Middle East
Global refinery runs to improve in months ahead
Growth in demand could give European refiners, struggling from lackluster regional demand, export opportunities - in particular, gasoline to the US Northeast, the IEA says.
Oryx starts up lube oil blending plant in West Africa
Oryx Oil & Gas has started up a new lube oil blending plant (LOBP) in Togo, West Africa, the contractor involved with the project said this week. The plant has an output capacity of 18,000 tpy and is expected to serve all segments and markets in West Africa, especially the minerals and mining industry.
Foster Wheeler inks global services pact with Dow
Foster Wheeler has signed a strategic umbrella agreement with Dow Chemical for the provision of project management, consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and construction services. The deal offers support by Foster Wheeler to selected Dow global capital projects, the companies said.
Linde to supply gases for Sadara Chemical venture
The Linde Group signed a contract with Sadara Chemical in which Linde will supply Sadara with carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3) at a chemical complex in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The on-site gases supply contract includes a HyCO facility for the production of CO and H2 plus an ammonia plant.
Alternate feedstock options for petrochemicals: A roadmap
New hydrocarbons will be needed to meet future demand
Optimize olefin operations
This operating company used process models to find solutions to poor separation performance
Improve catalyst management at the FCC unit
System revamp reduces unloading time, boosts refinery operations
Operational optimization for mixed-refrigerant systems
Use rigorous simulation to improve process efficiency
Understand multi-stage pumps and sealing options: Part 2
As more processes involve high-pressure, toxic, flammable, lethal or explosive pumping services, better knowledge of rotating equipment options can boost productivity.
Use better designed turboexpanders to handle flashing fluids
New models eliminate vibration problems and improve process reliability

- Mideast conflict turbocharges diesel prices, squeezing Europe 6/23
- Pertamina is looking to import > 200,000/month of 90-octane gasoline 6/23
- Japan will mitigate potential gasoline price spike, prime minister says 6/23
- Linde to invest $400 MM to build the world-scale air separation unit 6/23
- PETRONAS Lubricants India secures aftermarket service fill contract from Mahindra Automotive Division 6/23
- Tankers U-turn, zig-zag, pause around Strait of Hormuz 6/23