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$10 billion petrochemical plant wins school district tax breaks

A $10 billion petrochemical complex north of Corpus Christi can move forward after a local school board faced down community opposition and unanimously approved millions of dollars in tax breaks sought by two of the world's biggest companies.The Houston area's petrochemical industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, attracting an estimated $50 billion in investment.

Spotlight

United petrochemical company

United petrochemical company is a vertically integrated petrochemical group which owns four enterprises located in the Bashkortostan region: Ufaorgsintez, Tuimazinkoye and Shkapovskoye Gas Processing Plants and Bisphenol-A plant. In 2012, UPC generated a combined revenue of RUB 17.9 billion.

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Chemical Management

Future-Proofing the Chemical Industry with Digitalization

Article | July 14, 2022

Over the next five to seven years, the chemical sector will place a greater emphasis on sustainability, and digitization will play a significant part in this. Reducing resource use, pollution, energy consumption, and waste are some of its main applications. Additionally, it will increase demand for a circular economy supported by IoT, AI, and other digital technologies. Some of the systems now in place or being used in the sector include autonomous solutions that enable lower energy usage, dispatching systems for effective logistics and strategies for sustainable power and fuel consumption. Chemical players making the switch to digital platforms have a chance to triumph if they move swiftly and update their operational models in accordance with a few common success characteristics. In fact, according to our study, making the correct decisions can increase total earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization by 3 percent or more (EBITDA). The Next Step of Operational Excellence The same level of transformation is available with digital technology for optimal performance, together with success-enabling measures. The same level of corporate participation and realignment will also be necessary for the effective implementation of digital technology. Finance and telecoms were early leaders in adopting digital technology faster than the chemical sector, which has just recently started to move in more significant numbers toward digitalization. A circular economy in the sector is also being enabled by the use and evaluation of digital technology. The "Right to Fix" movement is being driven by governments and legislators in Europe and the US, and small and medium-sized businesses in the industry are expected to invest in technology that makes it easier to repair electronic items with the least amount of waste. On a side note, by enabling the re-use of resources and products throughout the supply chain, digitalization with lean manufacturing (LM) would enable businesses to improve operational excellence and create value, thereby supporting the circular economy goal. Conclusion Given its extensive safety and regulatory requirements, the chemical sector has evolved slowly. However, as the global economy changes, some skills will become obsolete and others essential. The interconnectedness of people, processes, and technology, as well as the requirement for real-time insight at the levels closest to the action, are among the basic principles of Industry 4.0. These values have existed for some time and are an extension of our teams' current operational excellence initiatives. Digital transformation is not a technology endpoint but rather the following stage in the process and business evolution as the chemicals industry advances continuously.

Read More
Chemical Management

Southeast polyolefins demand growth could be negative again in 2021

Article | July 22, 2021

BEFORE the pandemic, GDP growth rates in the developing world were always higher than in developed economies.And because developing economies had much lower levels of petrochemicals consumption than their rich counterparts, it meant that the multiples over GDP were higher than in the rich word, where consumption was pretty much saturated. For instance, polyethylene (PE) demand in a developed country such as Germany might have grown at 0.3% times GDP whereas in Indonesia the growth could have been one or more times higher than the rate of growth in GDP.But as The Economist wrote in this 11 July article: “In 2021 the poorest countries, which are desperately short of vaccines, are forecast to grow more slowly than rich countries for only the third time in 25 years.” Might the multiples over GDP growth also be adversely affected in the developing world, trending lower than the historic norms? They will almost certainly remain higher than the rich countries. But here is the thing: as millions more people are pushed back into extreme poverty by the pandemic or are denied the opportunity to achieve middle-income status, I believe that developing-world multiples may well decline.Escaping extreme poverty means being able to, say, afford a whole bottle of shampoo for the first time rather than a single-serve sachet, thereby raising per capita polymers consumption.

