Europe
Borealis to buy out DuPont’s share of Belgium specialty polymers JV
"The acquisition of the full ownership of Speciality Polymers Antwerp is in line with our strategy to grow our polyolefin business in specific market areas", said Mark Garrett, Borealis CEO.
ZAK sees hydrogen blast at Poland ammonia plant
ZAK said the situation "is under control", with hydrogen being flared. The incident was believed to have been caused by a pipe leakage, according to a company spokesman.
Aramco reduces oil differentials for Europe refiners
The reductions by Saudi Aramco reflect the anticipated reopening of the Ras Lanuf and Es Sider terminals in Libya, which could increase that country's crude oil exports by 500,000 bpd. They also reflect the intention for Saudi oil to remain competitive in southern European markets.
Update on secondary seals for fluid machines
Elastomer-based O-rings are used as secondary sealing components in millions of fluid machines. Although O-ring seals are primarily intended for fluid containment between different but nonrotating com..
Improve compressor reliability with advanced chemical treatments
Although many olefin plants are making big investments in hardware and metallurgy to improve compressor performance and to extend run lengths, the reliability, efficiency and throughput capacity of the CGC are still key influences on plant profitability.
Triple-offset valves offer advantages in emergency services
Liquid hydrocarbon storage facilities have used triple-offset valves (TOVs) in traditional tank farm applications for decades. Due to more stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, ..
Case history: Troubleshooting a leaking valve in a hydrogen unit
A Middle East refinery installed a hydrogen plant that was designed to produce 20,000 Nm3/hr of pure hydrogen (H2) to support a diesel hydrotreater. The unit was commissioned in 2006. This H2 plant wa..
Examining the ecological and profitable uses of refinery residues
With prices pressured and stricter environmental legislation being implemented, refineries are being increasingly forced to look at new ways of processing heavy residues.
Innovative modeling of heavy crudes provides competitive advantages
The increase in heavy crude production, together with the diversity of heavy crude characteristics and sources, leads to technical challenges in accurately predicting production and refining process performance.
Optimize plant reliability with operator-based maintenance programs
This case study demonstrates the potential maintenance-labor cost savings that can be obtained through the greater utilization of operations staff; such savings can justify OPPM program investment.
- Methanex to indefinitely idle 860,000-tpy Trinidad and Tobago methanol plant 6/30
- Several injured in fire at Haldia Petrochemicals' plant in eastern India 6/30
- Shell forecast: Global LNG demand expected to grow by 65% by 2050 6/30
- INEOS Enterprises completes sale of its ultra-pure sulfur dioxide and derivatives business to Ecovyst 6/30
- Neste to invest over €400 MM in Porvoo refinery maintenance turnaround 6/30
- Middle East producers push on with oil and LNG loadings despite ship attacks 6/30

