Polymers
China to build crude MDI plant for polyurethanes with BASF, Huntsman
With the new plant, the MDI capacity will be doubled to 480,000 tpy. In addition, the partners plan to build a HCl (hydrogen chloride) recycling plant for the production of chlorine, a precursor for MDI.
INEOS acquires BASF share in global styrenics JV
Styrolution was founded in October 2011 as a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and INEOS, and is the leading global styrenics supplier, according to company officials.
Braskem to build new polyethylene plant at Texas Gulf Coast complex
The new plant in Texas will manufacture ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), making it the first time for Braskem to produce UHMWPE outside of its home base in Brazil.
Sasol, INEOS approve construction of new Texas polyethylene facility
INEOS will operate the new high-density polyethylene plant at its Battleground manufacturing complex in La Porte, Texas. Plant start-up is expected in the 2016 calendar year.
A chemist’s perspective on organic fouling in ethylene operations
Since organic fouling cannot be completely eliminated, ethylene producers must use operational, chemical and mechanical methods to minimize heat transfer losses and equipment downtime.
HP Petrochemicals: Future vehicle design will need collaboration among HPI and auto manufacturers
The US automotive market is under stress to meet new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) targets of 50 mpg for 2025 model vehicles. The tighter fuel specifications will bring together automobile man..
Westlake Chemical buys German PVC firm Vinnolit
Vinnolit is an integrated global provider of specialty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. The acquisition price of €490 million will be financed using existing Westlake cash and credit facilities.
US monthly chemical production edges higher
There were gains in chlor-alkali and inorganic chemicals, synthetic dyes and pigments, industrial gases, consumer products, adhesives, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and coatings. These gains were partially offset by declines in plastic resins, pesticides, fertilizers, and manmade fibers.
Celanese to build vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions unit in Southeast Asia
“This proposed expansion will support our global and regional growth strategy to expand our reach into the markets of Southeast Asia,” said Mark Murray, GM of the Celanese emulsion polymers business.
IRPC 2014: Defining the course of the global HPI
Leading hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) executives and technical experts will come together June 24–26 in Verona, Italy, to share ideas, innovation and vision for the global downstream indu..
- Ineos to shut polystyrene facility in Illinois (U.S.) by the end of the year 6/19
- How ASTM approval of methanol-to-jet accelerates SAF at scale 6/19
- EU crafts plan to give industries extra free CO2 permits this year 6/19
- PetroChina forecasts Chinese oil consumption will drop 4.9% this year 6/19
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- Russian gasoline output down 25% so far in June after drone attacks on refineries 6/19