Read More
Chemical Management

Ways Your Chemical Company Can Benefit From Digitization

Article | July 8, 2022

The chemical industry is evolving. The marketing, purchasing, and selling of chemicals are being affected by forces in the market, with digitization unquestionably having the most significant impact. Many of the existing digitizing models have likely already been given some thought and then rejected. Chemical businesses are currently conducting pilot projects or starting to gradually scale up their digital initiatives after moving past the proof-of-concept stage. Although this past year brought many difficulties, it also provided an opportunity to revise and re-evaluate foundations moving forward. The Great Reset, as the World Economic Forum has dubbed this time period, is illuminating how the chemical industry might leverage digital technologies to advance. Whether prompted by governmental requirements or consumer desires, chemical businesses' net-zero ambitions will necessitate new expenditures throughout the whole chemical value chain. As a result, back-office costs must be as efficient as possible to free up money to pay for those investments while keeping a profit. Consumer pull The most essential requirements for the success of a new product are a solid understanding of customer needs and wants, the competitive climate, and the makeup of the market. The primary factors that influence the needs of the consumer are price, timing, and quality. Therefore, companies create ongoing procedures and plans with these three factors in mind to better serve client needs and grow their market share by regularly creating new products. Technology pushes The influence of digital technology is constantly growing. One of the foundational elements of 21st-century sources of growth is data-driven innovation. There are numerous items and procedures in the history of innovation that were the result of an accident or careful forethought. Vast volumes of data, or "big data," are being produced and used as a result of the convergence of numerous phenomena, including the growing migration of socio-economic activities on the Internet and the decline in the cost of data collecting, storage, and processing. Large data sets are becoming an essential resource for the economy, supporting the development of new markets, procedures, and goods while also generating substantial competitive advantages. For example, a billion customers can now access broadband at a reasonable price because of the digital world's supporting infrastructure. In addition, cloud computing and the enormous amount of information processing equipment it needs are developing swiftly, and low-cost connected gadgets are being introduced into every industry. Economic benefits The financial gains that can be realized through digitization are genuine. The new digital technologies and businesses have seen an influx of cash, and the public markets are rewarding early adopters with record values. The effects of digitization are spreading swiftly throughout every business. Digitization is the changing of life and work as a result of new technologies, not only their acceptance. Much like earlier technologies, modern emerging technologies like the cloud and big data quickly become part of businesses' operations. Unknown to many, this is having a much more significant impact on the industry that makes these tools as well as on customers. Digitalization that derives from and includes strategic business objectives can greatly benefit chemical firms. Cost savings of roughly 30 to 40 percent can already be made on average today. Additionally, in certain situations, digitalization aided in improving service quality and affected the bottom line by, for instance, enabling new business models. On average, platform-driven digitization projects pay off after 18 months.

Read More
Chemical Management

The Future of Supply Chain Management for Chemical Companies

Article | July 8, 2022

Individual consumers expect tailored products and services. Color, size, quantity, payment method, and delivery channel options abound. The chemical sector is also now following this suit of action. The global chemicals supply chain has grown steadily for three decades. Chemical businesses are improving their supply chain capabilities to handle complexity and meet client demands. This includes implementing advanced data-driven and cloud-based technologies that enable faster, more flexible, and tailored customer interactions. Areas of innovation for chemical companies Living Segmentation Living segmentation can help chemical businesses better serve clients and satisfy their expectations. This entails adapting supply chain capabilities to each customer's needs. Asset-light Network An asset-light network involves developing an ecosystem of partners to add capabilities and value to your supply chain beyond standard co-manufacturing, co-packing, and third-party or last-mile logistics providers. In addition, it should include technology partners that help chemical businesses innovate and be adaptable. Data and Applied Intelligence Improving speed, agility, and efficiency in global supply chains demands comprehensive visibility and the correct information. Data provides visibility and insights. The key to providing excellent customer service is gathering the appropriate data and using it strategically to get important insight. The industry generates a ton of data, which is excellent news. In response to last year's supply chain delays, corporations are building supply chains with geographically spread shipping/supplier choices. Real-time visibility and enhanced analytics can be used to track delays by providing revised ETAs and analyzing downstream implications. Data-driven insights can alert organizations of a delay almost immediately and help them acquire raw materials from another supplier to reduce the domino impact downstream. Chemical businesses must rethink their supply chains to implement living segmentation, asset-light networks, data, and AI.

