Environment & Safety
Editorial Comment: Unintended regulatory consequences: Lessons learned
Over my 40-yr professional career in the oil and gas processing, refining and petrochemical industries, I have seen many well-intended government regulations completely backfire, cause irrational responses or get lip service.
Several injured, some missing after explosion at BASF German chemical plant
At least two people died and six were severely injured in an explosion and fire at chemicals maker BASF's biggest production site in Germany.
EPA fines Eco Services Corp. for sulfur dioxide leak
The EPA has reached a settlement with Eco Services Operations Corp., located in Carson, Calif., for violations of federal laws related to a large release of 65,049 pounds of sulfur dioxide in 2013.
Monitor medium-voltage switchgear in refineries
When medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) in a refinery fails, it can force a process unit or even an entire refinery to shut down.
Innovations
Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.
Emerson to acquire UK-based Permasense Ltd.
Emerson has agreed to acquire UK-based Permasense Ltd., a provider of non-intrusive corrosion monitoring technologies for heavy industries, including refining, chemical, and pipelines.
Wika reduces risk of undetected diaphragm ruptures
Wika’s PG43SA-D diaphragm pressure gauge is unique in featuring an integrated diaphragm monitoring and eliminates the risk of an undetected diaphragm rupture.
Southeastern US Colonial pipeline safely restarted
Colonial Pipeline Co. said its main gasoline line, Line 1, was safely restarted and returned to service Wednesday after its biggest leak in nearly two decades squeezed supply in the southeastern US.
EIA: Colonial pipeline shutdown disrupts gasoline supply in the southeast
A partial shutdown of the Colonial pipeline system, a major source of transportation fuels to the Southeast, has disrupted gasoline supplies, leading to higher prices and product shortages in parts of the region.
Callidus Technologies inaugurates flare testing facility
Callidus Technologies has inaugurated a new facility for the testing of gas combustion flares at its manufacturing facility in Beggs, Oklahoma.

- thyssenkrupp Uhde completes pre-FEED for HAMR Energy’s renewable fuels project in Australia 8/21
- Europe distillates-diesel profit margins firm 8/21
- U.S.: Indiana's bp refinery restarts after severe flooding 8/21
- Berlin weighs trusteeship extension for Rosneft's German assets 8/21
- Trump administration to rule on biofuel exemption requests, delay reallocation decision 8/21
- TotalEnergies' Donges refinery fire extinguished 8/21