Refining
Targa Resources Partners announces benzene treating project
Targa Resources Partners subsidiary Targa LSNG LP has executed a long-term contract with Marathon Petroleum Co. to install, own and operate treating equipment to reduce the benzene content of natural gasoline.
Algae: A potential source of future fuels?
Algae have been studied for many years as a potential renewable energy feedstock to produce motor fuels. Below, we discuss the attributes of algae that make it potentially attractive and some of the technological and economic challenges in algae cultivation, harvesting, and oil extraction that must be addressed before algae-based fuels can be commercially produced.
Coffeyville Resources extends crude oil supply pact
Independent petroleum refiner Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing, LLC, a subsidiary of CVR Energy, Inc., announced that it has agreed to extend by a year the term of its crude oil supply agreement with Vitol Inc.
Exousia to begin delivering biodiesel in August
Exousia Advanced Materials, Inc. says that its biodiesel production facility located in South Carolina is currently completing maintenance and re-tooling and will begin delivering biodiesel orders in August.
New pet coke handling company formed
Oiltanking and Dupré Logistics announced the formation of a joint venture company named Oiltanking-Dupré. This new organization, dedicated to serving customers in need of material handling for pet coke, combines the assets of Oiltanking’s worldwide network with Dupré’s experience in dry bulk handling.
Murphy Oil to exit the refining business
Murphy Oil Corp. plans to exit the refining businesses. The refineries at Superior, Wisconsin; Meraux, Louisiana; and Milford Haven, Wales, UK; along with the retail system in the UK will be placed for sale. The company anticipates a transaction being completed in the first quarter of 2011.
Aramco, Total sign Jubail refinery financing
SAUDI Aramco and Total have closed a low-cost, $8.5bn project financing for Saudi Arabia's Jubail export refinery. Signed in late June, the deal – the first project financing in Saudi Arabia to feature an Islamic bond – was comfortably oversubscribed, receiving commitments for over $13.5bn. The financing covers 70% of the total project cost; the remainder will be funded directly by the sponsors, working together as Saudi Aramco Total Refining & Petrochemical's (Satorp), of which Aramco holds 62.5% and Total the remainder.
Cleanfield researching a renewable energy driven heat engine
Cleanfield Alternative Energy Inc. has entered into a research collaboration agreement with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and the Ontario Centers of Excellence (OCE) to develop a novel renewable energy based power generation system running a new trilateral cycle. The research project will involve: developing conceptual designs, analyzing thermodynamic performance aspects and costs, building and testing a prototype system, optimizing and improving for real-scale applications for power production purposes, and commercialization by Cleanfield.
NSR wins award for alternative fuel technology
NSR’s technology converts waste plastic into an alternative hydrocarbon liquid fuel that can be used by any combustion engine. This high-octane fuel burns cleaner and more efficiently than traditional gasoline and diesel, and it can be produced at a lower overall cost.
New edition of electrical safety code of practice published by the Energy Institute
Model Code of Safe Practice Part 1 is a guide for anyone involved in the manufacture, supply, and management of certified Ex equipment used in hazardous areas. It provides up to date guidance on the selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of explosion protected Ex electrical and non-electrical apparatus, primarily used in both the onshore and offshore petroleum industry.

- Transition Industries signs agreements for the Pacifico Mexinol Project, an ultra-low carbon chemical production facility 7/3
- Bangkok Airways introduces SAF on commercial flights 7/3
- EcoCeres secures SAF contract with British Airways to help reduce carbon emissions 7/3
- Air Liquide to invest up to $200 MM in Louisiana, U.S. to support industrial growth 7/3
- MOL completes the acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals 7/3
- BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fueled vessels 7/3