Lukoil announced that it has taken the final investment decision on the delayed coker complex at Nizhny Novgorod refinery. The complex includes the construction of the delayed coker unit itself, the diesel hydro treatment unit, the gas fractionation unit, the sulfur and hydrogen production units and other infrastructure. The designed capacity of the complex is 2.1 million tonnes per annum.

Technip FMC announced that, jointly with Samsung Engineering and Tecnicas Reunidas, it has been awarded a $ 4.2 billion contract from Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) for the Bapco Modernization Program (BMP).

Sustainability is the name of the game in the coveted food markets – but what options do food processors have when it comes to packaging? Can producers and retailers strengthen their brand position by choosing biobased materials? A new study sheds a light on what might be the next big thing in food packaging…

Inert coating technology, such as SilcoNert 2000 of SilcoTek Corp., allows petrochemical operators to obtain accurate sulphur data every time without any delay, sample errors or false readings. By adopting this technology, petrochemical plants can save thousands of rupees through improved yields, better test cycle times and improved system reliability.

BASF wants to forge digital links to connect manufacturers, service provide. The BASF 4.0 initiative will catapult the giant chemical company into the digital age. Included is a project with SAP built around a database which will be shared by suppliers, engineering partners and maintenance partners. In the future, information will flow in real time over digital communication links.

Claris Lifesciences India (Claris) has announced the completion of the transfer of its Infusion business for India and Emerging Markets to the Joint Venture (Claris-Otsuka) with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Japan (OPF) and Mitsui Japan (Mitsui).

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) will be utilizing ammonia technology from Uhde in its new ammonia plant Ma’aden II, being built near the port of Ras al Khair in the Arabian Gulf. The 3,300 ton per day plant is scheduled for completion in 2016 and will be one of the largest of its kind worldwide.

The Belgian province of Noord-Brabant, TNO, ECN and the Flemish Vito are investing € 10 million ($ 11,9 million) in the development of bio-aromatics for the chemical industry.

During the “Factory Acceptance Test” (FAT) often expansions and adaptations are required which cost time and money. Now a new type concept for plant operating and construction companies forms the basis for even more efficient engineering, greater standardization and safety.

From shipyards to life-sciences: Automation manufacturers benefit from Korea’s industrial transition – Since the 1960s, Korea has seen an unparalleled transition from an agricultural country to one of Asia’s technology trailblazers. The technological edge secured the “land of the morning calm” a place among the world’s leading shipuilders, cars and electronics manufacturers and plant engineering specialists. After the shipping crisis and the declining crude price, Korea’s multinationals have set their sighths of life-sciences and process engineering. To promote the transition from shipyards to lab-floor, process understanding and state of the art technology are becoming the key enablers.