Petrochemicals
Global paints, coatings demand to rise 5.4%/year through 2015 - study
Global demand for paints and coatings is forecast to rise 5.4%/year to 45.6 million metric tons in 2015, according to a new study. The Asia/Pacific region will remain the leading consumer of paint and coatings through 2015, and will also see the most rapid gains, according to the report.
Shale, foreign investment spark 2011 growth in US oil, gas M&A - report
The total value of US oil and gas mergers and acquisitions (M&A) increased significantly in 2011 due to continued investment in shale plays and related infrastructure, sustained interest from foreign buyers, and private equity entrants deploying capital in the energy industry. Average deal size also increased in 2011.
Methanex to relocate Chile methanol plant to US
The company picked Jacobs for engineering services on the project, which it hopes to start up at the new site in 2014.
US chem council unveils energy advocacy campaign
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) launched a new energy advocacy and awareness campaign, From Chemistry to Energy. Americans agree that a national energy strategy is needed, the ACC said.
US shale boom drives oilfield chem demand - study
The oilfield specialty chemicals market grew to nearly $16 billion in 2010, driven in large part by the rapid expansion of shale oil and gas drilling and production in North America, according to a new study. World demand for these chemicals is expected to grow at an average rate of 3.5% during the next five years.
Rockwood to build $140mn lithium plant in Chile
Rockwood will invest $140 million in a new lithium carbonate production plant in Chile. Under the new investment program, Rockwood will build a 20,000 tpy lithium carbonate plant at the sight at LeNegra, near the port of Antofagasta in northern Chile, the company said.
Petrobras mulls LNG regasification, fertilizer plants in Rio Grande do Sul
Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras said Friday that it had signed a letter of intent to study the feasibility of building fertilizer and liquefied-natural-gas, or LNG, regasification plants in Rio Grande do Sul state. The letter was signed by Petrobras, Samsung's machinery and ships division and Hyundai's bulk-carrier division.
SI Group plans new phenolic resin plant in China
US-based SI Group said Friday that it plans to invest $30 million to build an additional phenolic resin manufacturing site in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park (NCIP) in China. The site, chosen because of strong logistics operations and access to raw materials, is set to commence operation in May 2013.
Consider total value when optimizing catalytic cracking units
Low rare-earth catalysts balance activity and selectivity against cost
Use advanced catalysts to improve xylenes isomerization
This refiner wanted to increase ethylbenzene conversion while limiting aromatics losses
- 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
- NASCAR names POET official bioethanol partner: Becomes first major motorsports series to utilize zero-carbon bioethanol 2/16
- ExxonMobil starts third advanced plastics recycling unit at Baytown complex 2/16
- Geoinform, subsidiary of the MOL Group, signs strategic cooperation agreement with Baker Hughes 2/16
