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Europe

Evonik begins building German polybutadiene plant, plans mid-2013 startup

The plant is scheduled for completion in the middle of 2013. Functionalized polybutadienes, which Evonik plans to market under the name POLYVEST HT, are used mainly in sealing compounds for insulated glass windows and for adhesives used in the automotive and electronics industries.

CB&I wins work on BASF Belgium butadiene project

This award, valued in excess of $50 million, builds on CB&I’s existing relationship with BASF as licensor of its butadiene technology, according to the companies. The plant is scheduled to start up during 2014.

Shell picks Jacobs as European downstream services provider

HP Editorial Staff: HP News

Under a five-year deal, Jacobs will perform work ranging from feasibility studies and small plant modifications to discrete projects for major Shell refining and chemical sites.

Global refinery runs poised to rise amid growth in developing countries

The IEA forecast shows that despite concerns about growth in emerging economies, such as China, demand from there is still growing and refining margins still have room to improve. China's crude intake is likely to increase in the coming months, just at a slower pace than previously expected.

India oil product demand to slow in months ahead

The EIA's monthly forecast is broadly in line with domestic projections. Summer energy demand recently peaked, and it will likely fall off over the next few months, barring unforeseen contingencies. The government has announced plans for $1 trillion in infrastructure investments over the next five years.

EU chemicals output shows monthly, yearly decline

Monthly data for May 2012 showed a 0.7% decline compared with May the year prior, according to figures from trade group Cefic. Industry confidence also deteriorated in May, based mainly on a strong weakening in managers' expectations for the months ahead.

Invista acquires Europe, Mideast licensing rights to PTA, PET technologies

In 2000, the ownership of intellectual property and licensing rights for the region transferred to a regional joint venture company established by INVISTA’s and La Seda’s predecessors. Until Wednesday, licensing had required collaboration between the two companies.

Jacobs wins South Africa sulfuric acid plant work

Under the terms of the deal, Jacobs is designing the equipment and process for two final acid towers. The company is also designing and fabricating a proprietary anodically-protected sulfuric acid cooler, which will be manufactured at Jacobs' facility in Pickering, Ontario. Financial terms were not disclosed.

UOP technology chosen to boost yields at Romania synthetic rubber plant

Energy Bio-Chemicals will use UOP’s KLP process to purify butadiene, a monomer used to produce synthetic rubber, at the company's CAROM Onesti styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) facility. The project is part of a modernization investment program to upgrade butadiene installation and increase production.

Linde forms European LNG venture for marine fuels

The 50/50 venture company is due to start its operations in the latter part of 2012, officials said, with headquarters in Hamburg. The venture will set out to establish an LNG supply chain and to provide reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly fuel to ship owners and operators.