Petrochemicals
Albemarle expands US polyolefin catalysts capacity
Albemarle says it successfully completed the latest expansion of its process development center (PDC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by installing a new production train for finished polyolefin catalysts and a number of supporting auxiliaries. The company did not disclose specific capacity figures on the expansion.
Toyo lands engineering, construction deal on China caprolactam venture
Toyo Engineering Corp. has been awarded a contract for a caprolactam plant for DSM Nanjing Chemical (DNCC), a joint venture company between Royal DSM and Sinopec. After the completion of the new project, DNCC will become the largest caprolactam producer in the world with 400,000 tpy of capacity.
Global oil, gas leaders see higher 2012 spending as industry confidence rises - poll
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast improved performance and higher levels of capital expenditure in 2012 despite concerns over global economic instability, according to a new report on the future of the sector. North America is emerging as the area with the greatest opportunities in 2012, the poll shows.
Keyera acquires Canadian iso-octane plant from Neste Oil, ChevronTexaco
Competition authorities in the US and Canada have approved the sale of Neste Oil's 50% holding in an iso-octane production plant in Edmonton, Canada, to Canadian-based Keyera. The announcement was first made on December 8, 2011.
Novamont, Genomatica sign Europe JV for bio-BDO
Novamont and Genomatica have signed a definitive agreement establishing a joint venture (JV) for the first industrial plant in Europe producing butanediol (BDO) directly from renewable feedstocks. Initial production is expected in 2013. Novamont will have a majority of the equity in the JV, and Genomatica a minority interest.
Albemarle launches electronic materials business
US specialty chemicals producer Albemarle has officially announced the formation of its Electronic Materials business unit. The business has already begun selling commercial quantities of ultra high purity trimethyl gallium (TMG) and triethylgallium (TEG) under its new PureGrowth brand name.
CNPC inks deal with Shell, Qatar for China refinery, petrochemical project
China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) said Thursday that it signed a deal with Qatar Petroleum and Shell to build a refining complex in the eastern Chinese city of Taizhou. The project will import condensate and raw materials to produce ethylene and other petrochemical products.
PPG finalizes acquisition of Colombia coatings units
PPG Industries has completed its acquisition of the coatings businesses of Colpisa Colombiana de Pinturas and its affiliates, including Colpisa Ecuador. Colpisa has been a technology licensee of PPG automotive OEM coatings since 1996 and a distributor of PPG automotive refinish products since 2004.
Samsung, Total tap UOP technology on South Korea petrochemical, fuels venture
Honeywell’s UOP has been selected by the Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co. joint venture to provide technologies for the production of key petrochemicals and high-quality diesel and jet fuel at its complex in Daesan, South Korea. The units are expected to start up in 2014.
Methanex secures gas supply deal, plans restart of New Zealand methanol plant
Methanex says it plans to restart the second methanol plant at its Motunui site in New Zealand. The company signed a 10-year agreement with New Zealand-based Todd Energy to supply natural gas for up to half of the 1.5 million tpy of capacity at the Motunui site.
- U.S. labor board judge rules Exxon's Texas refinery union lockout was legal 11/28
- U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 11/28
- Maersk could use 15%–20% alternative fuels for its fleet in 2030 11/28
- Germany's BSW pushes to restore Russian oil to Schwedt refinery, seeks regional legitimacy 11/28
- Asia likely to benefit from cheaper Canadian, Mexican oil if Trump imposes tariffs 11/28
- Singapore distillates stocks tick up for fifth week 11/28
