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Dow subsidiary to construct Texas catalyst plant
FOCUS Alternatives to butyl-based organotin catalysts in two component polyurethane coatings At European Coatings Show 2017, Reaxis showcased REAXIS C218, a new substitute to dibutyltin dilaurate catalysts in two component polyurethane coatings that can be used in solvent-borne coating systems. Original Source: Pitture e Vernici - European Coatings, May-Jun 2017, 93 (3), 68 (Website: http://www. pittureevernici.it) ã European Coatings 2017.
LanzaTech collaborates with Swayana LanzaTech and South African iron and titanium smelting company Swayana are tying up in utilizing LanzaTech’s gas-metabolizing microbes to generate ethanol from waste gas emissions. A pilot facility shipped to a smelter site in Mpumalanga demonstrated successful fermentation evaluations. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 7 Aug 2017, 95 (32), 13 (Website: http://cen.acs.org/ index.html) ã American Chemical Society 2017.
AkzoNobel plans major expansion of organic peroxide capacity in China During the next two years, the Specialty Chemicals business of AkzoNobel aims to increase production capacity at its organic peroxides plant in Ningbo, China, by 100%. The company is now increasing the capacity by 40%, which is due for completion by mid-Aug 2017. The Ningbo plant manufactures dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The additional capacity will allow the firm to serve the rising global demand, to expand its market share and boost its footprint as the leading organic peroxides maker globally. The multi-site has a total workforce of around 500 people and includes operations for several of the firm’s Specialty Chemicals business units. A new organic peroxides facility in Tianjin is also being constructed by AkzoNobel. Original Source: Coatings World, Aug 2017, 22 (8), 75 (Website: http://www.coatingsworld.com) ã Rodman Media 2017.
Albemarle refining solutions growth story continues with strong 2Q 2017 performance Albemarle Corporation reported 2Q 2017 financial results for its Refining Solutions division. Refining Solutions reported net sales of $184.2 M in 2Q 2017, an increase of 3.5% from net sales of $178.0 M in 2Q 2016. The $6.2 M increase in net sales as compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by unfavorable pricing impacts due to customer and product mix, and $1.4 M of unfavorable currency exchange impacts. Adjusted EBITDA for Refining Solutions was $50.1 M in 2Q 2017, a decrease of 18.7% from 2Q 2016 results of $61.6 M. The $11.5 M decrease in adjusted EBITDA as compared to the prior year was primarily due to unfavorable mix impacts and higher costs. Original Source: Albemarle, 7 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.albemarle.com/) ã Albemarle Corporation 2017.
October 2017
ON
CATALYSTS
Advanced enzymes increase ethanol yields, plant profits Novozymes announces the launch of Spirizyme 2.0 T and Spirizyme Ultra T for the European ethanol market. The two products are part of the Spirizyme T Portfolio, an advanced suite of glucoamylase enzymes with trehalase that deliver yield enhancing activities documented to provide the highest total sugar conversion in the industry. The Spirizyme T product portfolio is based on proven technology with low risk of process errors. The solution can be easily integrated in the production. The portfolio is built on industry known glucoamylase blends, now with the addition of trehalase to further enhance performance. Original Source: Novozymes, 17 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.novozymes.com) ã Novozymes 2017.
NEW PLANTS Dow subsidiary to construct Texas catalyst plant Dow Chemical’s subsidiary Univation Technologies intends to construct a new catalyst facility at Dow’s site in Seadrift, TX, US. Construction works will begin before end-2017. Operations are likely to commence in 2019. This project is part of Dow’s US growth strategy that includes over $12 bn of investments over the next 10 years. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 11-17 Aug 2017, 292 (4), 7 (Website: http://www.icis. com) ã Reed Business Information Limited 2017.
Sabic and Aramco begin taking bids to construct oil-to-chemicals project Sabic and Saudi Aramco are reportedly accepting bids for the prefront end engineering and design (pre-FEED) and FEED work on their proposed joint crude oil-to-chemicals project in Saudi Arabia. The complex, estimated to cost over $20 bn, is expected to include a 400,000 barrels/d integrated crude distillation and vacuum unit, a distillate hydrotreater, a vacuum gas oil hydrocracker, a residual fluid catalytic cracking unit, a mixed feed cracker, as well as polyethylene, polypropylene, butadiene and aromatics recovery units. Commissioning is planned by end-2024. A location for the project has not been finalized, but the companies are considering Yanbu or Jubail. In 2016, Sabic and Aramco said they were studying the feasibility of building the project in Yanbu. The closing date for the pre-FEED and FEED bids is 25 Sep 2017. Original Source: PetroChemical News, 28 Aug 2017, 55 (33), 2 (Website: http://www.petrochemical-news. com) ã William F. Bland Co. 2017.
