Petrochemicals
Saudi Arabia to build world's largest butanol plant
At its first meeting in Jubail, the SaBuCo board observed that the new venture was a reflection of the strong cooperation between three leading Saudi petrochemical companies and their commitment to create economic value through efficient and effective utilization of the country's natural resources.
DAK Americas to permanently close PTA, PET resin plants in North Carolina
The site was built in the late 1960s and acquired by DAK Americas in 2001. Approximately, 350 full service employees and 250 contract workers are employed on-site to produce PTA, PET resins and polyester staple fibers. The closure of the site is expected to be completed by September 2013.
Praxair to boost gases supply, extend pipelines at Antwerp chemical enclave
Praxair’s new plant and extensive pipeline system will have the ability to supply oxygen and nitrogen to the majority of chemical companies in the port. The new 1,300 tpd plant will increase Praxair’s oxygen and nitrogen capacity in the port and expand its business with global customers.
Sadara chemicals venture of Saudi Aramco, Dow secures key funding
The Sadara complex, one of the world's largest chemicals plants, is expected to produce more than 3 million tpy of petrochemicals once it is completed in 2016. Khalid al-Falih, CEO of Saudi Aramco, said in 2011 that Sadara would require large amounts of debt finance, and it was considering various options.
China approves BP plan for new Zhuhai PTA plant
The ‘Zhuhai 3’ plant will have a capacity of 1.25 million tpy and is expected to start up in late 2014. Zhuhai 3 joins two earlier phases of PTA units at the same location, bringing total capacity at the site to more than 2.7 million tpy. After the launch of Zhuhai 3, BP’s global PTA capacity will be 8.25 million tpy.
Mitsui wins FEED work for Sasol Louisiana PE plant
The project is part of Sasol’s planned world-scale ethane cracker and derivatives complex to be built in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The plant's low-density polyethylene (LDPE) capacity will be 420,000 tpy.
US safety board to probe Williams olefins blast
The CSB looks at all areas of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations and industry standards.
Foster Wheeler plans China substitute natural gas unit with Wison, Clariant
The pilot plant will demonstrate Foster Wheeler’s VESTA substitute natural gas (SNG) technology. Under the agreement, Wison Engineering will provide engineering and construction services, Foster Wheeler will license technology, and Clariant will supply the proprietary developed catalyst.
Explosion hits Williams Louisiana olefins plant
An explosion and subsequent fire rocked the Williams olefins plant in Geismar, Louisiana, leading to evacuations, two deaths and numerous injuries. Ambulances and helicopters transported those injured facility to local hospitals and about 300 workers were evacuated from the scene.
US petrochemical companies seek exports to Asia
Hydraulic fracturing and other drilling technologies are keeping prices for natural gas -- a key raw material for Dow Chemical and other chemical producers -- below $4/MMBtu. That's cheap enough that the US chemical industry can start taking market share from Middle Eastern producers.
- Chevron Phillips Chemical completes low-viscosity PAO expansion in Belgium 8/12
- AFPM: U.S. RFS proposal misses the mark on affordability, security by an ‘Iowa mile’ 8/12
- Sasol expects profit rebound on higher chemical prices and lower impairments 8/12
- Indonesia's Pertamina delivers first used cooking oil aviation fuel 8/12
- India's HMEL plans to shut refinery for 40-day maintenance, sources say 8/12
- Indian refiners using term deals as hedge against Russian supply risk 8/12
