Petrochemicals
Global HPI spending likely to jump 15% in 2014
Newfound optimism stems from rising availability of gas supplies in several nations, rich shale reserves in North America, and a new expansion wave for petrochemicals.
Eastman to expand Texas City plasticizers plant
The expansion at the Texas City site will increase the overall capacity of Eastman 168 by about 15% and is expected to be operational by mid-2014. Investment terms were not disclosed.
PolyOne expands India operations with new plant
The new PolyOne facility in Pune, India, will operate development labs and the sales and customer service center for the broader region. It is expected to open in the first quarter of 2014.
LanzaTech, SK to develop bio-butadiene process
SK has pioneered new refining and petrochemical technology development for many years. SK will work with LanzaTech to develop and integrate this new technology with LanzaTech's gas fermentation process, which converts industrial waste gases into low carbon fuels and chemicals.
Braskem, Styrolution to explore potential styrenics joint venture in Brazil
The proposed 100,000 tpy plant would supply specialty styrenics, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, to customers in Brazil and throughout South America. Groundbreaking for the site could be expected as early as 2015, with production likely starting in 2017.
Enterprise to expand Aegis ethane pipeline in US
Long-term agreements have been executed, which support increasing the size of the Aegis pipeline to 20-inches in diameter, which will facilitate delivery of up to 425,000 bpd of ethane to the expanding petrochemical corridor along the Gulf Coast. Initial deliveries should begin in early 2014.
INEOS talks with UK union as Grangemouth refinery strike looms
The union intends to hold a 48-hour strike at the site from Oct. 20 until Oct. 22. INEOS has begun the process of taking down petrochemical plants at the refinery in anticipation.
Dow Chemical to sell polypropylene catalysts business to Grace
The sale includes Dow’s polypropylene catalysts manufacturing plant at Norco, Louisiana, as well as all customer contracts, licenses, intellectual property and inventory.
Foster Wheeler to study Kuwait aromatics plan
Foster Wheeler was awarded a contract by Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) for a pre-feasibility study and a market report for a proposed aromatics plant in Kuwait.
Dorf Ketal Chemicals to partner with Ashland on product distribution
Dorf Ketal Chemicals, a specialty chemicals company serving the downstream industry, is entering a strategic distribution agreement with Ashland Water Technologies for North America and the Caribbean.
- EPA finalizes historic new renewable fuel standards to strengthen American energy security 3/30
- The role of integrated biorefineries in achieving alternative fuel goals 3/30
- The entire Itabus fleet travels with Enilive HVO diesel biofuel 3/30
- Czech government agrees to release 100,000 tonnes of crude from reserves 3/30
- South Korea's LG Chem to import Russian naphtha 3/30
- PetroChina says operations 'overall normal', Strait of Hormuz accounts for about 10% of its supplies 3/30