Sumitomo Chemical licenses PO production technology for petrochemical project of Thailands largest petrochemical and refining company Sumitomo Chemical has reached an agreement with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (PTTGC) of Thailand that Sumitomo Chemical will license its technology of manufacturing propylene oxide (PO) in connection with the petrochemical project which PTTGC is implementing. With the aim of establishing an integrated polyurethane business chain, PTTGC is pursuing a project to construct new plants for PO and polyols through its subsidiaries. For PO production, a decision has been made to adopt Sumitomo Chemical’s proprietary technology. The new PO plant will have a production capacity of 200,000 tonnes/y, with target completion in 2Q 2020. Sumitomo Chemical’s PO production technology is based on a PO-only process in which, with cumene recycling, PO alone is manufactured without accompanying byproducts. Sumitomo Chemical was the first in the world to commercialize this cumene method. The technology, combined with the use of the Company’s proprietary highperformance epoxidation catalyst, offers the distinct advantages of a high PO yield and superior stability in plant operation. Original Source: Sumitomo Chemical, 31 Aug 2017, (Sumitomo Chemical, website: http://www. sumitomo-chem.co.jp/) ã Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd 2017.
An update on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects around the world Ethanol Producer Magazine has compiled updates on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects across the globe. In Nevada, IA, US, DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol LLC is processing feedstocks as its 30 M gal/y plant achieves the last phases of the commissioning process. At 100% capacity, the plant will process 375,000 dry tonnes of corn stover. DuPont has a deal with Procter & Gamble to supply cellulosic ethanol for Tide detergent. In Emmetsburg, IA, construction works on an on-site enzyme manufacturing (OSM) plant is set to begin in summer 2017 at Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC’s Project Liberty. At full capacity, the project is anticipated to process 770 tonnes/d of biomass to generate 20 M gal/y of ethanol, ramping up to 25 M gal/y. Separately, IneosBio is selling its 8 M gal/y cellulosic ethanol facility in Vero Beach, FL. A bid has been made by Alliance Bioenergy’s Alliance Bio-Products. Alliance is looking to manufacture ethanol for below $1/gal, beginning with the Vero Beach facility, doubling after the initial year prior to maximizing capacity by 2021 at 34 M gal/y. Meanwhile, the Kansas bankruptcy court approved on 29 Nov 2016 the $48.5 M acquisition of Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass by Synata Bio Inc in Hugoson, KS. The takeover includes a 25 M gal/y cellulosic ethanol manufacturing and electric cogeneration facility, along with 400 acres of land,
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LanzaTech collaborates with Swayana LanzaTech and South African iron and titanium smelting company Swayana are tying up in utilizing LanzaTech’s gas-metabolizing microbes to generate ethanol from waste gas emissions. A pilot facility shipped to a smelter site in Mpumalanga demonstrated successful fermentation evaluations. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 7 Aug 2017, 95 (32), 13 (Website: http://cen.acs.org/ index.html) ã American Chemical Society 2017.
AkzoNobel plans major expansion of organic peroxide capacity in China During the next two years, the Specialty Chemicals business of AkzoNobel aims to increase production capacity at its organic peroxides plant in Ningbo, China, by 100%. The company is now increasing the capacity by 40%, which is due for completion by mid-Aug 2017. The Ningbo plant manufactures dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The additional capacity will allow the firm to serve the rising global demand, to expand its market share and boost its footprint as the leading organic peroxides maker globally. The multi-site has a total workforce of around 500 people and includes operations for several of the firm’s Specialty Chemicals business units. A new organic peroxides facility in Tianjin is also being constructed by AkzoNobel. Original Source: Coatings World, Aug 2017, 22 (8), 75 (Website: http://www.coatingsworld.com) ã Rodman Media 2017.
Albemarle refining solutions growth story continues with strong 2Q 2017 performance Albemarle Corporation reported 2Q 2017 financial results for its Refining Solutions division. Refining Solutions reported net sales of $184.2 M in 2Q 2017, an increase of 3.5% from net sales of $178.0 M in 2Q 2016. The $6.2 M increase in net sales as compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by unfavorable pricing impacts due to customer and product mix, and $1.4 M of unfavorable currency exchange impacts. Adjusted EBITDA for Refining Solutions was $50.1 M in 2Q 2017, a decrease of 18.7% from 2Q 2016 results of $61.6 M. The $11.5 M decrease in adjusted EBITDA as compared to the prior year was primarily due to unfavorable mix impacts and higher costs. Original Source: Albemarle, 7 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.albemarle.com/) ã Albemarle Corporation 2017.
