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Americas

Global chemical industry to see modest growth, driven by M&A activity

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

In its 2013 outlook, Deloitte finds that the financial influences of globalization, market maturation in China, and raw material trends will position M&A as an effective strategic tool.

Mitsubishi eyes new methanol complex in Trinidad

In the first phase, the proposed plant would produce 1 million tpy of methanol and 100,000 tpy of dimethyl ether. The partners expect to reach a final investment decision by March 2014 and start commercial operations by March 2017, the two Japanese companies said in a statement.

EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Adrienne Blume

During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.

Air Liquide starts up new nitrogen liquefier in Texas

The new liquefier is the second of two now in operation at the Cleburne facility. It will enable Air Liquide to increase its supply of liquid nitrogen to customers in a range of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, glass, electronics, oil and gas, and chemicals.

Sasol buys ethylene compressor trains for planned Louisiana ethane cracker

The compressor trains are a critical long-lead item for Sasol's proposed world-scale ethane cracker at its Lake Charles site in southwest Louisiana. Sasol announced the commencement of the FEED phase for the cracker last December. The cracker will also include downstream derivative units.

KBR, Yokogawa form ammonia technology alliance

Company officials say the fertilizer automation package will couple KBR’s ammonia process technology expertise with Yokogawa’s know-how of process control systems to streamline the work process, develop standard configurations and simplify interfaces between various suppliers.

US ethane glut to boost petrochemical margins

Ethane production in the US is likely to grow to 1.11 million bpd in 2013, 125,000 bpd more than in 2012, the report finds. Petrochemical demand, however, will not keep up with the flood of ethane supply.

KBR wins pipe fabrication work from Shell Canada for oil sands CO2 capture

KBR says it will support Shell’s effort to maximize off-site modularization for this project by providing pipe spool fabrication and module assembly for pipe, process, equipment and building modules. The scope also includes the fabrication of several unique and innovative vertical modules.

Phillips 66 to build rail-unloading facility for crudes at Washington refinery

The unloading facility would allow a train with 100 or more railcars to pull up at the refinery and have its cargo pumped to existing storage tanks, according to an application filed with the Northwest Clean Air Agency. The unloading facility would be able to transfer about 12,800 bbl of oil per hour.

Shell pipeline spills oil into Houston-area bayou

Shell clean-up crews were working to clear the crude out of Vince Bayou, a waterway that connects to the Houston Ship Channel, which leads into the Gulf of Mexico, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Steven Lehman. The spill was contained but the total amount of oil was still being verified.