Reliance to invest $10 bn on petchem projects in India

FOCUS energy consumed was 1.3 GJ, water consumption was 1.6 m3, CO2 emitted 80.9 kg and other waste produced 10.2 kg. The latest annual report, covering fiscal 2009, shows the level of interest in the scheme and the progress made in just 4 years. The report now covers 59 members (up by 14 on 2008) with 152 manufacturing sites producing 11.1 M tonnes of relevant products. The scheme therefore now covers more than 80% of the industry’s output in the EU (now EU 27). Per tonne of production, the average amount of energy consumed has dropped to 1.03 GJ, CO2 emissions have fallen to 60.9 kg and water consumption to 1.49 m3, all figures also being down on 2008 levels. The amount of waste generated actually rose to 12.4 kg/t in 2009, which AISE attributes to site closures generating one-off increases in waste. The amount of packaging used has also risen from 78 kg/t in 2005 to 91.3 kg/t but this reflects the positive trend towards compacted products.

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Uhde India bags LAB plant contract from Farabi Petrochemical Farabi Petrochemical Company is availing project management, detailed engineering, procurement, inspection and expediting, and precommissioning services from Uhde India for its second linear alkylbenzene (LAB) unit expansion project in Saudi Arabia. UOP, USA will provide the technological knowhow for the project while Foster Wheeler is the project management consultant [Focus on Surfactants, Nov 10]. The project is scheduled for completion by Dec 2011. Farabi Petrochemical, a private sector petrochemicals company, is one of the leading manufacturers of LAB and n-paraffin, heavy and light white oils in the Middle East. Chemical Weekly, 30 Nov 2010, 134 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com)

Ethoxylates Shell takes control of Singapore EO-EG venture

Caroline Edser

RAW MATERIALS Linear alkylbenzene Reliance to invest $10 bn on petchem projects in India Around $10 bn has been earmarked by Reliance Industries for several petchem projects in India over the next 3-4 years. The firm is in the initial stage of planning an acetyls complex, a carbon black facility, and plants for making 250,000 tonnes/y of linear alkylbenzene and 400,000 tonnes/y of nonylphenol. Other projects include three plants for different types of rubber. Additionally, Reliance will ramp up production capacity for paraxylene by 1.5 M tonnes/y, and for benzene by 300,000 tonnes/y at its site in Jamnagar. Chemical Week, 22 Nov 2010, (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)

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The Mitsubishi Chemical-led consortium Japan-Singapore EOG Co has agreed to sell to Shell Eastern Petroleum its 30% stake in joint venture Ethylene Glycols Singapore (EGS) for an undisclosed amount. The deal brings Shell Eastern’s stake in EGS to 100%. Separately, EGS is reportedly looking at plans to expand output capacity for ethylene oxide (EO). The company is capable of producing 60,000 tonnes/y of high-purity EO and 120,000 tonnes/y of ethylene glycols (EG) at its site on Jurong Island, Singapore. It also produces ethoxylates. All of its output is designed for downstream production of polyester fibres, polyester resins and surfactants. The planned capacity increase could boost EGS’ high-purity EO capacity by 40,000 tonnes/y to 100,000 tonnes almost instantly, if necessary, according to reports. Shell, however, is reported to be studying the specific details of the project, which depends on consumers’ projected EO needs at Jurong Island. Chemical Week, 6 Dec 2010, (Website: http://www.chemweek.com) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 29 Nov 2010, (530), 7 (in French)

SURFACTANTS Fluorosurfactants: new from Advanced Polymer Inc Advanced Polymer Inc has introduced two water-based fluorosurfactants that improve the wetting and levelling properties of aqueous paints, inks, coatings and adhesives at very low addition levels. Particularly effective on difficult-to-wet substrates, APFS70S and APFS-71S ensure greater reduction in surface tension. They are based on short-chain fluoropolymers and are therefore considered to be non-PFOA contributing. Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Nov 2010, 26 (11), 62

Green and mild surfactants from Colonial Colonial Chemical has recently added several new surfactants to its range. The latest introduction, Cola Teric CET (INCI: Cetyl betaine), is a mild, natural amphoteric surfactant that is said to deliver softness to hair and a unique after-feel to skin in personal care cleansing products. Offering viscosity building and foam stabilizing qualities, the ingredient is also stable in the presence of oxidizers and in extreme pH environments. With more than 68% natural content, it is recommended as a green alternative to traditional amphoteric surfactants in conditioning shampoos, mild skin cleansers and alpha hydroxy acid cleansers. Cola Det EQ-12 (INCI: Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, Sodium tridecyl ether sulfate, PEG-150 distearate) is a blend of mild ingredients for the formulation of tearfree baby and children’s shampoos and high-lathering cleansers for sensitive skin. It is also biodegradable and is said to be an ideal concentrate for environmentally friendly formulations. Cola Fax PME (INCI: Potassium C12-14 alkyl phosphate) is a high-purity monoalkyl phosphate naturally derived from sustainable coconut raw materials. Ideal for customers seeking a greener alternative to traditional anionic surfactants, it is 100% natural with a Green Star Rating of 10.0. Developed as a high-foaming, extremely mild,

FEBRUARY 2011