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Process Optimization

ExxonMobil to invest more than $100 MM in Baton Rouge upgrade to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol

ExxonMobil announced its plans to invest more than $100 MM in facility upgrades to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol, a critical material for semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S. 

The case for investing in acetic acid

This article dives into the acetic acid market, as well as processing technologies for its production.

KazMunayGas starts building polyethylene plant with Sinopec, SIBUR

The plant will have a pyrolysis unit which will use the technology of the U.S.-based Lummus, an ethylene polymerization unit using the technology of Chevron Phillips Chemical and Univation Technologies, as well as a butene unit using Axens technology

Blue Tide, Shell Lubricants complete re-refining facility to develop high-performance lubricants

The fully operational Baytown Facility features one of the largest hydrotreaters in the re-refining industry, enabling Blue Tide to produce and sell high-quality Group II+ base oils.

Optimize sulfur recovery: Sub-dewpoint sulfur recovery with interstage membrane

The author’s company’s new sub-dewpoint sulfur recovery with interstage membrane (SSRIM) technology is a breakthrough for the sulfur recovery industry, as it is the first technology capable of achieving an overall recovery efficiency of > 99.9% without requiring a tail gas treating unit. This article discusses the basic SSRIM configuration and its advantages when compared to a traditional Claus/TGT configuration.  

Optimizing NGL treatment for sulfur and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL Corporation’s Redwater fractionation plant—Part 1

This article details a project that optimized sulfur treatment and methanol reduction at Pembina NGL's Redwater plant in Canada.

Lummus successfully starts up PFAS demo unit to destroy "forever chemicals"

Lummus Technology has started up its per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) destruction demonstration unit. The at-scale, commercial-ready system uses a combination of advanced technology to destroy PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals."

Solvay partners with Cavalinho to reduce emissions at Brazilian chemical plant

Solvay will be one the first companies in Brazil to adopt biofuel-powered trucks for transportation, supporting its goal of cutting scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030.

Dow Chemical, X-energy to advance nuclear project at Dow's Seadrift chemicals facility (U.S.)

Dow Chemical and X-Energy Reactor Co. announced the submission of a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a proposed advanced nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas (U.S.)

Refractory lining reliability challenges in hydrogen-fueled process fired heaters

This article provides an overview of the potential impact of H2-rich fuel firing on refractory integrity and suggests safeguards to mitigate challenges. While this article discusses refractory issues in process fired heaters, the information presented can be broadly applicable to fired equipment where a flame is present.