Petrochemicals
US chemical production rising in all regions - ACC
The US chemical production regional index (CPRI) rose by 0.5% in February, following a revised 0.5% gain in January, according to new ACC figures. Gains occurred in industrial gases, inorganic chemicals, plastic resins, synthetic rubber, pesticides, adhesives, coatings, specialties, and consumer products.
Global refining catalyst market driven by growth in hydroprocessing
The market improvement is led by demand for cleaner fuels, increasing use of heavier and dirtier feedstocks and additions to refining capacity, a new study says.
Grace venture to build FCC catalysts plant in UAE
W. R. Grace & Co. has signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture with Al Dahra Agricultural Co. to build and operate a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives plant in the Middle East. The production plant would be located in Abu Dhabi and start up in 2015.
Dow opens electronic materials R&D hub in Korea
Dow Chemical has inaugurated its Dow Seoul Technology Center, a global research and development (R&D) center with focus on technological advances in display technologies and semiconductor-related applications. Dow has invested more than $400 million in Korea over the last decade.
Refining deals up sharply in 2011 amid shedding of global assets
Refiners realigned their corporate strategies in 2011, with many shedding refining assets and others choosing to exit the sector altogether, according to a new report.
DuPont launches new innovation center in Brazil
US-based chemicals major DuPont has opened a new Innovation Center in Brazil with the goal of leveraging DuPont’s global science powerhouse to help meet local needs. The company opened one such center earlier this month in Mexico and four others last year in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and India.
Jacobs wins design, equipment deal in Canada for new sulfuric acid plant
Jacobs won a contract from Teck Metals to design and supply a new sulfuric acid plant for its Trail operation located in British Columbia. The deal includes the design of the complete sulfuric acid plant contact section, including catalytic DeNO(x) system, as well as supply of all equipment and majority of materials.
Chemtura raises capacity in Italy for polyurethane prepolymers
Chemtura is increasing its production capacity for its polyurethane prepolymers at the company’s Latina Scalo facility in Italy. The prepolymers are used in a multitude of industrial applications and markets where high wear resistance, toughness and durability are essential requirements.
Shaw, Total form global alliance on polystyrene
The Shaw Group said Monday that it formed an exclusive alliance with Total Petrochemicals to jointly market and license Total’s polystyrene technology on a worldwide basis. Shaw has had a similar alliance with Total Petrochemicals for styrene monomer, the primary feedstock for polystyrene, for 15 years.
INEOS licenses polypropylene process technology to new China Shenhua plant
INEOS has licensed the Innovene PP process to China Shenhua for the manufacture of polypropylene resins including homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers. The 300,000 tpy plant, located in Yulin City, Shaanxi province, will serve the rapidly growing Chinese PP market.
- BASF’s Intermediates division produces entire portfolio of acid chlorides and chloroformates at its Ludwigshafen site using renewable electricity credits 3/23
- LG Chem shuts down 800,000-tpy Yeosu naphtha cracker 3/23
- French Energy Ministry considers increasing oil refining capacity 3/23
- Schneider Electric global study shows energy industry ramping up investment in autonomous operations by 2030 as AI reshapes performance 3/23
- Middle East shock gives Dangote refinery leverage as cheap imports dry up 3/23
- HWI officially opens state-of-the-art Fulton (U.S.) lightweight monolithics facility 3/23
