Rhodes, Mike
Industry Metrics
Refinery margins came under added pressure, affected by the downturn in product consumption inflicted by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Innovations
Porvair Filtration Group has further expanded its range of microfiltration products by launching seven new metallic Compfil™ filters (FIG. 1) for use within process air and gas applications.
Industry Metrics
In the US and Europe, weaker fundamentals at the middle of the barrel and in the jet fuel segment led to heavy pressure, caused by aviation service disruptions as the Covid-19 outbreak spread.
Industry Metrics
High product inventory levels and weak heating oil demand continued to weigh on U.S. refining economics. European product markets, except gasoil, exhibited positive performance backed by firm exports and heavy turnarounds in the Middle East.
People
Motion Industries Inc. has named Chris Pacer as VP of the company’s Central Group. Mr. Pacer has spent the last 22 yr with Motion Industries in various key roles after joining the company as a certified fluid power specialist. He was promoted to Branch Manager of the various markets within Northern Ohio and then joined the company’s corporate accounts team before being promoted to his latest position of Detroit Division VP and General Manager. In that role, Mr. Pacer was responsible for the further development and overall growth of 22 branch operations and one service center.
Innovations
Analytical Systems Keco introduces the 205L Laboratory H2S in Liquids Analyzer that quantifies hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in crude oil, fuel oil, naphtha, water, diesel and gasoline. The removal of H2S in crude oil, condensate and other liquid products before transport or storage is imperative to reduce the risk of health and safety issues, as well as product quality control. In addition to providing high precision in testing for H2S in crude oil, the analyzer is fast, offering results within 10 min.–15 min.
Industry Metrics
US refinery margins continued the downward trend, but the negative impact of the weaker domestic fuel market was partly offset by a rise in total product exports.
People
The Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA) has named Heather Rhoderick as President. She will succeed William “Bill” Sandler, who retired this year after a 40-yr tenure with the organization.
Innovations
Honeywell is developing a OneWireless™ IoT Module for the next generation of Cisco’s industrial access points, the Cisco Catalyst IW6300 Heavy Duty Series Access Point. The Honeywell and Cisco technologies will form the backbone of Honeywell’s OneWireless Network.
Industry Metrics
Product markets lost ground as refinery intakes recovered following peak refinery maintenance season, leading to higher product availability.
- Johnson Matthey and thyssenkrupp Uhde join forces to offer an integrated solution for blue ammonia technology 5/20
- Pakistan-China to sign MoU on oil-to-chemicals complex in June 5/17
- China biofuel makers bet on sustainable aviation fuel 5/17
- AMETEK Land provides thermal imagers to large ethylene producer 5/17
- China's refinery output falls for first time in 20 mos due to maintenance 5/17
- Dow, SCG Chemicals sign MoU to transform 200,000 tpy of plastic waste into circular products 5/17