Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Americas

Velan buys 70% stake in Italian valve company ABV

Canada-based industrial valve company Velan has acquired a 70% ownership stake in Italy’s ABV Energy S.p.A., a manufacturer of engineered valves, actuators and control systems supplied to energy markets.

Shell, Cosan launch sugarcane ethanol JV in Brazil

Shell and Cosan on Thursday officially launched their $12 billion joint venture that they say will become a leading producer of ethanol made from sugarcane. Named Raizen, the retail and commercial fuels company will operate in Brazil.

Navy climbers arrest environmentalists as drilling set to begin at Arctic oil rig

An occupation team from environmental activist group Greenpeace that scaled an Arctic oil rig to prevent deepwater drilling was arrested by climbers believed to be from the Danish navy.

Vopak, Enagas to acquire LNG terminal in Mexico

Global tank storage firm Vopak has partnered with Spain-based Enagas to acquire 100% of shares in the LNG import and re-gasification terminal in Altamira, Mexico.

PPG buys South Africa distributor Ducol Coatings

US chemicals and coatings producer PPG Industries has acquired the business of Ducol Coatings, which has served as an importer and distributor of PPG’s automotive refinish products in South Africa since 2003.

Buckeye purchases US terminal, pipeline assets from BP for $165mn

Buckeye Partners said it completed the purchase of 33 refined products terminals and 650 miles of pipeline from BP for $165mn.

Pump rebuilding by expert non-OEMs is effective

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.
Hydro Inc.: Bluse, B.

Communication and competence are key in finding the best repair shop for major equipment

Update your reliability performance to meet process safety expectations

Flint Hills Resources, L.P.: Bloch, K.  |  Bertsch, J.
Western ROPE, LLC: Dunmire, D.

Better risk assessment can identify root causes for potential site catastrophes before they occur

Use advanced process control to add value for your facility

Honeywell Process Solutions: Di Nello, R.

Optimization programs deliver benefits to existing and new plants

Consider closed–loop oil-mist lubrication

Lubrication Systems Company: Ehlert, D.

A growing trend is migrating to this new lubricating system for rotating equipment