Sinochem Quanzhou Successfully Starts Up New Ethylene Plant in Fujian Province
Beijing—KBR
announced that Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co.
has successfully commissioned a new ethylene facility in
Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China, utilizing KBR’s
SCORE (Selective Cracking Optimum Recovery) technology
(PCN, 21 Sept 2020, p 3).
The 1-million-t/y ethylene plant is part of Sinochem’s
grassroots integrated refining and petrochemical complex,
which also includes a 400,000-t/y high-density polyethylene
facility, which recently achieved on-spec production, as
well as an 800,000-t/y paraxylene plant, a 350,000-t/y
polypropylene unit and an aromatics extraction unit with
300,000 t/y of capacity.
Sinochem is also expanding its existing refining capacity
by 60,000 b/d to 300,000 b/d.
In addition to SCORE technology, KBR also supplied
key proprietary components of the SCORE SC-1 furnaces,
which deliver high product yields, KBR noted.
Lummus and CLG Win Multiple Awards For PRPP’s Refinery & PC Complex
Tuban—
Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan dan Petrokimia (PRPP) has
awarded multiple technology contracts to Lummus Technology
and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) for a grassroots
refinery and petrochemical complex at PRPP’s site in
Tuban, Indonesia (PCN, 16 Nov 2020, p 1).
Earlier this year, Rosneft said the project would include
a refining capacity of up to 15-million t/y, over 1-million t/y
of ethylene and 1.3-million t/y of aromatics, and was expected
to be commissioned in 2024.
Lummus will provide the license and basic engineering
for the following: ethylene technology, including pyrolysis
gas hydrogenation, C4 total hydrogenation and BASF
SELOP selective hydrogenation technology; ethylbenzene/
styrene technology; and CDMtbe technology.
As part of the award, Lummus will also offer its Short
Residence Time heaters at a later stage in the project.
CLG will provide the license and basic engineering for
its residue desulfurization technology, and will later be
providing ISOMIX-e proprietary reactor internals to optimize
its state-of-the-art catalyst system for higher yields
and longer run lengths.
Last month, PRPP awarded a contract to W.R. Grace &
Co. to supply its Unipol polypropylene (PP) process technology
for a new PP facility, as part of the project.
The plant will include two lines, each with a production
capacity of 580,000 t/y of PP.
Formosa Plastics U.S.A Begins Operation Of New LDPE Unit at Point Comfort Site
Austin—
Formosa Plastics Corp. U.S.A. announces the start-up of a
new low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant at its facility
in Point Comfort, Texas (PCN, 27 Jan 2020, p 1).
The 400,000-t/y LDPE plant, based on technology from
ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing, joins a 400,000-t/y
high-density PE unit and a 400,000-t/y linear LDPE facility,
which are already in operation.
“The LDPE unit significantly expands the portfolio of
products we provide to our customers,” said Formosa Executive
Vice President Ken Mounger.
“The range and versatility of our product line is extensive.
We’re looking forward to continuing to supply highquality
resins and enhancing the value we provide to consumers
through our newest line of LDPE products.”
Sinopec Approves Project to Invest In New Ethylene Facility in Tianjin
Beijing—Sinopec
announced it has received board of directors’ approval to
invest in the construction of a new 1.2-million-t/y ethylene
cracker in Tianjin, China.
The ethylene and downstream high-end new materials
industrial cluster project will require an investment of
around 28.8-billion yuan. Implementation of the project is
subject to approval by relevant administrative departments,
Sinopec noted. No other details were available.
Mitsubishi Chem Decides on Location Of Proposed Gulf Coast MMA Plant
Geismar—
Mitsubishi Chemical said it has acquired a greenfield
property at an integrated site in Geismar, La., for its
planned 350,000-t/y methyl methacrylate (MMA) facility
(PCN, 30 Mar 2020, p 2).
The project, to be based on Lucite’s ethylene-based Alpha
technology, is currently in the early engineering stage
and a final investment decision is expected in early 2022.
