Europe
Industry Metrics
Asian margins showed a strong recovery due to higher winter heating fuel demand, supporting middle distillate crack spreads.
Global Project Data
According to <i>Hydrocarbon Processing's</i> Construction Boxscore Database, new project announcements averaged approximately 25 per month in 2015.
Honeywell upgrades plant controls system for top ammonia group in Russia
The controls and safety project was a part of a framework agreement that will see Honeywell automate all production facilities for TogliattiAzot, the world’s largest ammonia producer.
Shell to upgrade Pernis refinery in Rotterdam with new solvent deasphalter
Construction work is planned to start next year, subject to permit approvals, with completion expected by the end of 2018. The new unit will not change the refinery’s total processing capacity, but will allow a different product mix.
Technip to supply furnaces at Czech ethylene hub
The project covers the engineering, supply and construction of the furnaces, including the associated pipe-rack. These new furnaces will replace damaged units at the site.
HP Global: Forthcoming tax hike could hamper Russian refining
Russia plans to increase the volume of oil it refined this year, despite Western sanctions and the ever-deteriorating business environment, according to an official spokesperson for Alexander Novak, Russia’s minister of energy.
HP Viewpoint: Interesting times to continue for refiners in 2016
A year ago in this publication, John England and Ashnu Mittal were prescient in their article titled “US shale revolution set to spill over into downstream.”
HP Industry Metrics
Global refinery margins fell due to the expectations of a mild winter and an oversupply environment.
HP People
Michael D. Scott has been named an International Society of Automation (ISA) Fellow, a distinguished grade that is granted to ISA senior members in recognition of outstanding achievements in scientific or engineering fields.
Celanese cuts Belgium acetate tow plant by 50%
This decision to reduce acetate tow capacity by 50% at the Belgium complex results from continuing declines in the global demand for acetate tow products, especially in Europe.
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