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Petrochemicals

EmberClear finishes technical study on Mississippi gas-to-liquids proposal

If the project proceeds, it will be capable of producing 4,000 tpd of methanol or 14,000 bpd of gasoline. This project's proximity to cheaper sources of gas and the Gulf Coast petrochemical hub creates the potential for attractive pricing, efficient access to markets and multiple modes of transportation.

Russia's SIBUR establishes polypropylene trading groups in Turkey, Ukraine

The new trading arms will enhance SIBUR’s flexibility in adjusting to clients’ needs, give the company extra competitive edge in strategic markets, and increase sales through access to end consumers, according to the company. Turkey is one of the global leaders for polypropylene consumption.

KBR licenses technology to Bolivia ammonia plant

The fertilizer ammonia complex will be designed using KBR’s Purifier technology. KBR will additionally supply proprietary operator training simulators and a steam dynamic simulation study to ensure a safe, fast, efficient startup of the ammonia plant and continued support to the operations.

TPC Group begins engineering work to expand US polyisobutylene capacity

TPC Group first entered the market in May 2000 with the startup of its patented PIB process. Since that time, the company has grown significantly through multiple expansions to become the largest producer in North America. TPC supplies the market from its Houston production facility.

KBR to design new Indonesia ammonia, urea plant

The plant will be designed using KBR’s Purifier technology, which has demonstrated higher reliability than conventional designs and offers the lowest proven energy consumption in the industry. Construction of the grassroots facility is part of a consortium between Rekayasa and Toyo Engineering.

OxyChem, Mexichem target early 2017 for startup of new Texas cracker

In August 2012, OxyChem signed a memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Mexichem to evaluate a joint venture for the cracker. It is anticipated to have a capacity of approximately 1.2 billion lb/year of ethylene, or just above 500,000 tpy. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Honeywell to supply automation for Borouge UAE polyolefins expansion

Honeywell will be the main automation contractor (MAC) for this project, providing Linde and other engineering, procurement and construction contractors involved in the project with integrated control and safety systems. Honeywell’s technologies were previously implemented at the Borouge UAE site.

Shell to raise polyol capacity at Singapore complex

The upgrade will increase the Singapore plant's capacity to produce polyols -- industrial chemicals used to make high-quality foams -- by more than 100,000 metric tpy to 360,000 tpy. The company didn't provide any financial details but said it expects to complete the upgrade in 2014.

Dutch chemical plant strike cuts Sabic production

The decrease in production at the Sabic Europe Chemicals plant located in the Dutch city of Geleen began January 31 due to a proactive measure taken by the union workforce as a consequence of no finalized agreement regarding work conditions, Sabic said in a statement.

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: 2013 global construction outlook

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

The downstream industry is investing billions of dollars in the development and construction of grassroots facilities, along with expansions and upgrades to existing plants.