With the development of On Purpose Solutions (PDH propane Dehydrogenation) and Coal to Olefins technology , China might experience a long propylene market leading to "cheap" propylene price for downstream industry like Acrylic acid and Acrylonitrile .....
Date: January 30 2015
Propylene Supply Rising In China With Start-Up Of Production Technology By Honeywell's UOP UOP Oleflex™ process producing a total of 900,000 metric tons annually of propylene in China Share with LinkedIn honeywell-worldwide-propylene-gap honeywell-worldwide-propylene-gap DES PLAINES, Ill., Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that China commissioned its second unit to produce propylene, a key ingredient in plastics, using its C3 Oleflex™ process technology. Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd. became the second company in China to commission a UOP C3 Oleflex process unit to produce propylene from propane, increasing the global production capacity from UOP technology to approximately 3.8 million metric tons annually (MTA). Traditionally, propylene is a byproduct of certain refining processes, but those processes no longer produce enough propylene to meet rising global demand. This propylene shortage has sparked investment in technology to create propylene from propane, also known as on-purpose propylene. Since 2011, UOP has licensed the C3 Oleflex process to more than a dozen producers to meet rising demand, with a majority of licensed capacity in China. China is the world's largest energy consumer and its propylene consumption accounts for more than 15 percent of worldwide demand, which is growing at about 5 to 6 percent per year. "By 2020, 20 percent of the world's propylene production is expected to come from on-purpose propylene production technologies, and UOP is proud to be leading the development of this essential petrochemical with our Oleflex technology," said Pete Piotrowski, senior vice president and general manager of UOP's Process Technology and Equipment business. "For more than 20 years, the Oleflex process has been a reliable, independent source of high-quality propylene and we look forward to helping increase its availability in China and around the world." In addition to technology licensing, UOP also provided engineering design, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, staff training and technical service for the project. Equipment supply included Callidus Low NOx (Callidus Stage Gas Ledge Stabilization) burners, manufactured at UOP Callidus Shanghai, which feature a patented tile configuration to achieve a "stiffer" flame. Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd. will produce 450,000 MTA of propylene at its facility in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China. Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Fuling Holding Group, located in Shaoxing City, China. Established in 2003, the company specializes in polypropylene production and produces 600,000 metric tons of the substance annually. "We selected UOP Oleflex technology for our propylene production needs due to its reliability, economics, experience in integrating with polypropylene technologies, and overall processing flexibility," said Mr. Zhong Jianming at Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd. "UOP's local service and support team worked well with our team to make the start-up a success." Oleflex technology has been a leading technology for converting propane to propylene for more than 20 years. The C3 Oleflex process uses catalytic dehydrogenation to convert propane to propylene. Compared with competing processes, UOP's C3 Oleflex technology provides the lowest cash cost of production, the highest return on investment and the smallest environmental footprint. This superior performance is characterized by low capital cost, high propylene yields, low energy and water consumption, and use of a fully recyclable platinum alumina-based catalyst system. In addition to the C3 Oleflex process, UOP also licenses its C4 Oleflex technology, a butane dehydrogenation process to convert isobutane to isobutylene. UOP LLC (www.uop.com) is a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. UOP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. and is part of Honeywell's Performance Materials and Technologies strategic business group, which also includes Honeywell Process Solutions, a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and services for the oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, chemical and other industries. Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com. This release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: PR Newswire via Chemistry Daily
DATE : 2015-01-29
Lotte Chemical has restarted its butadiene plant following a minor maintenance turnaround.
A Polymerupdate source in South Korea informed that the plant restarted on January 28, 2015. It was shut a week back for a minor turnaround.
Located in Daesan, South Korea, the plant has a production capacity of 150,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
DATE : 2015-01-29
South Korea’s Samsung Total will shut down its 120,000 tonne/year butadiene (BD) unit in Daesan for turnaround in mid-April, a company source said on Friday.
The unit will be off line for 40 days, the source said.
SOURCE Icis News
DATE : 2014-01-29
Siam Styrene Monomer Co Ltd is likely to shut its styrene monomer (SM) plant for maintenance turnaround.
A Polymerupdate source in Thailand informed that the plant is likely to be shut in Q1, 2015. A definite schedule for the shutdown could not be ascertained.
