Total, Lukoil select Foster Wheeler for Netherlands hydrocracker upgrade work

(hydrocarbonprocessing) -- The objective of the project is to maximize the throughput of the distillate hydrocracker by debottlenecking the unit’s reaction and fractionation sections of the distillate hydrocracker, the companies said. Foster Wheeler’s scope of work is expected to be completed by June 2014.

Foster Wheeler said Tuesday it was awarded a contract by a Total-Lukoil joint venture for engineering, procurement and construction management assistance on the distillate hydrocracker upgrade at the Zeeland refinery in Vlissingen, The Netherlands.

The value of the award was not disclosed. The deal was included in Foster Wheeler’s second-quarter 2012 bookings.

The objective of the project is to maximize the throughput of the distillate hydrocracker by debottlenecking the unit’s reaction and fractionation sections of the hydrocracker.

Foster Wheeler’s scope of work is expected to be completed by June 2014.
MRC

(polynews) -- Deceuninck and Gealan, two European window makers, have developed uPVC window profiles that do not rely on tubular galvanised steel inserts for strength. While steel acts as an effective reinforcement, its heat-conducting properties impede energy efficiency.

Belgium’s Deceuninck NV calls its new window technology Linktrusion and is using the innovation throughout its Zendow#neo window range. In its Zendow#neo standard range, Deceuninck has replaced the steel reinforcement with a sandwich of steel-wire reinforced PVC, filled with a PVC foam in both the window frame and sash.

Germany’s Gealan Fenster-Systeme GmbH has introduced its IKD intensive core insulation technology. This uses a foam core in place of the galvanized steel reinforcement. The foam is injected into the profile chambers during manufacture. The profiles can be cut, welded and trimmed on existing machinery without the need for modification.

Deceuninck NV is a Belgian designer and producer of PVC systems for windows and doors, interior, roofline & cladding and terraces. The company extrudes PVC and the single base material Twinson.

The Gealan Fenster-Systeme GmbH is a plastic processing company that offers an extensive line of vinyl window profile systems for windows, doors and roll shutters.
MRC

(Dow) -- Jiutai Energy has signed a license agreement with Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology, a wholly owned Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) for a 350 KTA methanol-to-olefin based polypropylene (PP) plant. Jiutai will license UNIPOL Polypropylene Process Technology from Dow Licensing & Catalysts to produce homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers.

Jiutai Energy is the eleventh UNIPOL Polypropylene Technology licensee signed in China since 2006.

Methanol-to-olefin polypropylene production is gaining popularity in China due to the region’s abundant coal reserves. In addition, Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) reports that China is experiencing a polypropylene market growth rate of 7 % per year - compared to a 5.2 percent per year global market growth rate - due to a fast growing economy and a drive to become less reliant on imported raw materials.

The UNIPOL PP process for polypropylene is a comprehensive technology and services package with established worldwide success. It combines product and catalyst know-how with leading gas-phase process technology and technology transfer expertise. Licensed by Union Carbide since 1985, UNIPOL PP technology is now available through Dow. Resins produced by UNIPOL polypropylene technology from Dow account for 17 percent of global polypropylene output.
MRC

(apic) -- HMC Polymers is operating its polypropylene (PP) units at Map Ta Phut in Thailand with a combined production capacity of 750,000 mt/year at reduced rates.

At present, the plants are operating at lower rates of around 90% production capacity. The lower run rates have been attributed to weak demand fundamentals in the domestic and other Asian markets.

HMC Polymers is one of the leading manufacturer of polypropylene for Asia and worldwide. HMC Polymers is the first PP producer in Thailand. HMC Polymers produces a wide range of Moplen polypropylene grades including homopolymer, heterophasic and random copolymer resins, as well as specialty polypropylene resins such as Adstif, Clyrell and Purell.
MRC

(equities) -- Jacobs Engineering Group announced it was awarded a contract by Lotte Chemical UK Ltd to provide construction management services for a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plant to be built at the Wilton International Site in Redcar, Cleveland, United Kingdom.

Officials did not disclose the contract value, but noted the contract is scheduled for 18 months.

The new 200 thousand metric tons per annum PET plant (LC1 project) being built is located on an integrated pure terephthalic acid (PTA) and PET site, adjacent to Lotte's existing PET plant. The addition of the new line fortifies the capacity of Lotte Chemical UK's existing T8 facility and supports its transition into a wider range of PET products, including resins incorporating post consumer recycled PET.

Lotte Chemical's Chief Operating Officer, Gary Conroy, stated, "Jacobs has been selected to support us on this very important project for Lotte on the basis of their strong local presence and capable personnel, backed up by industry experience. Our philosophy for the LC1 Project is very much a ‘one team' approach and is about working closely with our partner contractors to ensure we all achieve success together. We feel that in Jacobs we have selected a key partner to help us towards that success."
MRC