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Polymers

INEOS, Sasol award EPC contract to KBR for new Texas polyethylene plant

The new facility is designed to produce 470,000 tpy of bimodal HDPE using Innovene S process technology licensed from INEOS Technologies. The new, single-train facility will include new polymerization, pelletization, and railcar load-out facilities, plus upgrades to existing infrastructure.

Lanxess to expand North Carolina plastics plant

The expansion is designed to add a second production line. Representing an investment volume of about $15 million, it will double the existing capacity from 20,000 to 40,000 tpy.

Borealis to buy out DuPont’s share of Belgium specialty polymers JV

"The acquisition of the full ownership of Speciality Polymers Antwerp is in line with our strategy to grow our polyolefin business in specific market areas", said Mark Garrett, Borealis CEO.

Oman’s Orpic picks LyondellBasell polypropylene technology at new plant

"We selected the LyondellBasell Spheripol process for its ability to cost-effectively produce a wide range of high-quality products that are demanded by our customers throughout the Middle East and South East Asia," said Henk Pauw, Orpic's general manager for the Liwa plastics project.

Mexichem acquires German PVC producer Vestolit

Mexichem is acquiring Vestolit from Strategic Value Partners for a total of €219 million in cash, supporting Mexichem’s strategy of global growth in high-end specialty products.

Improve compressor reliability with advanced chemical treatments

Although many olefin plants are making big investments in hardware and metallurgy to improve compressor performance and to extend run lengths, the reliability, efficiency and throughput capacity of the CGC are still key influences on plant profitability.

HP Industry Perspectives: Second-generation petrochemical processes take lead

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Romanow, Stephany

Ethylene is the bellwether petrochemical. Almost all petrochemicals begin with ethylene and proceed to other major petrochemicals, including polyethylene (PE), ethylene dichloride, ethylbenzene and et..

CB&I to market Versalis polyethylene technologies in North America

CB&I will be able to offer both tubular and autoclave high pressure processes, which will enhance the range of products at Versalis' LDPE and EVA plants and add a high-quality product mix.

CB&I, Clariant partner on polypropylene catalysts

The partnership strengthens both companies’ position in polypropylene catalyst and technology by leveraging Clariant’s catalyst research and development and production know-how together with CB&I’s vast knowledge in catalyst, process design and licensing of polypropylene plants.

BASF, Alpek agree to swap EPS, polyurethane business in Americas

Alpek will acquire all of Polioles’ EPS business activities, including its EPS production site in Altamira, Mexico. In parallel, BASF will acquire Polioles’ PU business activities, including selected assets in its Lerma facility as well as all marketing and selling rights for PU systems, isocyanates and polyols.