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Europe

Poland's PKN Orlen to intensify 2012 shale drilling

Polish state-controlled oil firm PKN Orlen plans to significantly intensify work on its shale gas concessions in Poland this year and has enough resources to continue exploration without partners. The company also plans to enter gas-fired power generation, it said.

Technip wins flexible pipe supply deal for Petrobras

France-based Technip was awarded a 5-year frame agreement contract from Brazil’s Petrobras for the supply of around 1,400 kilometers of flexible pipes. Supply starts in 2013 and orders are guaranteed for at least 50% of the total value, which is currently estimated to be worth around $2.1 billion.

BP to sell global LPG bottles, tank filling business

BP plans to sell its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottles and tank filling operations in Portugal, UK, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, China and South Africa, as well as its non refinery-integrated wholesale business. The company expects to complete any deal by the end of 2013.

Global automation groups form single solution for device integration

The five major automation foundations have developed a single common solution for field device integration (FDI). FDI Cooperation’s mandate is to develop a single technology for the management of information that comes from all intelligent devices throughout all areas of the plant.

Italy's natural gas situation turns critical as EU copes with shortage

Italy said its natural gas supply situation Monday was critical after receiving lower-than-requested gas imports from Russia for nearly a week, but the European Commission said other EU countries are coping with the shortage of fossil fuel. A bitter cold snap has temporarily tightened supplies to parts of Europe.

EU says gas shortage affecting Eastern Europe, Greece, Italy, Austria

Italy, Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Romania are experiencing shortages of natural gas, the European Commission said Friday. While exact figures for Friday aren't yet available, Thursday's supplies from Russia to Austria declined 30%, to Italy by 24% and to Poland by 8%.

CB&I to supply process heaters for Russia refinery modernization work

CB&I said Thursday that its Lummus Technology business sector was awarded two separate contracts by a client in Russia. The scope of work includes detailed design and engineering and material supply for numerous heaters for a refinery modernization project, the company said.

Aker to buy Norway engineering firm Sandnessjøen

Aker Solutions has acquired Norwegian engineering company Sandnessjøen Engineering, seeking to strengthen its presence in northern Norway and grow its engineering capacity for offshore projects. The deal is expected to be completed in mid-February. Transaction value was undisclosed.

Consider total value when optimizing catalytic cracking units

BASF Corp.: Ismail, S.

Low rare-earth catalysts balance activity and selectivity against cost

Increase energy efficiency for your refinery

KBC Process Technology Ltd.: Milosevic, Z.

Behavioral and organization changes are often needed to effectively maximize operating profits