Located at Map Ta Phut in Thailand, the plant has a production capacity of 300,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
Date 2015-01-29
BASF protects fipronil patent in Australia Melbourne, Australia – January 28, 2015 -Sherwood Chemicals acknowledges infringement of BASF patent -Sherwood Chemicals agrees to refrain from recommending or promoting the method for the treatment of ants claimed in BASF’s fipronil patent -Sherwood Chemicals agrees to make a settlement payment to BASF and publish corrective advertisements -Fipronil protects Australian crops and homes against devastating insect pests -BASF continues to invest in R&D as part of its overall commitment to growers, agriculture and food security Sherwood Chemicals Australasia Pty Ltd (‘Sherwood Chemicals’) has reached a settlement with BASF relating to the infringement of a BASF patent. BASF has the exclusive right to market products containing fipronil for the treatment of ants and cockroaches in Australia . Sherwood Chemicals has agreed that it would refrain from recommending or promoting the method of treatment claimed in BASF’s fipronil patent for the treatment of ants with effect from January 14, 2015. Sherwood Chemicals has made a settlement payment to BASF and published a corrective advertisement on its website. Sherwood Chemicals has also agreed to publish a corrective advertisement in a trade publication. In 2013, Imtrade Australia Pty Ltd resolved court proceedings taken by BASF , and Enviromax Pty Ltd settled out-of-court in 2014 concerning allegations of infringement of one of BASF's patents covering processes for the manufacture of fipronil . Fipronil is the active ingredient in BASF products including Adonis®, Regent®, Termidor® and Cosmos®. Its key applications provide effective solutions against devastating insect pests in crops such as cotton, vegetables, bananas and mushrooms, and for the protection of industrial and residential property against termites. “Continuous investment in research and development is essential to be able to provide our customers with the best, most efficient solutions to manage enduring pest control challenges,” said Tony Moskal, Head of Agriculture, BASF Australia and New Zealand. “Introducing a new active ingredient to the market requires approximately € 200 million in investment and about 10 years’ time. To be able to continue such substantial investment, BASF protects its innovations to the fullest of its capabilities. To this end, BASF is working to enforce its intellectual property rights and is working closely with all governing authorities to ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are present in Australia’s top brands and formulations.” In 2013, BASF invested about €470 million in crop protection and pest control research and development and another €150 million in Plant Biotechnology. These investments are part of the company’s overall commitment to growers, agriculture and food security. About BASF’s Crop Protection division With sales of more than €5.2 billion in 2013, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, seed treatment and biological control as well as solutions to manage water, nutrients and plant stress. Its portfolio also includes products for turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leading innovator that supports growers to optimize agricultural production, improve their business efficiency and enhance the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or through our social media channels . About BASF At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
Source: BASF website
DATE : 2015-01-27
BASF has decided to exit a biobased acrylic acid partnership with Novozymes and Cargill, Novozymes announced today. Novozymes and Cargill have collaborated on the technology since 2008. BASF, the world's biggest producer of acrylic acid via the conventional route of propylene oxidation, joined the partnership in 2012. The collaboration between Novozymes and Cargill, which they say will continue, is focused on developing microorganisms that can efficiently convert renewable feedstock into 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), one possible precursor to acrylic acid. BASF's role was to develop the process for converting 3HP into acrylic acid. The reason for BASF's exit was not specified, and the company has not yet responded to requests for comment. Mark Morgan, Global managing director of renewable and bio-based chemicals at IHS Chemical tells CW that the challenges in making an acid biologically is the robustness of any microorganisms to sustained low pH operation.
"Several approaches have been demonstrated with other products like lactic acid in pH management and the development of lower pH tolerant systems... The 3-HPA side of the process appears to be workable," he says. "The challenge is the cost effective conversion of 3-HPA into crude or glacial acrylic acid." Acrylic acid is very reactive, even in a conventional process, he adds. Cargill and Novozymes say they have begun efforts to find a new commercialization partner.
SOURCE Chemweek's Business Daily
DATE : 2015-01-27
Chemical company BASF has decided to exit the current R&D collaboration with Novozymes and Cargill to develop a bio-based process for producing 3-hydroxypropionic (3-HP) and acrylic acid from renewable raw materials. BASF joined the collaboration with Novozymes and Cargill in 2012. Novozymes and Cargill have collaborated on the project since 2008 and will continue their work to commercialize bio-based 3-HP and derivatives. The two companies have initiated efforts to find a new commercialization partner.
The partners said that the R&D cooperation on bio-based acrylic acid has achieved the technical and business targets. In 2013, the project accomplished the production of 3-HP in pilot scale, and in September 2014 announced the successful conversion of 3-HP to glacial acrylic acid and super-absorbent polymers.
Acrylic acid is a high-volume chemical that feeds into a broad range of products. One of the main applications is in the manufacture of super-absorbent polymers that can soak up large amounts of liquid and are used mainly in baby diapers and other hygiene products. Acrylic acid is also used in adhesive raw materials and coatings. Presently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived from the refining of crude oil.
SOURCE Green Car Congress
DATE : 2015-01-27
LG is likely to shut a styrene monomer (SM) plant for maintenance turnaround.
