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Polymers

Shale boom not cutting US polyethylene user costs

Despite the shale boom, the price of polyethylene in the US has generally risen over the past few years. The type most used typically costs around 75 cents/lb, up from an average of 64 cents in 2010.

Total to shut Eastern France naphtha cracker, invest in polymers

HP Editorial Staff: HP News Services

The company's investments at Carling include the creation of a thermoplastics unit, reinforcing its polystyrene business and the upgrading of its polyethylene production unit.

Huntsman acquires US polyols manufacturer Oxid

Huntsman says Oxid's polyols are a key component in the production of energy-saving polyurethane insulation products that are used in residential and commercial construction.

CB&I, Clariant look to develop new polypropylene catalyst technologies

By leveraging the successful licensing and process design experience of Lummus Novolen and the strong catalyst R&D capabilities of Clariant, the two companies expect to further strengthen their joint position in polypropylene catalysts. Clariant and Lummus Novolen will jointly invest in the new line.

Sasol exits Iran with sale of polymers business

Sasol had been pressured by international advocacy groups to sell its stake in the Iran business. The Arya Sasol complex has a 1 million tpy ethane cracker, a 300,000 tpy low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant and a 300,000 tpy medium-density/high-density polyethylene (MD/HDPE) unit.

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Outlook for major revamp projects—Part 2

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Worldwide, refiners are investing billions in upgrading and modernizing projects. These efforts are focused on:Increasing flexibility to process heavier, sourer crudesImproving energy efficiencyMeetin..

HP Industry Perspectives: US oil and gas executives energized for the year ahead

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Romanow, Stephany

A recent survey of US executives by the KPMG Global Energy Institute supports growing optimism in the domestic energy and manufacturing industries. Much of the renewed enthusiasm is strongly linked to..

INEOS picks KBR for FEED work on major US Gulf polyethylene proposal

The new INEOS facility for high-density polyethylene is expected to be located in the US Gulf coast area. KBR’s scope of work includes the FEED for the inside and outside battery limit facilities, development of an appropriation grade cost estimate, and order of long lead equipment for the project.

Sasol, INEOS to develop new US plant for high-density polyethylene

The envisaged plant will produce 470,000 tpy of bimodal HDPE using Innovene S process technology licensed from INEOS Technologies. The final investment decision from the two companies is expected to be made in the first half of 2014, with start-up of the plant expected at the end of 2015.

US House subcommittee to closely scrutinize law on toxic substances

"I believe evaluating TSCA sections 5 (new chemicals) and 14 (disclosure of data) is fundamental to judging progress in new technologies and manufacturing frontiers in our country," said Subcommittee vice chairman Phil Gingrey in a recent hearing on the matter.