DATE : 2015-08-01
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is required to combat increases in oxidative stress. The chemical compound tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) can downregulate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a repressor of Nrf2, thus maintaining the stability of Nrf2. tBHQ can also increase intracellular "free" zinc in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. We aim to investigate whether the intracellular free zinc change plays a role in Nrf2 activation. tBHQ exposure dose-dependently increases intracellular free zinc concentrations within 30 min in 16HBE cells by mobilizing intracellular zinc pools. Active Nrf2 and the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) increase at 3 h after tBHQ treatment. Chelating intracellular free zinc with tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) during tBHQexposure partially abrogates the tBHQ-induced activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, while Keap1 is further decreased.
These results indicate that tBHQ-induced stability of Nrf2 is associated with the intracellular free zinc level. Because the activated Nrf2 is phosphorylated, the serine/threonine protein phosphatase activity, which is known to be inhibited by zinc, is assayed. The results showed that tBHQ treatment can suppress cellular protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase-2C (PP2C) activity, which can be abrogated by adding TPEN. This finding is verified in a cell-free protein extract experiment by supplying zinc or by chelating zinc with TPEN. These results provide a novel mechanistic insight into Nrf2 activation in antioxidant enzyme induction involving zinc signaling. The increase of intracellular free zinc may be one mechanism for Nrf2 activation. The inhibition of PP2A and PP2C activity may be involved in Nrf2 phosphorylation modulation.
SOURCE American Journal of Physiology
DATE : 2015-08-04
LG Chem said Wednesday that it has finished expansion work on the Yeosu plant in South Jeolla, which produces crude acrylic acid (CAA) and super absorbentpolymer (SAP).
CAA is a material used to produce paint, while SAP is needed to make various products like diapers and sanitary pads.
The company said the CAA line was expanded by 160,000 tons to produce a total capacity of 510,000 tons per year. The SAP line, on the other hand, was expanded by 80,000 tons, to have 360,000 tons of annual capacity - the fifth- and fourth-largest in the world, respectively, in terms of production.
LG Chem is the only Korean company producing CAA. The company also said it plans to grow its SAP business, up from the current of 1.1 trillion won to 1.7 trillion won ($927 million to $1.4 billion) by 2020.
SOURCE Icis News
DATE : 2015-07-24
Lukoil Group, a local manufacturer of oil and chemicals, is expanding its acrylonitrile production capacity from the current 150,000 tonnes/y to 190,000 tonnes/y at its Saratovorgsintez site in Saratov, Russia. The expansion project is scheduled to be finished in 2016. The sodium cyanide capacity at the Saratovorgsintez site is also being improved from the current 18,000 tonnes/y to 30,000 tonnes/y, which will be completed in late 2015.
SOURCE Plastics News
"BASF has committed financing in place to buy Syngenta," one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential.
BASF will only decide to submit a bid for Syngenta if Monsanto makes an offer for the Swiss group, the sources said, adding that BASF was comfortable with there being no merger at all and the status quo in the industry prevailing.
"BASF will not be a first mover but remain a reactive player," one of the people said.
BASF and Syngenta declined to comment.
Monsanto wants to combine its world-leading seeds business with Syngenta's pesticides business. Syngenta has rejected the proposal and refused to open its books, despite the offer of a $2 billion cash payment should the transaction fail to win regulatory approval.
Source: Reuters via Chemistry Daily - J. Spiel
Petrochemical glut
Propylene price falls on weak demand, excessive output in China
TOKYO -- The Asian price of a key petrochemical material, propylene, has slipped amid tepid demand and overproduction in China.
The East Asian spot price of the main feedstock for polypropylene stood at around $880 a ton, down 16% from a recent high in May.
Propylene output in China was up about 9% in the January-May period compared with the same period a year earlier. Due to cost reasons, more facilities turned to propane, instead of naphtha, as a feedstock.
The price of propylene has slid below that of ethylene, another key material. The price difference with their feedstock naphtha remained at around $600 a ton for ethylene but was only about $400 for propylene.
Propylene production capacity is expected to keep growing in China, reaching 36.9 million tons a year in 2019, up about 90% from 2013, according to an estimate by Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry.
