Petrochemicals
BASF to supply FCC catalysts for Shell refineries
This enhanced relationship agreement also includes collaborative activities designed to accelerate the introduction of new FCC catalyst technologies, according to company officials. BASF says the deal will ensure that Shell has the most advantageous FCC catalysts in its operations at all times.
Lanxess to shut Belgium butyl rubber, Texas EPDM plants amid weak demand
Soft underlying demand in the second half of 2012 has continued into 2013 across most businesses, against the usual seasonal trend. Lanxess said the closures are to counter the current soft demand.
Methanex to expand output at New Zealand plants
Methanex secured a new natural gas supply agreement, thereby enabling the restart of the methanol plant at its Waitara Valley site by late in the third quarter. That will add 500,000 tpy of production. In addition, Methanex will add capacity at the Motunui site by increasing distillation for another 200,000 tpy.
KBR to supply equipment, license technology for Indonesia ammonia project
PT is developing a plant with ammonia capacity of 2,000 tpd. It will be built by Toyo Engineering and designed using KBR’s reforming exchanger system and Purifier technology. KBR says its proprietary technology and equipment has demonstrated higher reliability and efficiency than conventional designs.
Williams, Boardwalk to build US shale NGL pipeline
The project would deliver mixed NGLs from the Marcellus and Utica shale plays in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania to proposed new fractionation and storage facilities, which would have connectivity to petrochemical facilities and product pipelines along the coasts of Louisiana and Texas.
Sasol to use Univation PE process technology on Louisiana liquids project
The 450,000 tpy linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) swing polyethylene plant will be capable of producing a broad product portfolio, the company says, including metallocene LLDPE. Univation is a joint venture comprised of Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil.
Dow Chemical awarded $318 million from Kuwait over failed K-Dow venture
In December 2008, Dow said Kuwaiti officials informed it the Persian Gulf country was scrapping a deal under which the state-owned petroleum firm was to pay Dow Chemical $7.5 billion for a 50% stake in several chemical plants. Dow intended to use that money to help finance its purchase of Rohm & Haas.
US ethylene costs drop as downed plants restart
Ethylene price stability in recent weeks following the earlier, more dramatic price movements, suggests a more balanced supply/demand picture for the chemical. The 68-cent ethylene price seen in late January was the highest level since May 2012 and was the pinnacle of an uninterrupted price increase.
Process safety management: Going beyond functional safety
Operating companies are increasing efforts to reduce the risk of catastrophic events such as the release of toxic, reactive or explosive chemicals that can damage the environment or plant assets.
Optimize feed treatment for polypropylene process
To realize full activity from polymerization catalysts, feed streams need to be as clean as possible from all contaminants and catalyst poisons. A very low level of even a single catalyst poison can reduce catalyst activity drastically.
- SkyNRG starts construction on its first SAF plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands 2/13
- India's Reliance wins U.S. license for Venezuelan oil 2/13
- Singapore light distillates stocks hit over 3-yr high on robust imports 2/13
- Three contractors injured at ExxonMobil facility in Beaumont, Texas (U.S.) 2/13
- China's epic renewables boom lifts it into rare clean capacity club 2/13
- TotalEnergies booked loss in France due to refining activities, CEO says 2/13
