Americas
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.
US approves Freeport LNG for additional exports
The US Energy Department announced Friday that it has conditionally authorized the Freeport LNG consortium to export additional volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the US from the group's terminal in Quintana Island, Texas.
Chevron LPG pipeline explodes in rural Texas
The explosion, caused by a construction crew that accidentally drilled into a 10-inch LPG line, led to flames shooting high into the air and prompted some people to evacuate.
Industry mourns death of Dr. Trevor Kletz, pioneer in chemical process safety
Dr. Kletz’s career in the industry established him as an expert in chemical process safety, safety culture, and as an advocate for the concept of inherently safer technology and processes.
US, Norway seek to improve CO2 capture
The nations are hoping to reduce costs for carbon capture and storage, bridge the gap between R&D and commercial deployment, and boost confidence in the technology.
BP touts new technologies for ethanol-to-ethylene, syngas-to-acetic acid
SaaBre’s breakthrough technology is a process for the conversion of synthesis gas―carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen derived from hydrocarbons such as natural gas―directly to acetic acid in a proprietary, integrated three-step process that avoids the need to purify CO or purchase methanol.
Marcellus Shale likely to dominate US gas supply
During the first half of 2013, the majority of new wells were drilled in northeast Pennsylvania. However, rigs have increasingly focused on the liquids-rich southwestern portion of the Marcellus since 2012. Here, operators benefit from NGL production and less severe gas price differentials.
Calumet expands crude logistics network to supply South Texas refinery
As a result of this agreement, Calumet expects to significantly reduce its costs to transport crude oil to the San Antonio refinery, where it currently receives crude oil deliveries by truck. Over time, Calumet expects to increase the volume of crude oil shipped on the KNPS above 10,000 bpd.
Chevron Phillips moves ahead on Texas olefins expansion after study
The capacity expansion is targeting a 20% minimum increase in a phased approach. Final project approval will be sought in the first quarter of 2014. Construction would be targeted to commence in the first quarter of 2014, and the project would be completed in the second quarter of 2015.
What every manager should know on control safety instrumented systems
Plant and project managers have limited time to wade through the volumes of jargon, terminology, and new processes and equipment associated with key security issues.
- KT-Kinetics Technology, NEXTCHEM awarded contracts for Petronas hydrogen unit 1/14
- Chinese, Indian refiners seek new supplies as US sanctions tighten grip on Russian oil 1/14
- Clariant to fight 1.4-B euro ethylene lawsuit from BASF 1/14
- Poland's Orlen plans to invest up to nearly $92 B by 2035 1/14
- Genesis Fertilizers, Stamicarbon partner to advance sustainable urea production 1/14
- Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical to invest $2.9 B to upgrade Chinese operations 1/14