(Nikkei)
The Ministry of Commerce issued the No.29 Announcement, publishing the preliminary decision of the anti-dumping investigation of the imported Methyl Methacrylate originating in Singapore, Thailand and Japan on July 24, 2015.
The Ministry of Commerce affirmed that dumping was found in Methyl Methacrylate imported from Singapore, Thailand and Japan, causing the Chinese domestic industry the substantive and severe damage. MOFCOM decided to implement the temporary anti-dumping measures by the means of cash deposit guarantee. According to the preliminary decision, the importers should provide relevant cash deposit to the Chinese customs according to the dumping margin (6.8%-34.6%) of all companies defined in the preliminary decision when importing the products from the above sources.
This product is listed in the Customs Tariff of Import & Export Commodities of PRC: 29161400. Products other than Methyl Methacrylate under this HS code are beyond the scope of this investigation.
Source: MOFCOM China July 28 2015
Victrex Announcement :
Acquisition of Kleiss Gears
Victrex is pleased to announce the acquisition of Kleiss Gears, a US based polymer gears' manufacturer, for approximately $6m (£3.8m) in cash.
Kleiss has over 20 years' experience of unique design and precision moulding capability in gears, and will benefit from Victrex's materials know-how, existing customer relationships and global commercial reach. Kleiss has early stage commercialisation of PEEK gear programmes, alongside the rest of its mainly industrial focused gears business.
The acquisition is in line with Victrex's strategy of moving further downstream and investing in growth acceleration opportunities for its pipeline projects. It offers the opportunity to accelerate Victrex's PEEK gear proposition to the automotive industry, in line with our aim to double the amount of PEEK volume in cars over the medium term.
For its 2014 financial year, Kleiss had revenues of approximately $4m and employed 26 people.
Outlook
For the year as a whole, whilst challenges continue in the Oil & Gas market and in improving Invibio's performance, our overall momentum remains positive and we still expect to fully overcome the impact of foreign currency. Consequently, and reflecting our balanced portfolio, Victrex remains well positioned to deliver profit progress over the full year.
Cash generation remains healthy and there have been no significant changes to the Group's financial position since our interim results announcement.
Additionnal comments:
Current global PEEK market is about 5500 Tons/year of which roughly 3000 tons are supplied by Victrex.
Peek demand grows +7% CAGR and is driven by Metal and Polymer substitution.
In its May2015 Capital Day presentation to investors, Victrex mentioned that the potential adressable market for PEEK was of ~ 80 000 tons.
Victrex has in its innovation pipeline:
2 major R&D programs with sales potential 20-50 Mi £ within 2 to 5 years (=> 550 Tons PEEK for each)
6 mega R&D programs with sales potential >50 Mi £ within 2 to 5 years (=> 775 Tons PEEK for each)
1 mega R&D program with sales potential >50 Mi £ with a time frame > 5 years (=> 775 Tons PEEK for each)
==> Gears for Auto is one of the 2 short term "Major Programs" of Victrex for which Victrex decided to go downstream with Kleiss acquisition
Successful start of production: Evonik expands leading market positions in C4 products
Essen/Antwerp. Evonik Industries has strengthened its leading position in C4-based products and has successfully, and on time, put into operation new production plants in Antwerp (Belgium). Also in the Marl Chemical Park (Germany), the C4 capacities are being increased. For this, the company has invested a total amount in the three-digit million range (Euro) in the two sites.
The new plants result in an expansion of capacities for butadiene in Antwerp, for the plasticizer alcohol Isononanol (Marl) as well as for the antiknock agent MTBE (Marl and Antwerp). According to market analyses, the global demand for these products increases by two to five percent per year.
"By expanding our C4 capacities and the necessary and important investments into the supply of raw materials at our sites, we are sustainably strengthening our market positions. At the same time we are supporting our customers’ growth plans in Europe and worldwide," said Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik.
With long-term supply contracts, Evonik has sustainably ensured the raw material supply for the operation of the new plants. As a technology leader, Evonik has also for the first time made FCC- C4 material flows from refineries usable. This demonstrates Evonik’s technological excellence on C4 and is an important contribution to a sustainable production.