If approved, the plant would begin production in 2025.
The Geismar site has readily available major raw materials,
logistics infrastructure, integrated services, and
skilled workforce, the company noted.
“We are pleased to announce that we have acquired this
property and are continuing with our study to build and
operate . . . [the] plant in the United States, taking advantage
of the favorable feedstock position,” said Hitoshi Sasaki,
chief operating officer of Mitsubishi Chemical’s global
MMA business.
“The addition of this asset, which will be fully owned
and operated by Mitsubishi Chemical, strengthens our
global leadership in the MMA merchant market and demonstrates
our commitment to continue providing reliable
and competitive supply to our customers in the U.S. and in
all the regions of the world.”
Lucite was selected earlier this year to design and build
the MMA unit.
Advanced Polyolefins Gets Loan Approval To Build New PDH, PP Project in Jubail
Jubail—
Advanced Polyolefins Co. (APOC) has obtained approval
from Saudi Industrial Development Fund for a SR 3-billion
loan to finance construction of a planned propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) and polypropylene (PP) complex in Jubail,
Saudi Arabia (PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p 4).
The project will include an 843,000-t/y PDH unit, based
on Lummus Technology’s Catofin technology, and two
400,000-t/y PP plants, which will use Spheripol and Spherizone
technologies licensed by Basell Poliolefine. Construction
is expected to begin next year, with commercial operation
planned to start by the second half of 2024.
APOC is a joint venture of Advanced Petrochemical
Co.’s Advanced Global Investment Co. and SK Gas Petrochemical,
a subsidiary of SK Gas Co.
In October 2020, the companies said they have decided
to include a 700,000-t/y isopropanol unit in the project.
Belneftekhim Investing in Development Of Belarusian Petrochemical Industry
Minsk—
Belarusian state petrochemical concern Belneftekhim
plans to spend around $8.8-billion until 2030 to develop
the petrochemical industry in Belarus, reported a local
news report citing Vladimir Sizov, deputy chairman of the
board of Belneftekhim.
“As for the development of the industry, we see the
main efforts will be focused on transition to a higher oil
conversion ratio,” Sizov noted. “Naftan will be the key enterprise
in these efforts. The oil refinery will gradually
shift its profile from fuel to petrochemical products.”
Investments will be made in a new ethylene and propylene
facility at Naftan, which is expected to be commissioned
in 2026.
The plant will allow for new facilities to manufacture
high-added-value products, such as acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene and polycarbonate.
Ineos Styrolution and Indaver Plan Project To Produce ABS from Recycled Feedstock
Berlin—
Ineos Styrolution and Indaver, a “leader” in sustainable
waste management, announced plans to become technology
partners in a project that will demonstrate the production
of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based on recycled
feedstock.
The four-year project, called “LIFE ABSolutely Circular,”
is funded by the EU LIFE program, the European Union’s
funding instrument for the environment and resource
efficiency, and aims to demonstrate the environmental and
economic benefits of using advanced recycling technologies
to close the loop of plastic recycling.
The initial focus of the project will be to demonstrate
the first time production of ABS based on recycled feedstock,
with plans to demonstrate scaling of the solution
from lab scale to demo plant and ultimately to commercialization.
“We are excited about this project, as we believe there is
intrinsic value in plastics products after usage,” said Dr.
Alexander Gluck, president of EMEA [Europe, Middle East
and Africa] at Ineos Styrolution. “We share the vision with
Indaver to turn plastic waste into valuable resources instead
of letting it end up in landfills.”
Mitsubishi Chemical Planning to Integrate Subsidiaries in the U.S., UK and Germany
Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. said it will integrate subsidiaries
at the national level in three countries: the U.S., UK
and Germany, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
“By sharing and integrating expertise and resources,
this integration will enhance cooperation and further
strengthen overall business capabilities in each of these
three countries,” the company noted.
