Polymers
HP Petrochemicals: Higher international sales boost 2015 earnings above forecast for many chemical leaders
Raw materials costs continue to stay low in the US thanks to the shale boom, but the global decline in oil markets has eroded selling prices for many of the nation’s domestic chemicals and plastics producers.
BASF to sell 25% stake of SolVin PVC venture in Germany to Solvay
The transaction will take place effective July 1, 2015. SolVin was first established in 1999 as a 75-25 joint venture between Solvay and BASF in the area of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
PolyOne opens new Asian innovation center
At the grand opening, customers and local officials participated in tours and demonstrations that showcased how PolyOne differentiates its products and services in the specialty marketplace.
Honeywell breaks ground on new nylon resins line at Virginia complex
When the line starts up in the fourth quarter of 2015, Honeywell's Chesterfield facility will become the first and only North American supplier of both resins.
Alkylating refinery-grade propylene offers processing opportunities
The propylene in this stream from FCC and coking units can be combined with isobutane in an alkylation unit to yield a high-value gasoline blending component—alkylate.
Mexichem to expand German specialty PVC plant
Vestolit will build a new production line with an annual capacity of 40,000 metric tons of paste (emulsion) PVC. The line will combine the established leading polymerization technology with a newly-developed, energy-efficient, drying technology.
Study: US plastics jobs to rise 20% within decade
"The Rising Competitive Advantage of US Plastics" study found that the shale gas production surge has reversed the fortunes of the plastics industry, shifting the competitive advantage to the US, where producers mostly use raw materials derived from natural gas.
Jacobs wins work on Huntsman’s polyetheramine expansion in Singapore
The Jurong Island facility expansion is expected to enable backward integration to produce polyethers from locally-sourced feedstocks, according to Huntsman officials.
A Schulman to relocate European services center from Belgium to Poland
Plans call for this phased relocation to be completed by May 2016.
Maximize energy recovery with small steam turbines
Using smaller turbines (50 kW to 300 kW) can aid system efficiency and help conserve energy. We investigate examples in which the application of smaller steam turbines provided return on investment within two years.

- Eckero Line to use Neste renewable diesel for commercial maritime transport 4/24
- Indian Oil plans to operate Gujarat refinery at higher capacity from mid-2026 4/24
- Valero Energy reports first-quarter loss on lower margins, impairment charges 4/24
- California (U.S.) governor drives out refiners then pleads for reliable fuel supplies 4/24
- UK, Eni agree to go ahead with Liverpool Bay carbon capture project 4/24
- GS E&C, Amogy, HD Hyundai Infracore partner with South Korean city to advance ammonia-based power gen 4/24