A Polymerupdate source in South Korea informed that the plant is likely to be taken off-stream in March 2015. It is likely t remain off-stream for around one month.
Located in Daesan, South Korea, the plant has a production capacity of 180,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
DATE : 2015-01-12
Japanese group Kuraray has set in place a new strategic plan (GS-Step) for 2015-2017. By 2017 the group wants to be making sales of Yen 650 bn and operating profits of Yen 90 bn. For 2014 it registered operating profits of Yen 54 bn on a Yen 515 bn turnover. In order to meet its medium term financial objectives, the group will strengthen its position on the vinyl acetate, isoprene, functional materials, fibres and textiles markets. It will also develop new businesses. It is aiming to increase the proportion of turnover it makes on the international markets from 55% in 2013 to 68% in 2017. In particular, it expects to see sustained sales growth in N America. Over the next 3 years, Kuraray will invest Yen 200 bn (Yen 70 bn/y). Approximately 60% of this sum will be spent on increasing capacity. The group is planning to increase its polyvinyl alcohol resin films and Vecstar liquid crystal polymer films capacity in Saijo, Japan.
It also intends to increase methacrylic resins capacity in Niigata, Japan. In addition it will increase production volumes in N America, Europe and Asia.
SOURCE Chimie Pharma Hebdo
DATE : 2015-01-22
China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) is in plans to start a new styrene monomer (SM) plant.
A Polymerupdate source in China informed that the plant is likely to be started in February 2015.
Located in Hainan province of China, the plant has a production capacity of 120,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
Date: January 21, 2014
Sahara Petrochemical’s net profit in the fourth quarter was down 48%, to SR92.2 million, compared with the year-earlier quarter.
Sahara’s 2014 net profit declined 31%, to SR394.2 million, and operating profit was 21% down, to SR247.3 million.
The company blames a decline in demand and prices of products of companies, which recently entered commercial production. They include Saudi Acrylic Acid Co. (SAAC) and Superabsorbent Polymers Co., (SAPCO) as well as Sahara and Ma’aden Petrochemical Co. Sahara also cites lower profit from Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Co.
Source: Y. Bomal Competitive Intelligence Blog
DATE : 2015-01-20
LG Chem, the chemical, battery, and electronics materials business unit of LG Group, said it would beef up its research and development capabilities for next-generation businesses throughout this year.
In line with the effort, the world’s leading chemical firm has recruited former Seoul National University professor Lee Jin-kyu, a renowned expert of inorganic nanomaterials, as the research chairman.
The new chief researcher received a doctoral degree under the guidance of Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry Richard Schrock, and completed postdoctoral studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Interdisciplinary Research Group.
Serving as a chemistry professor for the past 16 years at SNU since 1998, he has published 106 treaties and holds 100 patents in the chemical sector.
Lee Jin-kyu, a new research chairman at LG Chem. (LG Chem)
“With his joining, I expect LG Chem to pick up pace in R&D for inorganic nanomaterials,” said Kim Min-hwan, chief human resource officer in a statement.
Renaming its core research devision under Research Park from Main R&D center to Corporate R&D, the chemical firm is also planning to pour more resources to secure core technologies in a wide range of fields including battery, display and electronic materials.
Research Park, consisting of different sub-divisions including those for basic materials and chemicals, IT and electronics materials, and energy solutions, has played an important role in enabling the LG affiliate to become the world’s leading chemical and battery maker.
The company is the largest producer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, which is widely used for automotive interior parts, liquid crystal display glass substrates, core materials for LCDs, and batteries for electric vehicles.
More than 40 percent of the staff at the center will be researchers holding a doctorate by the end of this year, according to the Seoul-based battery maker.
“Amid a difficult management environment due to the fierce competition, the first thing many corporations do is to reduce R&D investments (to save costs),” said Yoo Jin-nyoung, president of Research Park, adding “LG Chem, however, will continue expanding its investment to solidify its leading position in the global materials industry.”
SOURCE The Korea Herald
DATE : 2015-01-19
Formosa Plastics Corp (FPC) has shut its acrylonitrile (ACN) plant for maintenance turnaround.
A Polymerupdate source in Taiwan informed that the plant shut on January 16, 2015. It is likely to remain off-stream for around one month.
Located at Mailiao in Taiwan, the plant has a production capacity of 280,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
DATE : 2015-01-19
Sinopec subsidiary Shanghai Petrochemical is in plans to shut an acrylonitrile (ACN) line for maintenance turnaround.
A Polymerupdate source in China informed that the line is planned to be shut on January 20, 2015 owing to mechanical issues. However, a restart date for the line could not be ascertained.
Located in Shanghai, China, the line has a production capacity of 130,000 mt/year.