In the U.S., Mitsubishi will combine Mitsubishi Chemical
America, Lucite International, Mitsubishi Chemical
Performance Polymers, Dianal America, Mitsubishi
Chemical Imaging, Cleanpart USA, Mitsubishi Polyester
Film, Mitsubishi Chemical Composites America and MC
Ionic Solutions US into a new integrated company, which
will be named Mitsubishi Chemical America.
Mitsubishi Chemical UK, Lucite International Trading,
Lucite International Specialty Polymers & Resins, Nippon
Gohsei and MC Ionic Solutions UK, all in the UK, will be
integrated into a new company, Mitsubishi Chemical UK.
Finally, In Germany, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber
and Composites, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, Cleanpart
Group, Cleanpart and MCPP Europe will be integrated
into a new company named Mitsubishi Chemical
Europe.
People on the Move
Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co.—Othman
Ali Al-Ghamdi has been appointed chief executive and a
member of the board of directors, effective 1 Jan. 2021. Al-
Ghamdi, currently chief executive of Saudi Aramco Mobile
Refinery, will succeed Nasser Damascus Al-Mahasher, who
is retiring.
Clariant—Conrad Keijzer will become chief executive
on 1 Jan. 2021, replacing Executive Chairman ad interim
Hariolf Kottman, who will return to his position as chairman
of the board. Keijzer was most recently chief executive
of AkzoNobel’s Performance Coatings Division and a
member of AkzoNobel’s executive committee.
Total Corbion PLA—Thomas Philipon, previously
with DuPont, recently joined Total Corbion PLA as chief
executive. He succeeded Stephane Dion, who became managing
director of Total Lubricants China Co.
Uralchem JSC—Alexander Prygunkov, most recently
first vice president and chief operating officer of PIK Group
of Companies, has become chief executive of Uralchem.
Wacker Chemie—Christian Hartel has been appointed
chief executive to succeed Rudolf Staudigl, who
will retire at the end of the next annual shareholders’
meeting, scheduled for 12 May 2021. Hartel is currently
an executive board member.
SK Capital Partners—Randy Dearth will join the
company as senior director in January 2021. He was most
recently president and chief executive of GCP Applied
Technologies.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines—Takeshi Hashimoto, currently
representative director, executive vice president and an
executive officer, will become president and chief executive,
as well as a representative director, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
He will succeed Junichiro Ikeda, who has been appointed
representative director, chairman and executive officer.
Celanese & Mitsubishi Gas Sign MoU To Restructure KEP Joint Venture
Seoul—Celanese
and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) confirming their intent to
restructure their Korea Engineering Plastics (KEP) polyoxymethylene
(POM) joint venture in Seoul, Korea.
Under the terms of the MoU, KEP would focus on
manufacturing, developing, producing and supplying highquality
products to its shareholders, who would then independently
market the products globally, without restrictions,
the partners explained. In addition, they have committed
to increasing KEP’s production capacity.
The MoU aims to modernize the original scope of the
joint venture, which was formed in 1987 to manufacture
and market POM in Asia, with a particular focus on serving
domestic demand in Korea.
The restructuring is expected to be completed before the
end of next year, subject to customary closing conditions
and necessary regulatory approvals.
KEP is owned 50% by Celanese, 40% by MGC and 10%
by Mitsubishi Corp.
Nova Chemicals, Revolution Ink Agreement For Nova to Sell Recycled LDPE, LLDPE
Calgary—
Nova Chemicals and Revolution have entered into an agreement
for Nova to sell recycled low- and linear lowdensity
polyethylene (r(L)LDPE) produced by Revolution.
“The agreement marks Revolution’s exclusive partnership
with a resin manufacturer and builds Nova Chemicals’
portfolio of post-consumer resin offerings for its customers,”
Nova noted. Nova will begin to provide these resins
in January 2021.
Commission Clears Planned Purchase Of Venator Materials by SK Capital
Brussels—The
European Commission, under European Union Merger
Regulation, has approved the acquisition of Venator Materials
by SK Capital (PCN, 7 Sept 2020, p 4).