Read More
Chemical Management

Key Trends in the Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry

Article | July 14, 2022

Over the next five to seven years, the chemical sector will place a greater emphasis on sustainability, and digitization will play a significant part in this. Reducing resource use, pollution, energy consumption, and waste are some of its main applications. Additionally, it will increase demand for a circular economy supported by IoT, AI, and other digital technologies. Some of the systems now in place or being used in the sector include autonomous solutions that enable lower energy usage, dispatching systems for effective logistics and strategies for sustainable power and fuel consumption. Chemical players making the switch to digital platforms have a chance to triumph if they move swiftly and update their operational models in accordance with a few common success characteristics. In fact, according to our study, making the correct decisions can increase total earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization by 3 percent or more (EBITDA). The Next Step of Operational Excellence The same level of transformation is available with digital technology for optimal performance, together with success-enabling measures. The same level of corporate participation and realignment will also be necessary for the effective implementation of digital technology. Finance and telecoms were early leaders in adopting digital technology faster than the chemical sector, which has just recently started to move in more significant numbers toward digitalization. A circular economy in the sector is also being enabled by the use and evaluation of digital technology. The "Right to Fix" movement is being driven by governments and legislators in Europe and the US, and small and medium-sized businesses in the industry are expected to invest in technology that makes it easier to repair electronic items with the least amount of waste. On a side note, by enabling the re-use of resources and products throughout the supply chain, digitalization with lean manufacturing (LM) would enable businesses to improve operational excellence and create value, thereby supporting the circular economy goal. Conclusion Given its extensive safety and regulatory requirements, the chemical sector has evolved slowly. However, as the global economy changes, some skills will become obsolete and others essential. The interconnectedness of people, processes, and technology, as well as the requirement for real-time insight at the levels closest to the action, are among the basic principles of Industry 4.0. These values have existed for some time and are an extension of our teams' current operational excellence initiatives. Digital transformation is not a technology endpoint but rather the following stage in the process and business evolution as the chemicals industry advances continuously.

Read More
Chemical Management

Pandemic’s third wave seems unlikely to damage global petrochemicals demand

Article | July 22, 2021

BEFORE the pandemic, GDP growth rates in the developing world were always higher than in developed economies.And because developing economies had much lower levels of petrochemicals consumption than their rich counterparts, it meant that the multiples over GDP were higher than in the rich word, where consumption was pretty much saturated. For instance, polyethylene (PE) demand in a developed country such as Germany might have grown at 0.3% times GDP whereas in Indonesia the growth could have been one or more times higher than the rate of growth in GDP.But as The Economist wrote in this 11 July article: “In 2021 the poorest countries, which are desperately short of vaccines, are forecast to grow more slowly than rich countries for only the third time in 25 years.” Might the multiples over GDP growth also be adversely affected in the developing world, trending lower than the historic norms? They will almost certainly remain higher than the rich countries. But here is the thing: as millions more people are pushed back into extreme poverty by the pandemic or are denied the opportunity to achieve middle-income status, I believe that developing-world multiples may well decline.Escaping extreme poverty means being able to, say, afford a whole bottle of shampoo for the first time rather than a single-serve sachet, thereby raising per capita polymers consumption.

