Refining
Marathon agrees to limit refinery pollution in US Clean Air Act settlement
The US DoJ and EPA said Marathon Petroleum agreed to reduce air pollution from all six of the company's petroleum refineries as part of a settlement over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Marathon, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, will also pay a civil penalty of $460,000. It had no immediate comment.
Shell considering gas-to-diesel plant in Louisiana
Royal Dutch Shell is considering building a giant plant in Louisiana that would convert natural gas into diesel fuel, several people familiar with the company's plans said. The Anglo-Dutch company is expected to take up to two years to develop detailed engineering plans to determine if the plant is economically viable.
PetroChina in talks with Shell, Hess about shale oil joint venture
PetroChina, China's largest energy producer, is in talks with Royal Dutch Shell and Hess Corp. about forming a joint venture to develop shale oil in the Santanghu Basin in northwestern Xinjiang province. China had an estimated 354 billion bbl of shale oil resources as of 2008, the World Energy Council said.
US trade groups slam EPA for E15 ethanol blend, citing risk to consumers
The API and AFPM trade groups are critical of the US EPA's recent decision to approve higher levels of ethanol in gasoline (E15) before testing is complete, alleging that it could put consumers at risk. Earlier this week, the EPA approved the first applications to make E15, a 50% increase from the E10 blend.
UOP to expand adsorbents, catalysts production at Alabama facility
Honeywell's UOP will invest $20 million to expand its production facility in Mobile, Ala., to produce adsorbents and catalysts. The products are often used by petrochemical producers and refiners. The expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the company.
Petrobras reportedly in talks to buy Manguinhos refinery in Brazil
Brazil's government-run oil company Petrobras, is in talks to buy the local privately-owned refinery Refinaria de Petroleo Manguinhos SA for at least 2 billion Brazilian reais ($1.1 billion), a local newspaper said over the weekend. Petrobras and Manguinhos officials weren't immediately reached for comment.
India seeks more crude, LNG from Qatar to boost energy security
India will look to increase imports of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas from Qatar in the coming years, Oil Minister Jaipal Reddy said Monday. Reddy told reporters India was yet to decide on the quantum of additional crude and LNG imports.
CB&I wins $50mn deal for Canadian oil sands work
CB&I said Monday that has been awarded a contract, valued in excess of $50 million, for an oil sands project in Canada. The scope of work primarily includes the assembly of coke drums and a fractionator tower, according to the company. Details on the oil sands producer were not disclosed.
Alternate feedstock options for petrochemicals: A roadmap
New hydrocarbons will be needed to meet future demand
Improve catalyst management at the FCC unit
System revamp reduces unloading time, boosts refinery operations
- 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