This past August, Huntsman Corp. said it had signed a
definitive agreement with funds advised by SK Capital
Partners to sell 42.5-million shares in its pigments and
additives business, Venator, for around $100-million.
The agreement included a 30-month option for the sale
of the remaining approximate 9.5-million shares that
Huntsman holds in Venator at $2.15 per share. The transaction
is expected to close “near year-end.”
Huntsman Enters Deal to Acquire Gabriel Performance Products
The Woodlands—
Huntsman has agreed to purchase specialty chemical
manufacturer Gabriel Performance Products from funds
owned by Audax Private Equity for $250-million.
Based in the U.S., Gabriel produces specialty additives
and epoxy curing agents for the coatings, adhesives, sealants
and composite end-markets. It has three manufacturing
facilities located in Ashtabula, Ohio; Harrison City,
Penn; and Rock Hill, S. Carolina.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected
to close in the first quarter of next year.
L&T Technology Selected by ‘O&G Major’ As Primary Engineering Partner in U.S.
Bangalore—
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) said it has been chosen
by a global “O&G major” to be the primary engineering
partner for two integrated refining and chemical manufacturing
facilities in the U.S.
Under the five year agreement, with a potential value
of over $100-million, LTTS will provide multi-discipline
plant engineering activities, including site sustenance, discipline
engineering and control automation support for
both plants.
“LTTS will leverage its in-house digital engineering
tools and new age technology and solutions to optimize project
execution and drive efficiency improvements for the
customer,” LTTS noted.
“The two sites covered under LTTS’ scope are integrated
refining, chemical and polymer complexes and are
currently among the top 10 biggest downstream sites in the
U.S.”
Agilyx and A.Eon Enter MoU to Evaluate Building Waste Plastics-to-Energy Unit
Melbourne—
Agilyx and A.Eon, developer of sustainable energy solutions,
have initiated a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to evaluate the construction of a commercial-scale
waste plastics-to-energy facility in Melbourne, Australia.
The planned 50-t/d facility would use Agilyx’s proprietary
advanced plastics recycling technology to convert
mixed waste plastics to Agilyx Synthetic Crude Oil
(ASCO).
The output ASCO would be used by A.Eon to generate
electricity for the Victorian state government’s redeveloped
Footscray hospital, local industry, as well as to supply peak
energy demand.
With the project, up to 20,000 t/y of plastic waste will be
diverted from landfills and converted into more than
60,000 mw/hr of electricity.
The MoU includes an option for additional commercialscale
facilities to be developed in Australia by A.Eon.
Recycling Partnership Awards Grants To Improve PP Recycling in the U.S.
Richmond—The
Recycling Partnership has awarded nearly $2-million in
catalytic grants to advance polypropylene (PP) recycling in
the U.S. through its Polypropylene Recycling Coalition.
In the initial round of funding, the partnership’s PP Recycling
Coalition is providing four grants to materials recovery
facilities across the U.S. that will improve and increase
sortation of PP and support targeted consumer education
efforts.
The coalition’s investments will increase total nationwide
acceptance of PP in curbside recycling programs by
about 1.7% to an additional 4-million people, resulting in
the recovery of a larger supply of PP that could be made
into new products, such as consumer packaging and automotive
parts, the partnership explained.
After a “strong” response to its original request for proposals,
the coalition is continuing to accept grant applications
to further its efforts to improve PP curbside recycling,
the partnership noted. The next round of proposals is due
by 31 Mar. 2021.
Grants are awarded to candidates that are not currently
recycling PP.
LyondellBasell, Suez Announce Purchase Of Belgian Plastics Recycler TIVACO
Brussels—
LyondellBasell and Suez jointly announced the acquisition
of TIVACO, a plastics recycling company is Blandain, Belgium.
TIVACO has five production lines capable of processing
about 22,000 t/y of recycled plastic. It will become part of
Quality Circular Polymers (QCP), the existing 50-50 plastics
recycling joint venture of LyondellBasell and Suez.
