Petrochemicals
EU monthly chemicals production nudges higher
A 1.5% production expansion in November was due mainly to the strong output growth in petrochemicals, whose output rose by 6.6%. Specialty chemicals output continued to increase, up by 2.0% in November 2012 on a year-on-year basis. Consumer chemicals dropped, however, by 2.1%.
Williams picks Fluor for propane dehydrogenation project work in Canada
The proposed PDH facility would primarily use the propane recovered at Williams’ existing fractionation facility in Redwater, Alberta, and convert it into polymer-grade propylene, a petrochemical feedstock used in plastics manufacturing. Financial details were not disclosed.
UOP licenses butane feedstock technology in China
Honeywell's UOP C4 Oleflex process will be used to convert refinery-derived isobutane to isobutylene, a valuable petrochemical used in the production of fuels and synthetic rubber. This is UOP's second C4 Oleflex process license in China. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Technip wins engineering for Westlake ethylene expansion in Kentucky
The ethylene production capacity will be increased by 40%, the companies said Tuesday, rising from 450 million lb/year to 630 million lb/year. It will use ethane feedstock instead of propane, as per the original design. Technip's operating center in Claremont, California, will execute the work.
US chemical group retracts stated support for natural gas exports
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has retracted a week-old statement on its website in support of US natural gas exports, officials with the trade group confirmed.
KBR named engineering partner by CRI for catalytic thermochemical technology
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide basic engineering services for broad, full scale commercial deployment of IH2 units. IH2 technology is a cost-effective catalytic thermo-chemical process to produce liquid transportation fuels from renewable resources.
M&G picks Sinopec to build Texas PET, PTA plants
The completion of construction of the plants, including the time required to obtain necessary permits, is expected to occur within 36 months. M&G's engineering arms will provide critical equipment and services on a subcontracting basis to turnkey contractor Sinopec Engineering.
JBF picks Technip for engineering on India purified terephthalic acid project
The contract covers the basic engineering, front-end engineering design, detailed engineering and procurement services for the ISBL (inside battery limit) and the OSBL (outside battery limit). The scope of work also includes supply of materials and construction management services for the ISBL.
Petronas, Evonik form venture to build Malaysian specialty chemical plants
The plants are expected to produce up to 250,000 tons of hydrogen peroxide, 220,000 tons of isononanol and 110,000 tons of 1-butene annually, according to a joint statement. The chemicals are used in the production of plastics, films, wallpapers, floorings and cables, among others.
Chesapeake to supply Methanex gas in Louisiana
Commencement of natural gas deliveries will coincide with the startup of the plant, which is expected by the end of 2014. This contract will enhance Methanex's ability to reliably supply quality product to its US customers for at least the next 10 years, according to top company officials.
- OXEA confirms final investment decision for major capacity expansion at plant 7/10
- TotalEnergies ships to Asia the first cargo produced by the ECA LNG plant 7/10
- ADNOC L&S expands LNG fleet with order for four new carriers 7/10
- India's ONGC plans to build 13-MMbbl national strategic oil reserve 7/10
- Russian refineries, oil terminal, tankers hit, Ukraine says 7/10
- Tajikistan says it has 60 days' fuel in reserve amid Russian supply crunch 7/10

