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Americas

Shell proceeds with Alberta oil sands CO2 capture

Starting in late 2015, Quest will capture and store deep underground more than 1 million tpy of carbon dioxide produced during the bitumen processing, reducing direct emissions from the upgrader by up to 35%. Shell Canada owns 60% of the joint venture, which also includes Chevron and Marathon Oil.

EPA waives clean gasoline rules for eight US states following Hurricane Isaac

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which may result in a temporary shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations. The waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the impacted states until normal supply can be restored.

US reiterates tough stance against BP on Gulf spill

In the filing, made in response to a previous BP request to accept a $7.8 billion settlement between the company and thousands of plaintiffs over economic losses and property damage, the Department of Justice said that BP had a culture of recklessness, and also pointed the finger to Transocean.

Dow Chemical to revamp organizational structure

Effective immediately, Dow is eliminating the current business division structure and move to a global business unit model that will have business presidents. The presidents will be accountable for generating increased earnings and the accelerated advancement and execution of Dow's strategy.

BNSF expands Bakken US oil rail capacity by 25%

The expansion will help oil producers move their oil to market. The boom in domestic crude production has caused a parallel increase in railway use. Tesoro, Phillips 66 and Statoil have all purchased rail cars - and in Tesoro's case, built rail lines - to move oil from increasingly productive US fields.

Valero to convert idled Aruba refinery to terminal

Terminal activities will require a considerably smaller workforce, according to the company. The reorganization and reduction in jobs is expected to be complete before the end of 2012. Valero will continue to supply jet fuel, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil to Aruba, according to CEO Bill Klesse.

Maximize diesel production in an FCC-centered refinery, Part 1

For refineries with an FCC unit as the main conversion vehicle, the debate is how existing refinery assets can best be used to economically increase diesel production.

Redefining reforming catalyst performance: High selectivity and stability

Axens: Le Goff, P.-Y.  |  Lopez, J.
Axens North America: Ross, J.

Highly developed CCR catalysts are more robust to ensure extended service over 7–9 years.

Upgrade heavy oil more cost-efficiently

Ivanhoe Energy: Cabrera, C. A.  |  Silverman, M. A.

A new technology can economically upgrade and significantly improve the properties of heavy oil by reducing viscosity, increasing gravity and removing contaminants.

CO2 capture from SMRs: A demonstration project

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.: Baade, W. F.  |  Farnand, S.  |  Hutchison, R.  |  Welch, K.

Technical and economic results from this project will be key in determining the most effective path to commercialization.