Fluid Components International (FCI) has launched the new ST100 series of continuous thermal mass flow meters. The devices are able to measure gas mass flow rates, total flow, temperature and pressure depending on the model family.

Carbonization processes such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) expected to fulfil important roles in future bio-refinery concepts. However, until now a major problem is: These processes form waste waters that contain various environmental hazardous substances. Researchers in Potsdam/Germany seem to crack it.

Technip, leader of a joint venture with Fluor, was awarded a Program Management Consultancy (PMC) contract by Petronas for the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project located in the state of Johor, Malaysia.

At a pilot facility in Singapore, Siemens has cut the energy needed to desalinate seawater by more than 50 percent. The plant processes 50 cubic meters of water per day, consuming only 1.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity per cubic meter. The most efficient desalination technique currently in use is reverse osmosis, which consumes more than twice as much energy.

Yara International and BASF Group have agreed to build a world scale ammonia plant at BASF’s site in Freeport, Texas. The plant will use hydrogen as raw material, reducing capital expenditures (capex), maintenance and carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

Evonik Industries has dissolved its joint venture with Chinese partner Sanzheng Fine Chemicals. This comprises the cyanuric chloride plants in Yingkou and Chongqing, which supplied the agrochemicals markets in the region. The decommissioned Chongqing site remains with Evonik.

Oxea's new oxo derivatives production in China is well on time: Construction works for the plant have just begun, with completion scheduled for late 2013.

Sibur lays the first foundations for its Zap Sib Neftekhim process plant: This facility for deep hydrocarbon to polyolefin processing in the Tyumen Region of Western Siberia is the biggest investment project in Sibur's history, the company states.

Lab automation enables efficient handling of numerous samples. However, the challenge lies in how to make good use of ‘big data’. Therefore, current initiatives aim for standardization - but can that achieved? Discover the chances and challenges for laboryatories in the digital age...

Shell’s base chemicals operation in the United States of America (USA) Gulf Coast region has taken advantage of changing hydrocarbon market dynamics to strengthen its advantaged feedstock processing capability and simplify its business. The turnaround in performance and competitive positioning achieved is vital to the success of Shell’s chemicals business in the USA and for future security of supply to customers in North American heartland markets.