Europe
Exxon to expand Rotterdam refinery hydrocracker
An ExxonMobil spokesman said the investment would be at least $1 billion, and the company would add 600 workers to the 650 currently at the refinery during a three-year construction phase.
HP Industry Metrics
A sharp drop in the gasoline crack spread following the end of the US driving season and increasing inventories caused refinery margins to fall.
Chevron lifts downstream results as margins rise
Downstream earnings in the third quarter improved in both the US and internationally for Chevron, with overall profit from refining oil into fuels jumping 59% to $2.2 billion.
Total selects Axens’ technology for new La Mède biorefinery in France
The plant will produce 500,000 tpy of high-quality paraffinic biodiesel, treating primarily used oils, as well as other renewable feedstocks. This technology was originally developed by IFP Energies nouvelles in the mid-2000, based upon an extensive research and development program.
Total reports record European refining margin indicator in third quarter
Total, Europe's biggest refiner, said its European refining margins indicator (ERMI) rose to $54.8/ton in the third quarter of 2015. That's up from $54.1 in the previous quarter.
Global petrochemical prices fall to six-year lows
Petrochemical prices, expressed as a monthly average, fell $102/ton from August to $786/ton in September. This is the second straight month where the average price has fallen over $100.
Shell to install German hydrogen-fueling network
The hydrogen-fueling development is part of an effort to accelerate the growth in Europe of this low-carbon alternative transport fuel, according to Shell officials.
Total chooses Axens’ VGO technology to expand Donges refinery in France
The new vacuum gasoil (VGO) hydrodesulfurization unit is designed to process around 40,000 bpd, and it will allow Total to produce more low-sulfur fuels, thus meeting new EU specs.
Improve refinery margins with new crude selection concept
A refinery with an active crude selection strategy encompassing dedicated staff, preapproval of all new crudes and an updated crude acceptance window can gain $0.5/bbl–$1/bbl vs. a more passive strategy.
Maintaining gas system accuracy and reliability through calibration
In the process industries, laser-based analytical techniques have emerged as a popular method of examining process line samples because of their high level of durability, fast response time and minimal maintenance requirements.
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