Polymers
US PVC prices to rise in 2014 on higher ethylene costs, export demand
Stronger prices for the ethylene used to make PVC and strong PVC export markets are supporting the upward momentum in PVC pricing, according to a weekly newsletter.
WR Grace buys Dow polypropylene catalysts unit
The acquisition includes the UNIPOL polypropylene process technology and makes Grace the second largest polypropylene licensor in the world based on the company's installed capacity.
HP Industry Perspectives: Middle East threatened by North American petrochemical exports
North American petrochemical producers have had lofty margins in recent years, given ample ethane feedstocks derived from the regional shale boom.Those margins, in turn, are leading to plans for new c..
HP Forecast: HPI Market Data 2014 Executive Summary
This summary provides a "sneak peek" at Hydrocarbon Processing's HPI Market Data 2014. This comprehensive report investigates present and projected future trends in refining, natural gas and petrochemical industries. Topics include spending forecasts and construction projects derived from HP's Construction Boxscore database; global and regional changes in energy production and use; and developments in oil and natural gas processing. HPI Market Data 2014 also covers trends in economics, plant safety and the environment. This annual report is the hydrocarbon processing industry's premier source of market information for professionals working in the downstream.
Brazil’s Odebrecht mulls new ethane cracker, PE complex in West Virginia
The complex, named the Ascent — Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise, would include the ethane cracker, three polyethylene plants, and infrastructure for water treatment and energy co-generation.
HP Industry Perspectives: Is it too early to be optimistic for 2014?
The increased availability of natural gas supplies are redefining energy conditions. New natural gas reserves are shifting the order for producing nations. Shale gas reserves, once difficult to extrac..
HP Brief
LNG terminal to be built in Uruguay GDF Suez has signed a 15-year contract with Gas Sayago for LNG storage and regasification services in Uruguay. Commercial operation of the new terminal is expected ..
HP Impact: Unconventional oil and gas to boost US trade position
The economic and employment contributions from US unconventional oil and gas production are now being felt throughout the US economy, increasing household incomes, boosting trade and contributing to a..
Chevron Phillips sells China polystyrene business
“The polystyrene plant is a productive and valued asset, but as a standalone operation for Chevron Phillips Chemical in China, the company has determined the asset is not a strategic fit,” said Dan Coombs, senior vice president of specialties, aromatics and styrenics for Chevron Phillips Chemical.
Global HPI spending likely to jump 15% in 2014
Newfound optimism stems from rising availability of gas supplies in several nations, rich shale reserves in North America, and a new expansion wave for petrochemicals.

- Chiyoda, AVEVA forge strategic partnership to power plantOS with AVEVA CONNECT 6/27
- SABIC announces closure of Olefins 6 facility in Teesside, UK 6/27
- LyondellBasell's polyolefin technologies selected by SHCCIG Yulin for petrochemicals complex in China 6/27
- Damaged unit of Iran's South Pars refinery back operating 6/27
- hte conducts research for JGC to advance decarbonization by identifying suitable catalysts for ammonia cracking 6/26
- TES and CPC Finland to develop 500-MW e-NG project in Finland 6/26