SOURCE PolymerUpdate
DATE : 2015-01-19
Le groupe va fabriquer des tramways électriques en Bretagne.
FRED TANNEAU/AFP
Fabrication d’un tramway électrique "Bluetram" à l’usine Bolloré d’Ergué-Gabéric.
Les nouvelles usines en France ne sont pas nombreuses par les temps qui courent. Celle que vient d’ouvrir Vincent Bolloré en Bretagne est donc forcément un événement, comme l’a souligné le premier ministre Manuel Valls, qui avait accepté de faire le déplacement pour son inauguration, vendredi 16 janvier.
UN PROCÉDÉ RÉVOLUTIONNAIRE
Le site de 3 200 m2, installé à Ergué-Gabéric (Finistère) fabriquera un tramway électrique, le Bluetram, qui fonctionne sans rail, ni caténaire, mais simplement sur une voie dédiée. Un « système révolutionnaire » et à « faible coût » explique l’industriel qui a créé Autolib, les voitures électriques en libre-service dont les batteries sont fabriquées justement dans le bâtiment voisin de celui du futur Bluetram. « Pour faire 25 km de tramway avec une trentaine de stations, ça coûte environ 300 millions d’euros, nous, on peut faire un système à 30 millions d’euros », souligne Vincent Bolloré.
LE STOCKAGE D’ÉNERGIE
Équipé de pneus, le Bluetram ressemble à un petit bus à l’avant légèrement arrondi. Chaque rame, d’une longueur de six mètres, dispose sur son toit de « supercondensateurs », qui lui permettant de parcourir environ deux kilomètres en toute indépendance. Elle se recharge à chaque station en moins de 20 secondes grâce à un bras télescopique pendant que les passagers montent et descendent du véhicule. « La révolution, c’est de pouvoir stocker autant d’électricité, en un temps si court dans un endroit si petit », souligne Vincent Bolloré.
UNE CENTAINE D’EMPLOIS CRÉÉS
La nouvelle unité de production de ce véhicule futuriste représente un investissement de 50 millions d’euros, y compris la recherche et développement, dont 10 millions pour le bâtiment et la chaîne de montage. Une centaine d’emplois ont déjà été créés, mais un doublement des effectifs est programmé pour 2016, avec l’extension de l’usine. Une centaine de Bluetram seront produits dès cette année. Les modèles se déclineront en véhicules de 6 mètres de long pour une capacité de 30 passagers, puis de 12 mètres pour 100 passagers et enfin de 18 mètres pour 200 personnes. « On a beaucoup de demandes », souligne Vincent Bolloré. Selon lui, « les premiers Bluetram seront installés avant la fin de l’année », mais il ne dit pas où.
UN EMPIRE INDUSTRIEL
Le choix d’implantation à Ergué-Gabéric est symbolique. Cest là que le groupe a démarré, en 1822, dans la fabrication de papier à cigarettes. « Le berceau d’une des plus grandes histoires industrielles de notre pays », reconnaissait Manuel Valls, lors de l’inauguration. Avec Vincent Bolloré, la sixième génération est aux commandes. Le groupe Bolloré emploie au total 55 000 personnes, dont 11 500 en France. Le groupe est présent notamment dans le transport et la logistique en Afrique, mais aussi les médias au travers de sa participation dans Vivendi, dont Vincent Bolloré a pris la présidence du conseil de surveillance, mais aussi l’énergie avec les batteries et les systèmes d’autopartage, avec Autolib, que l’on trouve à Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux mais aussi à Londres et à Indianapolis, aux États-Unis.
LE PARI DE L’INDUSTRIEL BRETON
Il y a encore quelques années, personne ne croyait Vincent Bolloré quand il affirmait vouloir développer tout seul une voiture électrique. Quelques centaines de millions d’euros plus tard, financés sur les deniers propres du groupe, les sceptiques se sont tus. L’industriel breton est en train d’essaimer son système de voitures en auto-partage un peu partout dans le monde. D’autres copient aussi le modèle et de nouveaux opérateurs se mettent sur ce créneau.
Bolloré a ainsi signé un partenariat avec Renault, en septembre 2014, pour le développement de la voiture électrique. Une marque de reconnaissance pour le groupe breton qui a fait le choix d’une technologie de batterie, dite LMP (lithium métal polymère), qui a nécessité vingt ans de développement et évite notamment les risques de surchauffe de certaines batteries lithium ion.
Réputé pour son sens des affaires, Vincent Bolloré a regroupé ses activités de stockage d’électricité dans une structure uniqueBlue Solutions, introduite en bourse en octobre 2013 et dont il possède 71 % du capital. L’entreprise est aujourd’hui valorisée 800 millions d’euros.
SOURCE La Croix