Refining
EPA waives clean gasoline rules for eight US states following Hurricane Isaac
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which may result in a temporary shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations. The waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the impacted states until normal supply can be restored.
US reiterates tough stance against BP on Gulf spill
In the filing, made in response to a previous BP request to accept a $7.8 billion settlement between the company and thousands of plaintiffs over economic losses and property damage, the Department of Justice said that BP had a culture of recklessness, and also pointed the finger to Transocean.
Singapore charges Shell with safety lapses over Pulau Bukom refinery fire
The incident arose last year during maintenance work on a pipeline that started from a naphtha tank and passed through a pumphouse where products were blended. The Pulau Bukom refinery is Shell's largest.
Libya restarts largest domestic refinery after war closure
The Ras Lanuf facility, a key exporter of fuel oil to European markets and which made up over half of Libya's refining output before the war, was shut during the 2011 conflict. It had remained closed because of war damage and insufficient feedstock from the fields that supply it.
Lukoil acquires larger stake in Sicily ISAB refinery from Italian partner ERG
The sale was for €485 million, excluding inventory. Lukoil and ERG agreed to the ISAB venture in 2008, under which the Sicily-based refinery has a capacity of roughly 320,000 bpd. Lukoil now owns 80% of the venture.
BNSF expands Bakken US oil rail capacity by 25%
The expansion will help oil producers move their oil to market. The boom in domestic crude production has caused a parallel increase in railway use. Tesoro, Phillips 66 and Statoil have all purchased rail cars - and in Tesoro's case, built rail lines - to move oil from increasingly productive US fields.
Sinopec forms new engineering company in Beijing for refining, petrochemicals
Sinopec Group, the parent of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., or Sinopec, says the unit has the capacity to handle over 20 large engineering, procurement and construction projects simultaneously.
Valero to convert idled Aruba refinery to terminal
Terminal activities will require a considerably smaller workforce, according to the company. The reorganization and reduction in jobs is expected to be complete before the end of 2012. Valero will continue to supply jet fuel, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil to Aruba, according to CEO Bill Klesse.
Maximize diesel production in an FCC-centered refinery, Part 1
For refineries with an FCC unit as the main conversion vehicle, the debate is how existing refinery assets can best be used to economically increase diesel production.
Redefining reforming catalyst performance: High selectivity and stability
Highly developed CCR catalysts are more robust to ensure extended service over 7–9 years.
- CTCI awarded $417-MM EPC contract to build ethylene storage in Qatar 11/15
- Russian refineries cut oil runs due to losses, closures loom 11/15
- Spain's Moeve swings to quarterly loss on weak refining margins 11/15
- Asia naphtha supply expected to remain tight over next two years 11/15
- Countries, companies lag in response to tackle methane emissions, U.N. says 11/15
- U.S. energy draws up a wish list for new Trump administration 11/15
