Refining
Lukoil acquires larger stake in Sicily ISAB refinery from Italian partner ERG
The sale was for €485 million, excluding inventory. Lukoil and ERG agreed to the ISAB venture in 2008, under which the Sicily-based refinery has a capacity of roughly 320,000 bpd. Lukoil now owns 80% of the venture.
BNSF expands Bakken US oil rail capacity by 25%
The expansion will help oil producers move their oil to market. The boom in domestic crude production has caused a parallel increase in railway use. Tesoro, Phillips 66 and Statoil have all purchased rail cars - and in Tesoro's case, built rail lines - to move oil from increasingly productive US fields.
Sinopec forms new engineering company in Beijing for refining, petrochemicals
Sinopec Group, the parent of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., or Sinopec, says the unit has the capacity to handle over 20 large engineering, procurement and construction projects simultaneously.
Valero to convert idled Aruba refinery to terminal
Terminal activities will require a considerably smaller workforce, according to the company. The reorganization and reduction in jobs is expected to be complete before the end of 2012. Valero will continue to supply jet fuel, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil to Aruba, according to CEO Bill Klesse.
Maximize diesel production in an FCC-centered refinery, Part 1
For refineries with an FCC unit as the main conversion vehicle, the debate is how existing refinery assets can best be used to economically increase diesel production.
Redefining reforming catalyst performance: High selectivity and stability
Highly developed CCR catalysts are more robust to ensure extended service over 7–9 years.
Upgrade heavy oil more cost-efficiently
A new technology can economically upgrade and significantly improve the properties of heavy oil by reducing viscosity, increasing gravity and removing contaminants.
CO2 capture from SMRs: A demonstration project
Technical and economic results from this project will be key in determining the most effective path to commercialization.
Increase FCC processing flexibility by improved catalyst recycling methods
The dynamic global refining market emphasizes the need for greater operating flexibility in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit.
Bio-isobutanol: The next-generation biofuel
This article highlights the technology, feedstocks and market growth opportunities for isobutanol, with a focus on potential new market offerings in the very near future.

- U.S. firms to develop Syria energy masterplan after Trump lifts sanctions 7/18
- Russian seaborne diesel exports for July 1–15 fall 6% month-on-month 7/18
- INEOS invests £30 MM to slash emissions at Hull site by 75% 7/18
- Mitsubishi Chemical Group invests in Licella Holdings, oil conversion technology using supercritical water 7/18
- BASF and Equinor sign 10-yr natural gas supply agreement 7/18
- Oil prices rise after new EU sanctions on Russia 7/18