Pakistan NRL to build new refinery in 2014

(chemmonitor) -- The Pakistani state company NRL will bring on stream a new refinery in about four years.

The facility will produce lube base oils and diesel fuel. Its combined daily nameplate capacity is planned to be 45,000 barrels.

A process technology for the unit will be provided by UOP LLC, a US-headquartered firm. This will allow to reduce by-products if compared to other technologies of the similar type.

The Pakistan maker currently operates three refineries in the country.

MRC

DSM Engineering Plastics signs distribution agreement with Resinet

(DSM) -- DSM Engineering Plastics and Resinet have entered into a distribution agreement, to join forces in the market development and sales of DSM Engineering Plastics resins in Brazil.

In order to tap fully into the Brazilian potential, DSM sees a solid partnership with distributors as key for sustainable growth. Resinet has been selected to represent and help accelerate the growth of the DSM Engineering Plastics product portfolio in Brazil throughout the Automotive, Electrical and Electronics, and General Industries. Resinet is a 40 years experienced company that focusses on the Raw Materials distribution market in the Brazilian regions.

The agreement with Resinet, a major distributor for the local market, is a strategic action that will give customers access to more DSM products. Antonio Celso Ferraz, Commercial Director of Resinet says that the Brazilian market for engineering applications continues to open up opportunities for promoting the growth of DSM's polyamides and to deliver added value to local industry. ⌠This agreement will help expand the DSM product line in the Brazilian market using Resinet's technical expertise and sales force. he said.


DSM is commercializing innovative, more sustainable polymers that create greater value with less environmental impact, including EcoPaXX≥ PA410, a bio-based, high performance resin that is carbon neutral from cradle to gate', and Arnitel╝ Eco, a high performance thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) made from 20 to 50 percent renewable resources, both of which will be available to the Brazilian market in the short term.

The partnership with Resinet seals the possibility and makes real the strength of DSM Engineering Plastics in the Brazilian marketplace which is in line with DSM's strategy to deliver value for existing and new customers world-wide.

MRC

Occidental Petroleum announces Q4 and 2011 income

(oxy) -- The US-headquartered maker Occidental Petroleum reported financial results of its performance in Q4 of the preceding year and in Q1-Q4, 2011.

The maker's daily production rates of oil and gas reached record high in the USA.

Q4 2011 earnings from continuing operations of USD 1.6 billion (USD 2.02 per diluted share)
Q4 2011 daily domestic oil and gas production of 449,000 BOE, highest in Company's history
Q4 2011 total daily oil and gas production of 748,000 BOE
Total year net income of USD 6.8 billion (USD 8.32 per diluted share)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. Oxy is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, based on equity market capitalization.

Oxy's wholly owned subsidiary, OxyChem, manufactures and markets chlor-alkali products and vinyls. Occidental is committed to safeguarding the environment, protecting the safety and health of employees and neighboring communities and upholding high standards of social responsibility in all of the company's worldwide operations.

MRC

HDPE facility to commence operations in Clifford, USA

(chemmonitor) -- A new production unit is to commence activity by July 1, 2012 in Clifford (USA). It will manufacture corrugated HDPE pipes.

Advanced Drainage Systems, a US-headquartered firm, is an owner of the plant. The project is targeted to satisfy the demand for the product.

The maker already operates a facility of the type in the USA. It is located in Owosso.

The pipes are used in drainage systems which allow securing the growth of crops.

MRC

BASF announces EUR 60 Europe ethanolamines hike on feedstock

(basf) -- BASF is targeting a EUR 60/tonne hike across all ethanolamines grades in Europe following soaring feedstock costs, the Germany-based chemicals major said on Monday

With immediate effect, or as existing contracts permit, BASF is increasing its European sales prices for ethanolamines (EOA) as follows:

Monoethanolamine (MEOA) + 60 EUR/ mt
Diethanolamine (DEOA) + 60 EUR/ mt
Triethanolamine (TEOA) + 60 EUR/ mt

or by the equivalent amounts in local currency.

The price increase will also apply to current supply agreements as soon as and to the extent permitted by their terms and conditions.


Ethanolamines are high-class intermediates used in the manufacture of agrochemicals and wood protectants, surfactants for detergents and cleaning products, process chemicals for gas treatment, lubricants and cement additives as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients.


BASF produces EOA at its Verbund sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; and Nanjing, China.

MRC