Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Americas

Canadian Pacific train derails in US, spilling crude

CP crews are on the scene, and the spill is being contained. The derailment comes amid a surge in rail-shipped oil across North America, as US and Canadian production booms. That has heightened scrutiny over the safety of transporting increasing quantities of crude on the continent's railroads.

US proposes $1.7 million fine against ExxonMobil for Montana oil pipeline leak

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees pipeline safety, said Exxon didn't have written procedures instructing employees how to protect the pipeline in case of natural disasters. Exxon was "disappointed in the findings of this report".

Air Products licenses process technology to Cryo for unreacted olefins recovery

The licensing enables Cryo to design and offer Air Products' unreacted olefin recovery technology, which has been proven through the development, testing, and successful operation of three full-scale facilities that Air Products designed and supplied to PP and PE producers in the US.

Williams taps UOP process for Canada PDH unit

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

It marks the sixth win for UOP's Oleflex process technology in North America, as petrochemical producers are moving to produce propylene from natural gas-derived propane.

UK's Centrica signs deal to import US natural gas

The contract with Cheniere Energy Partners will see Centrica import 1.75 millio tpy of gas, enough to power around 1.8 million UK homes, according to the firm. It is the first such deal between a US supplier and a UK utility. The deal is subject to Cheniere getting the necessary regulatory approval.

BP seeks sanctions for Halliburton over missing cement samples

HP Editorial Staff: HP News Services

BP is asking a federal judge to issue sanctions against Halliburton, alleging the drilling contractor withheld evidence in the trial following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Mexichem to buy PolyOne vinyls, base resin assets

PolyOne CEO Stephen D. Newlin said the assets comprise the company's only remaining business involved in the direct manufacture of base resins. As such, PolyOne said it views the sale of its resin production assets as a natural and next step for its evolving portfolio.

Huntsman plans expansion, upgrade for MDI plants in Louisiana, Netherlands

The Geismar capacity will be increased to 500,000 tpy, up from 450,000 tpy, through improved process technology developed by Huntsman. The expansion leverages the advantages of the Geismar site, with its access to US shale gas, strong logistics base and excellent integration, the company said.

Petrobras gets purchase offer for Japan refinery

A Singapore-based company has proposed a $650 million deal to Petrobras, including $80 million for the Nansei Sekiyu refinery in Okinawa and $570 million for oil and oil-derivatives stocks at the refinery complex, the Valor Economico newspaper said, citing sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Williams shuts down natural gas pipeline in West Virginia after explosion

A large explosion occurred shortly after noon local time and forced local residents to evacuate their homes, said Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Cecil. The pipeline automatically shut down after the explosion, and residents were allowed to return to their home at around 2:30 p.m.