Catalysts
HP Petrochemicals: M&A deals rise as investors push petrochemical leaders to restructure
Oil and petrochemical companies are seeking strategies to remain competitive as their cash flows continue to take direct hits due to depressed oil prices. This is resulting in significant restructurin..
Honeywell opens China propylene catalysts plant
This new site in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, has begun production of catalysts used to covert propane to propylene as traditional sources for this product shrink.
WR Grace advances FCC catalysts project in UAE
The approximately $150 million facility, located in the Kizad Industrial Zone approximately 70 km outside Abu Dhabi, will serve refineries throughout the Middle East and potentially other regions.
Bolivia expands petrochemical capability with Bulo Bulo ammonia complex
The Bulo Bulo ammonia-urea facility will be Bolivia’s first petrochemical venture. This new facility is expected to produce sufficient urea/ammonia supplies for domestic demand and will provide surplus product for export.
Update on the catalytic cracking process—Part 2
One of the prime challenges in the operation of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is keeping the catalyst circulating. Compared to other challenges with FCC operations, correcting erratic catalys..
HP Industry Metrics
US commercial crude oil inventories are at elevated levels and are expected to increase. Lower crude oil prices have supported consumption in developed economies, removed budgetary constraints in emer..
Sinopec, Exxon to develop fluid-bed technologies for methanol-to-gasoline
The collaborative agreement will leverage the two companies’ expertise and experience in methanol conversion to gasoline (MTG) and fluid bed technology development to refine and commercialize a fluid bed version of MTG technology.
Haldor Topsoe, Ferrostaal to launch downstream project development JV
The JV will offer expertise in project planning, project development and financing with worldwide leading technologies for the petrochemical, refining and environmental technology sectors.
Albemarle to build new FCC catalysts plant in UAE
This announcement follows Albemarle's successful delivery of catalysts for the startup of the FCC unit in Takreer's newly-expanded Ruwais refinery.
Update on the catalytic cracking process and standpipes—Part 1
The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is a well-established technology used by complex refineries. It is a key profit center, as the FCC unit (FCCU) has the flexibility to produce transportation ..

- China's Wanhua Chemical starts operation at new east China cracker 4/4
- Brookfield Infrastructure announces the acquisition of Colonial Enterprises for $9 B 4/4
- PBF restarts some units at Martinez refinery after February fire; fire-damaged units remain shut 4/4
- Japan to curb gasoline prices from June to cushion U.S. tariff blow 4/4
- Evonik presents innovative "Debonding on Demand" concept for more sustainable bonding 4/3
- Oil, gas and refined product imports exempted from Trump’s sweeping tariffs 4/3