Europe
Study says isobutanol-gasoline blends are superior to ethanol in small engines
In side by side performance, durability and emissions testing of small engines, gasoline blended with isobutanol performed better than blends using ethanol, according to new research from renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels firm Gevo. The results demonstrated that unlike ethanol, blends incorporating isobutanol do not cause any irregular or unstable engine or performance issues.
Chemical M&A surging amid major US deals - PwC
Mega deals involving US-based companies in the global chemicals industry helped raise merger and acquisition (M&A) deal value to $16 billion in the third quarter of 2011, according to Chemical Compounds, a quarterly analysis of M&A activity in the global chemicals industry by consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Sasol picks Foster Wheeler for EPCm on gas-fired power plant in South Africa
Foster Wheeler says it has received an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) services contract from Sasol for the outside battery limit (OBL) portion of a new gas-fired power generation plant at Sasolburg, South Africa.
Cereplast finalizes purchase of Italy bioplastics site
US-based bioplastics firm Cereplast has completed its purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi (Cannara), Italy that will serve as the hub for the company's European bioplastics production. Cereplast management said it estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility will be approximately €12 million.
LUKoil begins $3bn/year investment plan for Russia downstream projects
Russia’s largest private oil company LUKoil has begun construction on a gas processing plant (GPP) included in a gas chemical facility (GCF) in Budyonnovsk, Stavropol Territory, part of the company’s plan to invest $3 billion/year in downstream operations from 2012 through 2014.
BP reaches turning point in oil output, safety - CEO
As BP announced its third-quarter financial results on Tuesday, group CEO Bob Dudley put forther more details on BP’s future direction and strategic priorities, saying the company had reached a clear turning point in oil and gas production.
Statoil extends Aker pact for Norway refinery work
Statoil has exercised its option for a three-year extension of its minor modifications frame agreement with Aker Solutions for the Mongstad refinery, located on Norway's west coast.
Hydrocarbon Processing forecasts 2012 global HPI spending to rise to $222 billion
Spending for the hydrocarbon processing industry is expected to exceed $222 billion next year, up 1.1% over 2011 spending, according to information released on Friday at Hydrocarbon Processing magazine's 38th annual HPI Forecast and Breakfast.
LANXESS, BioAmber to partner on bioplasticizers
European specialty chemicals producer LANXESS and sustainable chemicals firm BioAmber have partnered to develop succinic acid-based plasticizers that are both renewable and phthalate-free, the companies announced on Thursday.
Petroplus mulls base oil closure at France refinery
Petroplus says it intends to suspend next year’s planned turnaround of the base oil complex at the Petit Couronne refinery in France, and is considering a reconfiguration of the refinery which would include a shutdown of the base oil complex.
- China's Shandong raises fuel oil import tax rebates for some refineries 7/3
- Executive Viewpoint: Heavy industry, light footprint—Helping the HPI run leaner and cleaner with AI 7/3
- Digital Feature: Flare system design—The importance of periodic evaluation of existing facilities 7/2
- Valmet to deliver Valmet DNA DCS to a bio-based process plant in Portugal 7/2
- EIA: U.S. crude and gasoline inventories rise, distillates draw down 7/2
- Indonesia's Pertamina seeks spot gasoline, including Singapore cargoes 7/2
