Petrochemicals
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.
Methanex awards plant engineering deal to Jacobs for Chile-to-US relocation
Jacobs is already executing site-specific engineering and construction management for the 225-acre location in Geismar, La. from its offices in Baton Rouge, with support for the disassembly from its office in Santiago, Chile. The plant is expected to be operational the second half of 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.
Invista, LanzaTech to jointly develop bio-butadiene
According to the deal, INVISTA and LanzaTech will collaborate on projects to develop one-step and two-step technologies to convert industrial waste gas carbon monoxide into butadiene, the companies said. Initial commercialization is expected in 2016. Investment terms were not disclosed.
Formosa shuts Taiwan styrene plant following fire
The facility, part of Formosa Chemicals' flagship Mailiao petrochemical complex in Yunlin county, produces intermediate petrochemicals for other units under the Formosa Group and for other small local customers. The fire the fire was extinguished within around half an hour after it started.
Celanese wins US lawsuit over Southern Chemical methanol supply dispute
The jury said the contract, under which Celanese has paid Southern Chemical about $130 million/year, should continue until its expiration, adding that Celanese did not violate the terms of the agreement. The contract, which expires in 2015, is valid for Celanese operations in the US and Mexico.
Huntsman eyes MDI expansion in Louisiana, begins engineering design study
The company said it is studying several options to expand the Geismar facility, thereby allowing it to meet strong demand in residential and commercial insulation and to maintain Huntsman’s position as a leading MDI supplier in the Americas region. Financial terms were not disclosed.
- BASF supports European 1,4‑butanediol supply security through increased production in Ludwigshafen 2/16
- Vitol backs proposed $3-billion LNG power plant for South Africa's Durban port 2/16
- HAMR Energy receives additional funding for low-carbon liquid fuels projects 2/16
- Geoinform, subsidiary of the MOL Group, signs strategic cooperation agreement with Baker Hughes 2/16
- Hungary asks Croatia for help after Russian oil flows via Ukraine halted 2/16
- U.S. refiner Valero to import up to 6.5 MMbbl of Venezuelan crude in March 2/16