Read More
Chemical Management

The Future of Supply Chain Management for Chemical Companies

Article | July 8, 2022

The chemical industry is evolving. The marketing, purchasing, and selling of chemicals are being affected by forces in the market, with digitization unquestionably having the most significant impact. Many of the existing digitizing models have likely already been given some thought and then rejected. Chemical businesses are currently conducting pilot projects or starting to gradually scale up their digital initiatives after moving past the proof-of-concept stage. Although this past year brought many difficulties, it also provided an opportunity to revise and re-evaluate foundations moving forward. The Great Reset, as the World Economic Forum has dubbed this time period, is illuminating how the chemical industry might leverage digital technologies to advance. Whether prompted by governmental requirements or consumer desires, chemical businesses' net-zero ambitions will necessitate new expenditures throughout the whole chemical value chain. As a result, back-office costs must be as efficient as possible to free up money to pay for those investments while keeping a profit. Consumer pull The most essential requirements for the success of a new product are a solid understanding of customer needs and wants, the competitive climate, and the makeup of the market. The primary factors that influence the needs of the consumer are price, timing, and quality. Therefore, companies create ongoing procedures and plans with these three factors in mind to better serve client needs and grow their market share by regularly creating new products. Technology pushes The influence of digital technology is constantly growing. One of the foundational elements of 21st-century sources of growth is data-driven innovation. There are numerous items and procedures in the history of innovation that were the result of an accident or careful forethought. Vast volumes of data, or "big data," are being produced and used as a result of the convergence of numerous phenomena, including the growing migration of socio-economic activities on the Internet and the decline in the cost of data collecting, storage, and processing. Large data sets are becoming an essential resource for the economy, supporting the development of new markets, procedures, and goods while also generating substantial competitive advantages. For example, a billion customers can now access broadband at a reasonable price because of the digital world's supporting infrastructure. In addition, cloud computing and the enormous amount of information processing equipment it needs are developing swiftly, and low-cost connected gadgets are being introduced into every industry. Economic benefits The financial gains that can be realized through digitization are genuine. The new digital technologies and businesses have seen an influx of cash, and the public markets are rewarding early adopters with record values. The effects of digitization are spreading swiftly throughout every business. Digitization is the changing of life and work as a result of new technologies, not only their acceptance. Much like earlier technologies, modern emerging technologies like the cloud and big data quickly become part of businesses' operations. Unknown to many, this is having a much more significant impact on the industry that makes these tools as well as on customers. Digitalization that derives from and includes strategic business objectives can greatly benefit chemical firms. Cost savings of roughly 30 to 40 percent can already be made on average today. Additionally, in certain situations, digitalization aided in improving service quality and affected the bottom line by, for instance, enabling new business models. On average, platform-driven digitization projects pay off after 18 months.

Read More
Chemical Management

The Future of Supply Chain Management for Chemical Companies

Article | July 8, 2022

Individual consumers expect tailored products and services. Color, size, quantity, payment method, and delivery channel options abound. The chemical sector is also now following this suit of action. The global chemicals supply chain has grown steadily for three decades. Chemical businesses are improving their supply chain capabilities to handle complexity and meet client demands. This includes implementing advanced data-driven and cloud-based technologies that enable faster, more flexible, and tailored customer interactions. Areas of innovation for chemical companies Living Segmentation Living segmentation can help chemical businesses better serve clients and satisfy their expectations. This entails adapting supply chain capabilities to each customer's needs. Asset-light Network An asset-light network involves developing an ecosystem of partners to add capabilities and value to your supply chain beyond standard co-manufacturing, co-packing, and third-party or last-mile logistics providers. In addition, it should include technology partners that help chemical businesses innovate and be adaptable. Data and Applied Intelligence Improving speed, agility, and efficiency in global supply chains demands comprehensive visibility and the correct information. Data provides visibility and insights. The key to providing excellent customer service is gathering the appropriate data and using it strategically to get important insight. The industry generates a ton of data, which is excellent news. In response to last year's supply chain delays, corporations are building supply chains with geographically spread shipping/supplier choices. Real-time visibility and enhanced analytics can be used to track delays by providing revised ETAs and analyzing downstream implications. Data-driven insights can alert organizations of a delay almost immediately and help them acquire raw materials from another supplier to reduce the domino impact downstream. Chemical businesses must rethink their supply chains to implement living segmentation, asset-light networks, data, and AI.

Read More
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Spotlight

United petrochemical company

United petrochemical company is a vertically integrated petrochemical group which owns four enterprises located in the Bashkortostan region: Ufaorgsintez, Tuimazinkoye and Shkapovskoye Gas Processing Plants and Bisphenol-A plant. In 2012, UPC generated a combined revenue of RUB 17.9 billion.

