The five modular polymer injection plants have been successfully designed, supplied, installed and commissioned at a major oilfield in Argentina. The plants are expected to minimise mechanical degradation of polymers and will also help increase oil recovery rates.

BASF expands its capacities for high molecular weight polyisobutene (HM PIB) to support growth of global market. Therefore BASF has acquired intellectual property for a new manufacturing process of high molecular weight polyisobutene from Lanxess.

Under a new agreement, Haldor Topsoe will include BASF’s simulation tool, OASE in its Clearview Ammonia connected service. With this, both the companies aim to provide ammonia producers with a better simulation of their plant operations in order to optimise their production.

Allthough the low oil price troubles the US shale industry, chemicals giant BASF continues its plants for a propylene Megaplant in the US: The company has chosen Freeport., Texas, as the site for its latest methane-based propylene complex.

The energy-efficient amine gas treatment technology Oase sulfexx is expected to assist petroleum refiners and gas processors meet regulatory requirements of the future, reduce operating costs and increase capacity. The technology is capable of selectively removing hydrogen sulfide, while minimising co-absorption of CO2 from gas streams.

The demand for alternatives to lead chromate pigments is increasing. BASF reacts to this trend and is is going to significantly increase its production capacities of bismuth vanadate pigments in Besigheim near Stuttgart/Germany. The additional capacities will be available as of 2017.

BASF will increase its production capacities for the chemical intermediate 1,4-butanediol (BDO) by 10 % at its US-site in Geismar/Louisiana as of 2016. The company will then have a global capacity of BDO of 670,000 metric tons per year.

BASF has announced that its process catalysts manufacturing facility will be ceasing operations at its Erie site in 2021 due to non-profitable operations in the long term despite heavy investments. The move is in line with the firm’s long-term business plans.

Dr. Kurt Bock succeeds Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht and has been selected as the new chairman of the Supervisory Board of BASF. Earlier, he had also been elected to the Supervisory Board as a shareholder representative.

To convert hydrocarbon fractions of petroleum crude oils to more valuable gasoline, olefinic gases, and other products refineries use mostly Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC). By establishing a new testing and research laboratory at the hte site in Heidelberg, Germany BASF strengthens its Refining Catalysts business.