With the transaction, for which a value was not given,
QCP will increase its production capacity for recycled materials
to approximately 55,000 t/y.
“We are thrilled to take a step forward with our longterm
partner LyondellBasell,” noted Suez Group Chief Operating
Officer Jean-Marc Boursier.
“With the new acquisition, we will together speed up
the use of quality circular polymers in Europe and support
industrial manufacturers’ efforts to reach their environmental
targets.”
Skovgaard Invest, Vesta & Topsoe to Develop Commercial-Scale Green Ammonia Plant
Egtved—
Haldor Topsoe announced that Skovgaard Invest, Vestas
and Topsoe, are jointly investing in the construction of the
“world’s first” commercial-scale green ammonia facility in
Western Jutland, Denmark.
The plant will produce over 5,000 t/y of green ammonia
from renewable power, preventing 8,200 t/y of carbon dioxide
from being emitted into the atmosphere. Production
could start as soon as 2022.
“The cost of green ammonia is currently significantly
higher that that of comparable ammonia from fossil fuel,”
Topsoe noted. “To improve the business case and increase
the attractiveness of green ammonia as a substitute for
fossil fuels, Haldor Topsoe and Vestas are developing a
dynamic, scalable and cost-optimized solution.
“Haldor Topsoe will design the plant’s fully dynamic
ammonia technology to secure optimal production and
adapt to the inherent fluctuations in power output from
wind turbines and solar panels.”
The plant will interface to a green hydrogen solution
developed by Vestas, integrating electrolysis with wind and
solar in one smart control system. Also, the renewable energy
generation will be connected directly to the national
grid, so surplus power can be sold to the grid.
The partnership has applied for public co-funding for
the project.
Braskem America & Encina Partner To Produce Circular, Recycled PP
Philadelphia—
Braskem America and Encina Development Group announced
their intention to develop a long-term relationship
enabling the production of circular, recycled polypropylene
(PP).
Encina is planning to begin construction on a new facility
in the second half of 2021 that will process 175,000 t/y
of plastic waste, converting it into more than 90,000 t/y of
recycled chemicals. The plant, based on Encina’s technology,
will be designed to able to process 350,000 t/y of plastic
waste in the future.
As part of the collaboration, Braskem will work with
Encina to develop the necessary logistics, product quality
and certifications for a recycled propylene feedstock that
Braskem will use in the production of recycled PP materials
in applications. The parties plan to develop a formal
supply agreement prior to the project’s financing approval
in 2021.
“Encina’s technology and this important project will divert
thousands of tons of hard-to-recycle plastic from landfills,”
said Braskem America Chief Executive Mark Nikolich.
“As the North American leader in polypropylene,
Braskem is actively looking to purchase sustainable propylene
feedstock that will allow us to increase both recycled
and renewable-sourced products in our portfolio – as
stated in our new Circular Economy commitments.
“This agreement is an important step in our next phase
of growth as a company, aimed at realizing our vision of a
carbon neutral circular economy and helping our clients
meet their aggressive recycled content goals in the years to
come.”
NuStar Energy Finalizes Sale to BWC Of Its Texas City NuStar Terminal
San Antonio—
NuStar Energy has completed the sale of its terminals in
Texas City, Texas, to BWC Terminals for $106-million.
The Texas City terminals store a diverse array of liquids,
including chemicals, hydrocarbons and agricultural
products.
“We are excited to finalize the acquisition of the Texas
City NuStar Terminal,” said BWC Terminals Chief Executive
Michael Suder. “This terminal complements our network
of high-quality terminal storage of hydrocarbons,
chemicals, renewables and agricultural products across
North America.
“The addition provides increased growth opportunities
in the Gulf Coast region to optimize and further develop
our operational capabilities in support of the supply chain
needs of our customers.”
NuStar said it will use the proceeds from the sale to
improve its debt metrics and self-fund a larger proportion
of its capital program.