Evonik has been a globally leading provider of C4 - based products such as butadiene, MTBE, isobutene, 1-butene, INA (Isononanol) as well as 2-PH (2-propylheptanol) and DINP (diisononylphthalat) for a long time. For this, Evonik operates integrated large-scale plants for the processing of C4 raw materials. The group offers its customers long-term logistics competence and an excellent global service network.
With the expanded production networks in Antwerp and Marl, Evonik wants to further develop and strengthen its market positions in C4 chemistry for the long-term.
Butadiene is mainly used in synthetic rubbers, for example for the manufacturing of tires. Furthermore, there is a wide range of application for elastomer and plastics.
The anti-knock agent MTBE (Methyl -tert.-butylether) increases the octane number of fuels in petrol engines and results in an improved combustion of fuels in the engines. This way, MTBE contributes to a better air quality.
Isononanol (INA) is mainly used as an alcohol component in the manufacturing of PVC plasticizers. Plasticizers based on INA are characterized by excellent properties, both in the plastisol and thermoplastic processing.
Source: Evonik website
Please find enclosed the Arkema Coating Division Presentation from the Capital Day 2015,June 29 related to Arkema Acrylic Value Chain
I would like to highlight some key messages about Arkema strategy in Acrylics 2004-2014 and from 2015
2004-2014:
A FULL GLOBAL AND INTEGRATED ACRYLIC VALUE CHAIN BUILT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS
- Competitive world-scale units in Europe, North America and Asia
- A downstream integration in coating materials built from scratch in 6 years Coatex (2007) Emulsions (2010) Cray Valley / Sartomer (2011)
Ambition from 2015 on
- being a global and more resilient leading integrated player
key pillars
==> Very competitive monomer base through Technology leadership, Operational excellence, Successful integration of Sunke’s assets
==> Reinforce acrylic monomers downstream through Partnerships, Geographic expansions, Innovation, Bolt-on acquisitions
Acryic Monomer Demand CAGR: Global 4-5%, NA 2-3%, EMEA: 1-2%, Asia 6-7%
Arkema expect Acrylics situation to move from current "low cycle" to "mid cycle" by 2017
Source: Arkema website
Attachment(s)
DATE : 2015-06-19
Austrian energy and petrochemicals major OMV on Friday officially started up a new butadiene (BD) extraction unit at its refining and petrochemicals production site in southern Germany.
OMV said that the BD unit at Burghausen in Bavaria would help meet rising global demand for BD, which is primarily used in the auto and tyre sectors.
At the same time, the investment would further strengthen OMV’s focus on petrochemicals, it said.
“With the global changes in refining, crude oil-based petrochemical derivatives will play an increasingly important role” in the international refining industry, said Alois Virag, head of OMV’s refining and petrochemicals business.
OMV did not disclose how much it invested in the project, and it did not comment on capacities.
Industry sources told ICIS previously that the BD unit has a capacity of about 70,000 tonnes/year. The project underwent testing earlier this year.
The Burghausen BD unit is one of three such new facilities expected to come online this year in Europe.
SOURCE Icis News
DATE : 2015-06-19
US acrylonitrile (ACN) market participants on Friday continue to monitor the potential impacts of the INEOS Nitriles plant shutdown in Texas, following a chemical exposure fatality at the Green Lake facility last week.
“It is with great sadness that INEOS Nitriles confirms a contractor fatality at its Green Lake site in Texas, occurring the morning of June 10, 2015,” the company said in a statement. “Circumstances concerning the incident are still under review.”
The worker was exposed to cyanide, according to media reports.
The 545,000 tonnes/year ACN plant in Green Lake has been shut while the investigation is being conducted, although the duration of the plant shutdown is unknown at this time.
An INEOS spokesperson said it is company policy not to comment on operations.
Consumers are hoping that the issue is resolved soon, although some market sources have said that theinvestigation could take months.
INEOS had scheduled a turnaround for June, although there had been some delays.
It is unclear whether the turnaround had begun before the incident or whether INEOS had built up enough inventory to meet demand while the investigation continues.
