Petrochemicals
ICA Fluor wins work to expand DuPont titanium dioxide plant in Mexico
ICA Fluor will be responsible for the construction, construction management and material management services for the TiO2 production facility. It is scheduled for completion in 2015.
Methanex approves second plant relocation from Chile to US
The Geismar II project includes their 1 million tpy methanol plant, which is expected to be operational by early 2016. The second phase is likely to cost $550 million. The global demand outlook for methanol is favorable and demand is expected to outpace capacity additions in the industry, the company says.
Brazil announces stimulus package for ethanol, petrochemical producers
The Brazilian government is hoping that lower taxes on the country's sugarcane ethanol and petrochemical industries will help boost the competitiveness of exports.
Momentive opens new Thailand coating resin plant
The new plant significantly expands Momentive’s production of acrylic-based resins in the region. The site, located in the Pinthong Industrial Estate Park, is capable of producing the latest generation of acrylic resins designed for use primarily in coatings, adhesives, and building and construction applications.
Crosstex to build Louisiana NGL fractionation unit, picks UOP technology
Under the deal, UOP will build and install the UOP Russell fractionation equipment that is designed to extract ethane and propane -- highly in demand as petrochemical feedstocks for producing ethylene and propylene, two building blocks for plastics -- from mixed natural gas liquids (NGL) streams.
Singapore shifts energy focus from refining to specialty chemicals
These days, attracting new refinery projects isn't a "specific aim" of the EDB, a government agency that promotes Singapore as an investment destination. They instead want new investment in specialty chemicals, which they say isn't as crowded with competitors.
Dyno Nobel picks KBR for Louisiana ammonia plant construction, technology
The 800,000 tpy ammonia facility will be designed using KBR’s Purifier technology, which has a documented track record of safe and reliable operations and offers the lowest energy consumption in the industry, according to company officials. The contract award is valued at approximately $600 million.
Ammonia tank sparks massive Texas explosion
The West Fertilizer Co. plant caught fire and exploded late Wednesday, killing up to 15 people, injuring at least 160 and destroying dozens of homes and businesses. The facility was located close to homes and an apartment complex, where many of the injuries occurred, according to reports.
UOP licenses coal-to-olefins process to China plant
It is the fourth licensing win for UOP's advanced MTO process technology. The technology allows petrochemical producers in China and elsewhere to tap cheaper coal and natural gas feedstocks, rather than liquefied petroleum gas or oil, to produce olefins to meet growing demand for petrochemicals.
BASF awards process engineering pact to Jacobs for Antwerp chemicals site
Under terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing process, piping and electrical/ instrumentation engineering services to the Antwerp chemicals site. Officials said the contract duration is three years.

- ASTM announced proposed standard for a rapid diagnostic fuel quality test procedure 8/11
- Indonesia aims to launch B50 biodiesel in 2026, but unlikely in January 8/11
- Argentina's YPF to invest $400 MM in SAF venture 8/11
- OC Global signs MoU with Passo Fundo for greenfield ammonia plant in Brazil 8/8
- India's E20 fuel rollout marked by widespread criticism 8/8
- Argentina's YPF to invest $400 MM in sustainable jet fuel venture 8/8