October 2017
ON
CATALYSTS
Advanced enzymes increase ethanol yields, plant profits Novozymes announces the launch of Spirizyme 2.0 T and Spirizyme Ultra T for the European ethanol market. The two products are part of the Spirizyme T Portfolio, an advanced suite of glucoamylase enzymes with trehalase that deliver yield enhancing activities documented to provide the highest total sugar conversion in the industry. The Spirizyme T product portfolio is based on proven technology with low risk of process errors. The solution can be easily integrated in the production. The portfolio is built on industry known glucoamylase blends, now with the addition of trehalase to further enhance performance. Original Source: Novozymes, 17 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.novozymes.com) ã Novozymes 2017.
NEW PLANTS Dow subsidiary to construct Texas catalyst plant Dow Chemical’s subsidiary Univation Technologies intends to construct a new catalyst facility at Dow’s site in Seadrift, TX, US. Construction works will begin before end-2017. Operations are likely to commence in 2019. This project is part of Dow’s US growth strategy that includes over $12 bn of investments over the next 10 years. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 11-17 Aug 2017, 292 (4), 7 (Website: http://www.icis. com) ã Reed Business Information Limited 2017.
Sabic and Aramco begin taking bids to construct oil-to-chemicals project Sabic and Saudi Aramco are reportedly accepting bids for the prefront end engineering and design (pre-FEED) and FEED work on their proposed joint crude oil-to-chemicals project in Saudi Arabia. The complex, estimated to cost over $20 bn, is expected to include a 400,000 barrels/d integrated crude distillation and vacuum unit, a distillate hydrotreater, a vacuum gas oil hydrocracker, a residual fluid catalytic cracking unit, a mixed feed cracker, as well as polyethylene, polypropylene, butadiene and aromatics recovery units. Commissioning is planned by end-2024. A location for the project has not been finalized, but the companies are considering Yanbu or Jubail. In 2016, Sabic and Aramco said they were studying the feasibility of building the project in Yanbu. The closing date for the pre-FEED and FEED bids is 25 Sep 2017. Original Source: PetroChemical News, 28 Aug 2017, 55 (33), 2 (Website: http://www.petrochemical-news. com) ã William F. Bland Co. 2017.
Sumitomo Chemical licenses PO production technology for petrochemical project of Thailands largest petrochemical and refining company Sumitomo Chemical has reached an agreement with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (PTTGC) of Thailand that Sumitomo Chemical will license its technology of manufacturing propylene oxide (PO) in connection with the petrochemical project which PTTGC is implementing. With the aim of establishing an integrated polyurethane business chain, PTTGC is pursuing a project to construct new plants for PO and polyols through its subsidiaries. For PO production, a decision has been made to adopt Sumitomo Chemical’s proprietary technology. The new PO plant will have a production capacity of 200,000 tonnes/y, with target completion in 2Q 2020. Sumitomo Chemical’s PO production technology is based on a PO-only process in which, with cumene recycling, PO alone is manufactured without accompanying byproducts. Sumitomo Chemical was the first in the world to commercialize this cumene method. The technology, combined with the use of the Company’s proprietary highperformance epoxidation catalyst, offers the distinct advantages of a high PO yield and superior stability in plant operation. Original Source: Sumitomo Chemical, 31 Aug 2017, (Sumitomo Chemical, website: http://www. sumitomo-chem.co.jp/) ã Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd 2017.
An update on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects around the world Ethanol Producer Magazine has compiled updates on 10 cellulosic ethanol projects across the globe. In Nevada, IA, US, DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol LLC is processing feedstocks as its 30 M gal/y plant achieves the last phases of the commissioning process. At 100% capacity, the plant will process 375,000 dry tonnes of corn stover. DuPont has a deal with Procter & Gamble to supply cellulosic ethanol for Tide detergent. In Emmetsburg, IA, construction works on an on-site enzyme manufacturing (OSM) plant is set to begin in summer 2017 at Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels LLC’s Project Liberty. At full capacity, the project is anticipated to process 770 tonnes/d of biomass to generate 20 M gal/y of ethanol, ramping up to 25 M gal/y. Separately, IneosBio is selling its 8 M gal/y cellulosic ethanol facility in Vero Beach, FL. A bid has been made by Alliance Bioenergy’s Alliance Bio-Products. Alliance is looking to manufacture ethanol for below $1/gal, beginning with the Vero Beach facility, doubling after the initial year prior to maximizing capacity by 2021 at 34 M gal/y. Meanwhile, the Kansas bankruptcy court approved on 29 Nov 2016 the $48.5 M acquisition of Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass by Synata Bio Inc in Hugoson, KS. The takeover includes a 25 M gal/y cellulosic ethanol manufacturing and electric cogeneration facility, along with 400 acres of land,
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