and design contract for America First Refining's refinery in South Texas 4/7

