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Crude oil

Oil edges further above $62, helped by expected fall in US stocks

LONDON (Reuters) — Oil edged further above $62/bbl on Tuesday, supported by strong demand, expectations of a drop in US crude inventories and an OPEC-led deal to extend oil output cuts.

Oil eases 1% on profit-taking as US output eyed

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Oil fell more than 1% on Monday on profit-taking as the market eyed signs of rising US production, though prices remained close to recent 2-yr highs thanks to last week's decision by OPEC and other producers to extend output cuts.

US judge orders oil-spill response plan for Dakota Access Pipeline

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — A federal judge ordered Energy Transfer Partners LP to coordinate with local tribes and the Army Corps of Engineers to create an oil-spill response plan for the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline by next April, a decision he said will allow oil to keep flowing and prevent spills.

Shell Midstream Partners to acquire additional assets from Shell

HOUSTON — Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire from wholly owned subsidiaries of Shell a 100% interest in five products terminals and partial interest in two Gulf of Mexico corridor pipelines and in two strategic onshore pipelines for $825 MM.

US regulator raises concerns about weights on energy pipelines

CALGARY, Alberta/WASHINGTON (Reuters) — A US regulator's preliminary investigation into the biggest oil pipeline spill this year has raised a red flag that could trigger an extensive and costly inspection of tens of thousands of miles of underground energy lines.

Refining: What is blending?

Refinery Automation Institute, LLC: Curcio, E.

Not a day passes without publications, the blogosphere and pundits wringing their hands over the concept of fuel blending. In today’s low-priced crude oil market, the fuel blending business gives blenders a competitive edge that grows every day, attracting new customers and potential new producers intrigued by the possibility of making “easy” money.

Industry Metrics

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

The US saw solid product demand, despite a decline following the end of the driving season, and reduced scheduled maintenance lent some support.

Business Trends: Propane dehydrogenation technology is transforming the propylene business

Argus: Morse, P. M.  |  Zhang, B.

Propylene demand has been increasing rapidly in recent years, and traditional processes are struggling to keep up.

Africa: The rise in Africa’s oil storage infrastructure investments

Contributing Editor: Oirere, S.

The drop in crude oil prices, a growing transportation sector and an underperforming crude processing industry have created a strong demand for additional storage facilities in Africa, which is the preferred method of meeting fuel consumption requirements.

Determine trace amounts of organic acids causing refinery corrosion

North Huajin Chemicals Industries Group Corp.: Tang, Z.  |  Yuan, B.  |  Zheng, S.  |  Chung, K. H.
China University of Petroleum: Shi, Q.

Petroleum is a complex hydrocarbon mixture that contains small amounts of organic acids, such as naphthenic acids and phenols.