The continuing evolution of software solutions is changing the broad capability base of automation technology. Server-based solutions for production automation create new markets and applications for the IT industry.

The new facility is expected to expand Sasol’s current alkoxylation capability to approximately 150 kilo tonnes per annum which will more than double its capacity in the Asian region. It is also the firm’s largest expansion project in China.

Petroleum Development Oman’s mega project has begun gas production from six sour wells in Oman. Under the terms of the contract, Petrofac has provided engineering, procurement, construction management and commissioning support services worth around 1.25 billion dollars for the project.

Nouryon has undertaken this move after completing a major expansion project at its site in China. Its plant can now produce up to 38,000 tonnes per year of Dicumyl Peroxide. The project is expected to meet the growing demand for DCP within the region as well as around the globe.

Process engineers at oil & gas refineries will find that the rugged ST100 Thermal Mass Flow Meter Series from Fluid Components International (FCI) provides highly accurate, dependable measurement of air and fuel gases to optimise the performance of the boilers utilised by sulfur recovery units (SRUs).

The Korean firm SK E&C won the front end engineering & design contract for Ineos’ 750 ktpa facility in Belgium. The scheduled plant is expected to be energy as well as carbon efficient and aims to provide Europe with a sustainable industry.

Petronas and Evonik Industries signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to jointly embark on the development of production facilities of specialty chemicals within Petronas’ Refinery & Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Johor/Malaysia.

The plant which is capable of converting renewable electricity into green hydrogen can be scaled up from 20MWs to 60 MWs. The move will enable the facility to convert 9,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year and meet the demand for sustainable aviation fuel.

Digitalization in process automation was not a complete surprise, according to CTO Roland Bent, Phoenix Contact. But “it was not necessarily the obvious, logical conclusion of what happened in the years before.” He sees great potential in new approaches like NOA (Namur Open Architecture) and MTP (Module Type Package) — also for his own company.

The Lenzing Group is substantial increasing its production of lyocell fibers: Over the next years, the Austrian company plans to invest about one billion Dollars in new production facilities for lyocell fibers.