Petrochemicals
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.
Clariant to expand Houston ethoxylation complex
The expansion includes new reactors and additional storage facilities, bringing the overall ethoxylation capacity to more than 125 000 metric tons -- up from 95,000 metric tons at present.
OxyChem, Mexichem choose contractor for new US ethylene cracker
CB&I was awarded the $1 billion engineering and construction contract to build an ethylene cracker with 1.2 billion lb/year of capacity at OxyChem's existing complex in Ingleside, Texas.
WR Grace buys Dow polypropylene catalysts unit
The acquisition includes the UNIPOL polypropylene process technology and makes Grace the second largest polypropylene licensor in the world based on the company's installed capacity.
- 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

