Europe
Technip forms technology partnership with French atomic energy group
France-based engineering major Technip has signed a strategic partnership agreement for innovation and technology development with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The agreement is valid for an initial period of three years.
Nabucco pipeline decision could boost Germany's gas supplies
Germany's decision to phase out its nuclear power in light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan has boosted interest in the planned Nabucco gas pipeline, which would transport gas 4,000 km between Turkey and Austria. However, a final decision on the Nabucco project will not be made until the end of next year.
Refining group names Albemarle top biodiesel firm
US-based specialty chemicals producer Albemarle was named biodiesel corporation of the year by the World Refining Association during the Biofuels 2011 annual meeting in Amsterdam. The award, which was presented to representatives from Albemarle's alternative fuel technologies (AFT) division, recognizes industry leaders that have made substantial contributions in the field of renewable fuels.
BASF, Cargill team up on canola oil development
Cargill and BASF Plant Science announced an agreement to co-develop a new dietary source of EPA/DHA that will make it easier for consumers globally to achieve optimal intakes of EPA- and DHA-rich omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This next generation canola oil containing EPA/DHA will enable food, pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturers to deliver the potential health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in a variety of new, cost-effective consumer products available by the end of the decade.
Spent caustic management: Remediation review
Understanding of waste components needed for proper spent caustic disposal
Tips on communicating LOPA results to management
Communicate clearly and explain thoroughly
Pilot-operated safety relief valves: A simple, effective plant upgrade
Replacing spring-loaded valves can help increase efficiency and output
Relief device inlet piping: Beyond the 3 percent rule
With careful consideration, an engineer can be certain that an installation will not chatter
Safety instrumented function design reduces nuisance trips
Implementing low-cost best practices can provide peace of mind
Improve material balance in high-purity distillation control
Using dual-composition conserved energy efficiency, reduced reprocessing and allowed higher throughput

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