Americas
Explosion injures one worker at Irving Oil refinery in New Brunswick, Canada
The accident happened Wednesday just before midday Atlantic Daylight Time when a tank undergoing maintenance became overpressurized. The fire service was called but soon downgraded its presence to one fire crew to act in a “monitoring role,” a spokesman for the service said.
Westlake delays US ethylene expansion to 2013
The expansion in Lake Charles, Louisiana, will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by 230 - 240 million lb/year (104,000 – 109,000 tpy), targeting an ethylene integration strategy, company officials said. The unit is expected to be down approximately 50 days for the work to be completed.
Chevron inspection missed suspected pipe at Richmond refinery
Chevron says a corroded pipe segment that may have caused the recent fire was not included in a prior inspection and could have been unusually susceptible to corrosion.
PdVSA to supply crude for Reliance refinery in India
Reliance executive P.M.S. Prasad said the crude will feed India's Jamnagar refinery and will help the rapidly growing Asian economy meet its growing energy needs. He said the supply contract could run longer than 15 years. The contract will begin with shipments of 300,000 bbl and increase over time.
Foster Wheeler to supply heat recovery steam generators in Mexico
Foster Wheeler will design, supply and provide advisory services for erection and start-up of the two HRSGs, which will be coupled to two LM 6000PF combustion turbines. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2013.
EPA launches criminal probe into Chevron refinery emissions in California
The investigation into whether Chevron routed sulfur dioxide and other pollutants to bypass the refinery's air emissions monitoring system is the latest black eye against the company's 245,000 bpd refinery. The company is still dealing with the aftermath of an August fire at the plant.
Petrobras charged with crimes in refinery oil spill
The oil leak contaminated the Iguacu River, Guanabara Bay and swamps surrounding the refinery with oil, residues and chemicals, the prosecutor's office said. Officials were also charged with interfering with an investigation conducted by Rio de Janeiro state environmental regulators.
Foster Wheeler, Hyundai win design deal for new PdVSA Venezuela refinery
Foster Wheeler’s scope of work includes early detailed engineering design and the delivery of an open book estimate for the crude distillation unit, storage and blending unit and fuel distribution plant. The main release of the detailed engineering design work will be booked at a later date.
Total Safety joins top winners in US safety awards
Nominees had to demonstrate support from management and employee involvement in the company’s safety and health program as well as provide innovative solutions to safety challenges. Total Safety CEO David Fanta said his company was “truly honored” and gave credit to employees.
Airgas plans new Chicago industrial gases plant
The air separation unit, which will produce more than 400 tpd of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, is expected to begin production in the fall of 2014. “The market for atmospheric gases is very strong in the Midwest and we fully expect it to continue,” said Michael Molinini, Airgas CEO.
- Allied Biofuels signs PIA with Uzbekistan to advance $6-B biofuels refinery project 4/10
- Nufarm strengthens strategic collaboration to support long term growth in biofuels production 4/10
- Pertamina and CRecTech sign MoU to explore pilot biogas-to-biomethanol facility in SEZ, Indonesia 4/10
- Shell Chemicals and Syensqo partner to deliver low-carbon ethylene oxide solutions 4/10
- HAMR Energy’s nationally significant fuel projects selected for Australian Government’s Investor Front Door Pilot 4/10
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries builds world's first ammonia-powered vessel 4/10
