BP and Zhejiang Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (ZPCC) have signed a MOU to explore the establishment of the plant. If everything goes to plan, the new unit is expected to use BP’s Cativa XL technology to produce acetic acid and it would also be BP’s largest acetic acid producing site across the globe.

Avantium’s new demo plant in the Netherlands will utilise the firm’s Ray technology to produce plant-based mono-ethylene glycol. With an annual capacity of 10 tonnes, the unit will also produce plant-based mono-propylene glycol.

Exxon Mobil and Fuel Cell Energy have entered into a two-year expanded joint-development agreement to further develop the carbonate fuel cell technology for industrial use. The 60 million dollar deal aims to optimise the core technology for large-scale carbon capture.

Potentially explosive atmospheres impose strict requirements. Solenoid valves used in these areas must be exceptionally robust and reliable, adaptable to different areas of application and, of course, must conform to the corresponding approvals and directives. With this in mind, the fluid control specialist Bürkert has optimised its diverse programme of modular solenoid valves to meet current explosion protection requirements.

LANXESS is progressing according to plan with the construction of its world-scale EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) plant in Changzhou (Jiangsu Province), China. The German specialty chemicals company is investing EUR 235 million in the plant - the largest investment the company has made in China to date. Some 45 percent of the investment total will be spent by the end of 2013.

Under the deal, Kemira will combine its expertise in water treatment with ABB’s integrated automation solutions to enable customers to digitalise their water treatment processes and also improve the efficiency of their operations.

Gazprom intends to adopt specialised technologies from BASF in order to improve eco-efficiency and optimise the performance of its Astrakhan gas processing plant in Russia. Gazprom and BASF also have plans to develop a solution for separation of sulfur from natural gas.

The green-field plant is expected to produce Penta including the renewable grades of Voxtar. Construction of the plant already began in October and commercial production is expected to begin in Q1 2022.

The Tapflo Group has recently announced a new product series for feeding of filter presses. The piston-diaphragm pumps are designed for heavy duty applications and are used in almost every automotive production plant in Europe.

Ineos Styrolution and Sirap will focus on the use of polystyrene that is recycled through the depolymerisation process. With this, the joint project aims to establish a circular economy wherein post-consumer waste and environmental footprint is reduced.