Environment & Safety
KBR wins Kentucky engineering work to install air emissions control systems
The project is part of Kentucky Utilities’ investment plan to install environmental upgrades to reduce air emissions across its generating fleet, including a $600 million investment for the addition of air emissions controls at its Ghent plant. Each system includes a pulse-jet fabric filter to capture particulate matter.
Emerson unveils valve, instrument recycling plan
Using bins provided by Emerson, the recycling effort provides free pick up and shipment from the plant site to the Instruments & Valve Services recycle center, rapid evaluation of valve and instrument cores, and prompt payment with an itemized transaction report.
Chevron offers $149 million to settle civil lawsuits over Brazil oil spill
The deal would settle two civil lawsuits seeking more than $20 billion in damages, although a criminal case involving Chevron and others will continue, the prosecutor's office said. The deal can be approved if regulators confirm that the spill did not cause any environmental damage.
UK government lifts ban on shale gas fracking
Exploratory hydraulic fracturing can go ahead, subject to new controls to mitigate the risks of seismic activity, the government said Thursday. The technique has helped unlock gas reserves trapped in underground shale rock, but critics say the technique risks damage to the environment.
Natural gas pipeline explosion injures two, destroys homes in West Virginia
The explosion of a NiSource 20-inch transmission line destroyed five homes and severely damaged others in Kanawha County, about 15 miles north of state capital Charleston. The pipeline has been shut off, allowing emergency crews to approach the scene for further investigation.
Foster Wheeler wins top UK management awards for safety, environment
The winners of the Sword of Honour were recognized by the British Safety Council as having exemplary health and safety systems that are among the best in the world. Meanwhile, The Globe of Honour award scheme was launched to recognize exemplary environmental management.
China calls on West to reduce GHG emissions
Poorer countries argue the West should lead from the front in cutting greenhouse gases because it is largely responsible for the heating of the planet since industrial times. China, the world's top polluter, says it aims to cut its emissions by between 40% and 45% by 2020.
Valero worker dies in chemical exposure incident at Memphis refinery
The accident occurred when an equipment failure released a hazardous chemical inside the refinery, leading to chemical burns when a small glass window shattered in an alkylation unit. Local fire department officials said the workers were exposed to a mixture of propane and hydrofluoric acid.
HP Editorial Comment: The last word
Throughout this year, Hydrocarbon Processing (HP) has investigated the last 90 years of the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) through its monthly editorial, Insight. The HPI has a rich history; th..
HP Impact: Production of biofuels made from algae poses sustainability concerns
Scaling up the production of biofuels made from algae to meet at least 5% (approximately 39 billion liters) of US transportation fuel needs would place unsustainable demands on energy, water and nutri..
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