The ever-evolving computer based simulation has revolutionised the way industrial processes are developed today: In many fields, accurate simulations can replace experiments and plant field tests with multi-scale and multi-physics models. But can these products bridge the gap between science and engineering?

Contrary to popular or traditional belief, installing an upgraded safety system does not necessarily require a lengthy shutdown of the facility. With careful planning and detailed, thorough engineering, a safety system can be upgraded with minimal disruption to facility operations.

Valuable chemicals in waste aqueous streams often go down the drain as treatment of effluent has always been considered a cost. However, with the advent of new technologies today, it is possible to cost-effectively recover chemicals from effluents in a pure form that can be recycled to reap huge gains.

New technologies to treat water in refineries and petrochemical plants: Giving the right water treatment solution to refineries and petrochemical plants is a big challenge. Nalco has addressed this problem with a holistic cooling water management system.

Essar Projects (EPL), a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor has bagged three new orders totaling US $ 80m in Abu Dhabi underpinning its presence in the Middle East market.

GEA Wiegand has received two large orders for vacuum systems for the expansion of two Indian refineries. In the refinery sector particularly high emphasis is put on low-energy processes because the margins for the processing of crude oil consumer products are very small. In the inquiry the main focus was put on the total cost of ownership.

Exxon boosts its petrochemical hub Singapore: The company plans to expand the production capacity for halobutyl rubber and hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins by a total of 230,000 tons/year.

Petrofac and Danos, a US-based family-owned and managed integrated oilfield services provider, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both the companies are in talks to form a joint venture agreement to attract business opportunities.

Sadara, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and The Dow Chemical Company, announced the commissioning of the last of its 26 plants: an isocyanates section currently producing crude quantities of toluene di isocyanate (TDI) and other specialty chemicals.

Falling energy prices, cheap feedstock and reduced global dependencies: Shale gas is America’s new bonanza. But while European manufacturers lament the slow development in the “Old World”, its time to face the chances that this boom provides for chemical companies. Fracking fluids and waste water treatment solutions call for innovative solutions.