Petrochemicals
Georgia Gulf, Galata Chemicals form partnership on bio-based vinyl materials
Georgia Gulf and Galata Chemicals plan to develop a line of flexible bio-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds containing Drapex Alpha, a primary plasticizer produced from renewable feedstocks by Galata Chemicals. The bio-based vinyl compounds are ideal for wire and cable and medical uses.
Chevron Phillips Chemical to expand Texas NGL fractionation unit
Capacity at the Sweeny plant will be raised by about 22,000 bpd, or 19% above current levels, driven by rapid shale development in the Eagle Ford and Permian basins.
Formosa, Kraton venture eyes styrene copolymer plant in Taiwan
Kraton Performance Polymers is forming a 50-50 joint venture with Formosa Petrochemical to build and operate a 30,000 tpy hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) plant in Mailiao, Taiwan. Plant operation is expected in the first half of 2014, according to project officials.
Dow Chemical to build new Saudi coatings plant
The planned facility, which will be located at the Jubail Industrial City, will manufacture a wide range of coating materials for both Saudi Arabia and global export markets.
US chemical production rising in all regions - ACC
The US chemical production regional index (CPRI) rose by 0.5% in February, following a revised 0.5% gain in January, according to new ACC figures. Gains occurred in industrial gases, inorganic chemicals, plastic resins, synthetic rubber, pesticides, adhesives, coatings, specialties, and consumer products.
Global refining catalyst market driven by growth in hydroprocessing
The market improvement is led by demand for cleaner fuels, increasing use of heavier and dirtier feedstocks and additions to refining capacity, a new study says.
Grace venture to build FCC catalysts plant in UAE
W. R. Grace & Co. has signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture with Al Dahra Agricultural Co. to build and operate a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives plant in the Middle East. The production plant would be located in Abu Dhabi and start up in 2015.
Dow opens electronic materials R&D hub in Korea
Dow Chemical has inaugurated its Dow Seoul Technology Center, a global research and development (R&D) center with focus on technological advances in display technologies and semiconductor-related applications. Dow has invested more than $400 million in Korea over the last decade.
Refining deals up sharply in 2011 amid shedding of global assets
Refiners realigned their corporate strategies in 2011, with many shedding refining assets and others choosing to exit the sector altogether, according to a new report.
DuPont launches new innovation center in Brazil
US-based chemicals major DuPont has opened a new Innovation Center in Brazil with the goal of leveraging DuPont’s global science powerhouse to help meet local needs. The company opened one such center earlier this month in Mexico and four others last year in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and India.
- Pengerang Terminals to provide storage and handling facilities for biorefinery feedstocks and products 7/31
- Indian state refiners pause Russian oil purchases 7/31
- PBF Energy partially restarts Martinez (U.S.) refinery, posts smaller-than-expected quarterly loss 7/31
- Key Asian fuel exporters boost jet fuel sales to Europe in July 7/31
- Vopak to expand biofuels storage capacity in Malaysia terminal JV 7/31
- China's Shandong Yulong Petrochemicals to invest > $16 B to incorporate petrochemicals production at Yantai refinery 7/30
