Americas
Investigators: Deficient refinery safety culture to blame in recent blasts
The US report cites a lax safety culture, weak industry standards for safeguarding equipment, and a regulatory system that often emphasizes activities over outcomes.
US energy groups spar over 2014 biofuel mandate
Several leading US trade groups representing the petroleum and biofuels sectors are at odds this week as the EPA prepares to finalize the nation's renewable fuels mandates for 2014.
ExxonMobil sees sharp drop in international profits for refining, chemicals
Exxon said sluggish economic growth in the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions limited refining business, while Asia's chemical sector was hurt by a spate of new capacity added in recent years.
UOP, Qatar Petroleum to jointly develop new gas treatment technology
Under the agreement, the companies will work together to develop more efficient technologies to remove contaminants from natural gas, so that it can be liquefied for transportation by ship and other means.
Jacobs wins plant services contract from Suncor for Canadian oil sands
Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing management and services to support the maintenance of the plant’s process, which may include mechanical, rotating and operating equipment, as well as maintenance provisions in the areas of transportation, insulation, painting, and structural work.
Eastman buys BP’s aviation turbine oil business
Annual revenues are approximately $100 million. The acquisition includes a production facility in Linden, New Jersey, specialized laboratory equipment located in Naperville, Illinois, and a long-term supply agreement for products related to the acquired business that BP will use to serve industrial markets.
US sees increase in monthly chemical production
For the second consecutive month, production increased in all seven regions of the US. For the year as a whole, the chemical production regional index (US CPRI) was ahead by 1.2%.
Huntsman to expand global polyetheramines unit
Expansion is currently underway in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company expects projects at its Conroe, Texas, Llanelli, Wales (UK) and Singapore sites to be fully operational by May 2014.
Porocel acquires Medicine Hat catalyst processing facility from Criterion
The Medicine Hat facility will be Porocel’s fourth catalyst regeneration, rejuvenation and ex-situ presulfurization plant globally and strategically positions Porocel to service the Canadian market.
Praxair upgrades Alberta air separation plants
The air separation plant upgrades and new facilities and equipment are part of Praxair’s ongoing commitment to Western Canada’s growing oil and gas market, according to company officials.
- thyssenkrupp Uhde selected by Dangote Fertilizer Ltd. to license four urea granulation units in Nigeria 11/21
- Indian and Chinese refineries are moving to comply with U.S. sanctions on Russia 11/21
- China's first coal-to-chemicals project with green hydrogen starts commercial operations 11/20
- Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem partner to turn captured carbon into long-lasting products 11/20
- Nigeria's Dangote refinery delays CDU maintenance to end of January 2026 11/20
- Tecnimont attends ground-breaking ceremony of Tengiz Gas separation Complex in Kazakhstan 11/20
