Nouryon Launches Ingredient to Optimize Multicolor Paint Formulations

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) launched an innovative multifunctional ingredient, Bermocoll EBM 3000, which optimizes the performance of water-based multicolor paints used on building facades to mimic the appearance of stone or marble, as per Coatingsworld.

Multicolor paints consist of colored droplets dispersed in latex, which may include texturing materials such as sand. Bermocoll EBM 3000 is a versatile ingredient that is compatible with most multicolor paint formulations, preventing droplet agglomeration and color migration and providing adjustable gel strength and excellent color development properties.

The product was launched at the China Coat Show in Guangzhou.

"Multicolored paint offers many advantages, including ease of installation, consistency of color and flexibility, but most important is its economic and environmental value versus real stone or marble,” said Annika Karlsson, RD&I and sustainability director for Nouryon’s Bermocoll business.

"Bermocoll EBM 3000 is a high-performance ingredient that delivers key technical and formulation benefits for the multicolor paint market,” said Geert Hofman, GM performance additives at Nouryon. “In addition, it is manufactured by a unique solvent-free process, offering the lowest carbon footprint. It underlines our focus on working with customers to deliver innovative products that contribute to sustainable growth."
MRC

A Russian producer reduces December DOP plasticizer prices

MOSCOW (Market Report) -- Prices for plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP) began to go down slightly in the Russian market after reaching record high in November. One of the two key producers announced a price reduction of Rb3,000/tonne, reported MRC's analysts.

There has been no shortage of DOP plasticizer in the Russian market for the past two months, however, in November, plasticizer prices were high. At the same time, the difference in DOP prices of the two key Russian producers reached Rb3,500/tonne. The suppliers virtually levelled their December offer prices.

Amid a seasonal fall in demand for DOP and the increased supply, prices had decreased to Rb107,500-108,000/tonne, including VAT and delivery to the central region of Russia, by early December, whereas last month's deals were done in the range of Rb107,500-111,000/tonne, including VAT and delivery.
MRC

NOVATEK Group selects Topsoe hydrogen technology for their first refinery

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The hydrogen plant is slated to begin operation in the second quarter of 2020, and basic engineering has already begun, as per Hydrocarbonprocessing.

Topsoe delivers all equipment, including pressure swing adsorption and water treatment units, as well as training of NOVATEK’s operators. The preassembled skid-mounted HTCR unit support tight construction deadlines because it can be installed at the site much faster than traditional top-fired designs.

"It is a top priority for our company to bring down construction time with no compromise on technological excellence. Topsoe’s HTCR hydrogen plant met our demands because is exceptionally compact, highly efficient, and industrially proven. In addition, the modular design brings down installation time and cost considerably. Also, HTCR met our demand for minimal water consumption," says Mr. A.V. Panov, First Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer, LLC NOVATEK – Ust-Luga.

The proprietary HTCR technology is industrially proven in many plants in the range 5,000-50,000 Nm3/hour hydrogen around the world. It can be applied as a grassroots hydrogen supply or an add-on unit in parallel to an existing plant. In Russia, UCC Shchekinoazot, AO Kuibyshev Refinery, TANECO Refinery, and Antipinsky Refinery are among the companies operating Topsoe HTCR hydrogen plants.

Many refineries demand more hydrogen to help better utilization of oil fractions and compliance with stricter regulations. Other applications for medium-sized hydrogen plants based on HTCR include specialty chemicals and the metallurgical industry.

When the hydrocracking complex is completed, LLC NOVATEK – Ust-Luga will increase production of kerosene, diesel, and naphtha due to deep conversion of atmospheric residue after distillation of stable gas condensate.
MRC

State oil company of Azerbaijan selects Honeywell for modernization program

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Honeywell announced that the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will use Honeywell UOP's Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to supply high-quality hydrogen as part of the modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery (HAOR) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as per Hydrocarbonprocessing.

Pure hydrogen is essential to the refining process, where it is used to decontaminate oil and facilitate catalytic processes that produce clean-burning fuels, including those that meet Euro V standards for vehicle emissions. The PSA technology will help Azerbaijan meet growing domestic demand for transportation fuels that meet the Euro V standards.

"Honeywell UOP's hydrogen technology is an important element of SOCAR's modernization program for the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery," said Nigel Orchard, regional vice president – Europe, Africa and Central Asia, at Honeywell UOP. "The modernization program will help SOCAR to remain among the most advanced refiners in the region, further improving environmental protection along with the quality of life in Azerbaijan."

Honeywell UOP will provide two PSA units to the refinery, both of which will be controlled by Honeywell Process Solutions C300 distributed control systems.

When completed, the modernization will enable the refinery to process 7.5 million metric tons per annum of crude oil blended from local sources, including heavier Neft Dashlari and lighter Surakhani and Shirvan crude oils and efficiently produce Euro V gasoline and diesel, jet fuel and asphalt.

"Hydrogen is an important element in the refining process, being produced as a byproduct of refining, and on-purpose from a steam methane reformer," Orchard said. "UOP's PSA technology purifies this hydrogen so it essentially can be recycled into the refinery to remove impurities and to perform catalytic processes that transform crude oil into clean fuels and other products."

The Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery was originally established in 1953 by the Ministry of the Oil Industry of the former Soviet Union. In 1980, UOP installed the refinery's first CCR Platforming™ and naphtha hydrotreating units, marking an important step in the transition to high-octane gasoline production throughout the Soviet Union. On its 50th anniversary in 2003, the refinery was renamed in honor of Heydar Aliyev, the leader of Azerbaijan.

The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) is involved in exploration of oil and gas fields; producing, processing, and transporting oil, gas, and gas condensate; and marketing petroleum and petrochemical products in domestic and international markets.
MRC

Shanghai SECCO to complete maintenance at PS plant

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical is in plans to restart its polystyrene (PS) plant following a maintenance turnaround, as per Apic-online.

A Polymerupdate source in China informed that the plant is expected to be brought on-stream this weekend. The plant was under maintenance from early-October, 2018.

Located in Shanghai, China, the PS plant has a production capacity of 300,000 mt/year.

As MRC informed before, in May 2017, BP announced that it had agreed to sell its 50% stake in the Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Company Limited (SECCO) to Gaoqiao Petrochemical Co Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), BP’s joint venture partner, for a total consideration of USD1.68 bln.
MRC