Petrochemicals

ExxonMobil buys naphtha as China petchem complex enters test runs

ExxonMobil has purchased several shipments of naphtha for its newly launched petrochemical complex in southern China as the U.S. energy major prepares for the formal start-up of the $10-B plant.

IT dependencies complicate OT security

Cyber-securing oil and gas automation to ensure safe, reliable and efficient physical operations is becoming more challenging. This article explores the modern yet evolving threat environment, how expectations for cybersecurity are changing, how information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) dependencies have emerged as an important issue in most cybersecurity programs, and how owners and operators are addressing this new issue.

Strategies to resolve process variability via regulatory process control

This article discusses strategies to address process instability for effective process control. 

Synergize FCCUs and hydrocracking processing units to maximize refining margins

Straight talk on fire risk assessments

For refineries, chemical plants, oil and gas pipelines and oil/gas exploration, fire and explosion hazards are omnipresent. Process hazard analysis (PHA) and fire risk assessments (FRAs) play a vital role in managing fire risk at an acceptable level. While there are various causes for fires and explosions, robust FRAs based on pragmatism and optimum allocation of resources could help minimize fire/explosion mishaps. 

Thai SCG Chemicals unit seeks Vietnam tariffs as operations at new complex remain suspended

Vietnam's Long Son Petrochemicals, a unit of Thailand's SCG Chemicals, is lobbying Vietnam to impose tariffs on imported polyethylene and polypropylene, as operations at its new $5.4 billion petrochemical complex remain suspended due to low margins.

Sipchem, LyondellBasell collaborate on feasibility for a world-scale mixed-feed cracker in Saudi Arabia

Sipchem and LyondellBasell have been awarded a feedstock allocation from the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia supporting a joint feasibility study for a world-scale mixed feed cracker complex combined with a diversified derivative portfolio.

Engineers find greener path to making key industrial chemical

Scientists have discovered a potentially greener way to produce ethylene oxide, according to a new study.

VDMA valves association market analysis: Industry standstill looms after a strong 2024

The industrial valves industry performed better than expected in 2024 despite adverse conditions. Overall, nominal sales growth of 6% was achieved. While European business declined by 1%, international sales climbed by 11%.

Opinion: bp’s green failure offers Big Oil a lesson in moderation

bp has returned to its oil and gas roots in a spectacular about-turn following its trailblazing attempt five years ago to become a renewables giant. The takeaway for Big Oil is that the energy transition is a marathon, not a sprint.