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Petrochemicals

Chemical-grade operation—or not?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Romanow, Stephany

The quality of transportation fuels has evolved. Earlier, the fuel quality was based on octane to power larger engines for automobiles and cetane for commercial trucks. As lead was phased out of gasol..

Methanex sells 10% stake in Egypt methanol JV

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

This deal increases APICORP's ownership in the joint venture to 17%, while Methanex will remain the operator and majority owner of EMethanex with just over 50% ownership.

NOVA to expand Ontario ethylene cracker by 20%

The expansion will occur between 2014 and 2018, according to the company. It will be part of a wave of expansions and upgrades to NOVA's existing facilities in the region of Sarnia, Ontario.

Braskem buys Solvay vinyls unit in South America

Braskem says the acquisition confirms its commitment to develop the petrochemical and plastics industries in Brazil and South America by strengthening the vinyls chain and by its decision to continue investing to support the growth of its clients. It also establishes an industrial base in Argentina.

Jacobs to provide program management at new US nitrogen fertilizer facility

Construction of the plant is expected to begin in November of 2014 and take three years to complete. Once operational, Midwest Fertilizer will make nitrogen-based fertilizers to supply domestic demand.

US chemical sector poised for dynamic expansion as investment increases

Supported by activity within the domestic chemicals sector, the ACC says the US economy is likely to see continued, though moderated growth in 2014, according to ACC's monthly Chemical Activity Barometer.

Alfa Laval wins order to supply heat exchangers at US petrochemical plant

The Alfa Laval OLMI heat exchangers will be used to increase the yield and recover energy in the production of ethylene, an important ingredient for the manufacturing of industrial chemicals and plastics products.

BASF to expand India emissions catalysts capacity

Construction of a new 47,000 square meter facility will begin in December 2013, enhancing the company’s existing emissions catalysts operation in Chennai with new production lines and manufacturing capabilities. Startup is of the new catalyst capacity is planned in the first quarter of 2015.

US PVC prices to rise in 2014 on higher ethylene costs, export demand

Stronger prices for the ethylene used to make PVC and strong PVC export markets are supporting the upward momentum in PVC pricing, according to a weekly newsletter.

Calumet acquires US lubricants company Bel-Ray

Today, Bel-Ray's specialty lubricants are widely accepted as a brand of choice used in the aerospace, automotive, energy, food, marine, military, mining, motorcycle, powersports, steel and textiles industries.