SOURCE Icis News
DATE : 2015-06-19
BASF has inaugurated a 160,000 tonne/year acrylic acid plant in the Brazilian state of Bahia following an investment of €500m, the German chemical major said on Friday.
The company said the investment was the largest in its history in South America. The facility will also produce butyl acrylate and superabsorbent polymers.
“This complex will secure national and regional supply of products that are currently imported. In addition, it will positively impact the local economy by encouraging investment and innovation in the region and attracting new companies to the Camacari [Bahia, Brazil] industrial area,” said the president of BASF in South America, Ralph Schweens.
The construction of the plant started in 2012 and according to the company will be the only facility in South America producing acrylic acid.
In related news, BASF said it will convert its plant in Guarantigueta, near Sao Paulo, to produce 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, a raw material for the adhesive and coatings industries. Production is expected tostart in 2016.
SOURCE Icis News
Personal comment: Will Antwerp become the European hub for acrylics (BASF Antwerp, Nippon Shokubai existing and new Plants, ..) ? CLEVELAND, June 3, 2015 - The Lubrizol Corporation's Performance Coatings business announces the addition of new acrylic emulsion capacity at its manufacturing facility in Antwerp, Belgium. The facility manufactures resin technologies for the paint and coatings, graphic arts, engineered paper, textile and other industries under such brand names as Hycar®, Carboset® and Printrite(TM). The new capacity is key to meet the demand of customers throughout Europe that require unique, high performance technologies for differentiated resin performance. "Over the past 18 months, new reactors have been installed," comments Ivo Van Aken, Lubrizol Antwerp plant manager. "This was done to replace older equipment and also to increase our production capabilities, allowing us to address new market demand". For Lubrizol's customers, the new acrylic emulsion capabilities provide greater flexibility to manufacture customized solutions that meet very specific performance requirements," notes Tom Keir, Lubrizol director of product management. "It also allows our global customers to access the same technologies in Europe as are available in other parts of the world. This helps them simplify operations and improve global efficiencies." This investment in the Antwerp facility is another example of why customers can continue to count on Lubrizol for consistent, high quality products with a commitment to provide uninterrupted supply. About Lubrizol Performance CoatingsAt Lubrizol, we innovate coatings solutions that help our customers balance the aesthetics, durability, and functionality needs of their products for a wide array of surfaces and substrates. Our strength is in collaborating with customers to solve their toughest challenges-such as making coatings safer, enhancing production efficiency and reducing environmental impact-without compromising performance. To learn more, contact your Lubrizol representative or visit www.lubrizol.com/coatings About The Lubrizol Corporation With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,000 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2014 were $7 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.
Source: Lubrizol via Chemistry Daily |
China acrylic industry recovered in May after a depressed month of April. May production volumes and OEE are more or less similar to those of March in the range of 55 to 65%
DATE : 2015-06-05
Project Status: Under Implementation
Industry: Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Product: Hydroquinone (9,000-TPA) ,Vanillin (6,000-TPA)
Cost: : Rs.1,850 Million
Project Location: Dahej Special Economic Zone
Project State: Gujarat
Project Summary: Chemical Manufacturing Unit In Bharuch; Camlin Fine Sciences is implementing a chemical manufacturing unit in dist. Bharuch, Gujarat.
Project Details: Camlin Fine Sciences is implementing a chemical manufacturing unit at Dahej Special Economic Zone, dist. Bharuch, Gujarat on 64,407.91 Sq. Mtrs of acquired land. The unit will manufacture 9,000 TPA hydroquinone and 6,000 TPA vanillin. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 1,850 million. Environmental clearance is yet to be received. Civil work is in progress. The project is scheduled for commissioning in September 2017. The board of directors have also approved (1) setting up a wholly owned subsidiary company in Mexico for undertaking trading and distribution of antioxidants, food ingredients, blends, formulations, feeds, performance chemicals etc in Central American markets. (2) Setting up a wholly owned subsidiary company in China for undertaking trading and distribution of antioxidants, food ingredients, blends, formulations, feeds, performance chemicals etc in Chinese markets.
SOURCE : Domex New Chemical Process Industry Projects