PEMEX has acquired 45 of the latest Model 5100 HD series gas analyzers from AMETEK Process Instruments to monitor moisture levels in natural gas at monitoring stations throughout Mexico. Based on tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy, the analyzers provide a non-contact, rapid-response approach to measuring moisture in natural gas.

BASF is strengthening its position in the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market with investments in local production sites in fast-growing emerging markets. In South America, BASF will build a SAP plant in Camaçari, Brazil, with a capacity of 60,000 metric tpy. Production is expected to start in late 2014. In China, BASF-YPC Co., Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and Sinopec, plans to start construction of a 60,000-metric-ton SAP plant at its Verbund site in Nanjing in mid 2012. Commercial production is planned for the beginning of 2014.  HP