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Chemical Technology

Imperial advances renewable diesel plans, awards hydrogen contract to Air Products

Imperial Oil Limited | September 07, 2022

Imperial announced a long-term contract with Air Products to supply low-carbon hydrogen for Imperial’s proposed renewable diesel complex at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta. Air Products will provide pipeline supply from its hydrogen plant under construction in Edmonton. “Our agreement with Air Products is an important milestone as we progress plans to build the largest renewable diesel manufacturing facility in Canada. This project highlights Imperial’s commitment to investing in a lower carbon future. We continue to progress discussions with our business partners and governments as we work toward a final investment decision in the months ahead.” Jon Wetmore, Imperial’s vice president of downstream Imperial will use Air Products’ low-carbon hydrogen to produce renewable diesel at Strathcona that substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional production. The hydrogen and biofeedstock will be combined with a proprietary catalyst to produce premium low-carbon diesel fuel. Air Products is increasing overall investment in its Edmonton hydrogen facility to CAD $1.6 billion to support the Imperial contract. The additional investment by Air Products will be used to facilitate integration with Imperial’s proposed project that is expected to enable further significant emissions reductions at Air Products’ overall complex. Air Products will supply Strathcona with approximately 50 percent of the low-carbon hydrogen output from the 165 million standard cubic feet per day hydrogen production complex. “There is significant demand for low-carbon hydrogen, and as a first-mover, Air Products is ready to meet that demand from our Alberta Blue Hydrogen Hub,” said Dr. Samir J. Serhan, chief operating officer at Air Products. “Canada is rapidly implementing an energy transition that emphasizes the use of low-carbon hydrogen, and Air Products is demonstrating that world-scale hydrogen facilities can be net-zero for carbon emissions. We continue to set the stage for a competitive, low-carbon-intensity hydrogen network, which includes increasing liquid hydrogen production capacity at our site to 35 metric tonnes per day, to provide clean hydrogen for the growing industrial and mobility markets across Canada.” Imperial’s renewable diesel complex is expected to produce more than 1 billion litres per year of renewable diesel from locally sourced feedstocks. First announced in August 2021, the project is anticipated to realize about 3 million tonnes per year in emissions reductions in the Canadian transportation sector, which is estimated to be the equivalent to taking more than 650,000 vehicles off the road annually. The project is projected to create about 600 direct construction jobs, along with hundreds more through investments by business partners. Third-party studies have shown renewable diesel from various non-petroleum feedstocks can provide life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of approximately 40 to 80 percent as compared to petroleum-based diesel. About Imperial Oil Limited After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business. About Air Products Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the Company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the global leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment. The Company develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest industrial gas projects, including: gasification projects that sustainably convert abundant natural resources into syngas for the production of high-value power, fuels and chemicals; carbon capture projects; and world-scale low- and zero-carbon hydrogen projects supporting global transportation and the energy transition. The Company had fiscal 2021 sales of $10.3 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $55 billion. More than 20,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world.

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Chemical Technology

Offen Petroleum Acquires the Wholesale Division of G&S Oil Products

Offen Petroleum | August 24, 2022

Offen Petroleum announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the wholesale division of G&S Oil Products, headquartered in Centennial, CO. Offen is a leading independent distributor of motor fuels, propane, and lubricants, and offers petroleum logistics services in 40 U.S. states. The acquisition continues to strengthen Offen's ability to distribute major oil company branded motor fuel to independent retailers. G&S has been owned and operated by the Sussman family for over 50 years. G&S is a full-service wholesale and retail marketer of branded motor fuels under the Conoco, Phillips 66, Sinclair, and Shell brands as well as a supplier of unbranded fuels, with a footprint covering the greater Front Range of Colorado. In addition to providing wholesale motor fuel services to third-party retailers, G&S has developed a reputation of operational excellence in their own network of gas stations and convenience stores. After the transaction, G&S will continue to operate their portfolio of convenience stores and automotive service centers. "We've had a long relationship with Bill Gallagher, and we knew that if we were going to sell our wholesale business, Offen would be the best partner for not only our wholesale customers, but also for our company operated stores, who will be a fuel customer of Offen's. The Offen team has a reputation of providing the highest level of customer care and they have a full breadth of resources that will benefit our customers." Meyer Sussman, Founder and President of G&S This acquisition will add 40 new customers that operate gas stations under the Conoco, Phillips, and Sinclair brands along with five un-branded motor fuel customers. The addition of G&S's customers deepens Offen's operations in Colorado, further enhances Offen's position as one of the leading fuel distributors in the United States and grows Offen's commitment to the branded dealer business. "Meyer and Jeff Sussman and their team of dedicated, long-term employees, are long-standing, highly respected operators in the motor fuel/convenience retail industry, and I am very honored that the Sussman's are entrusting Offen to carry on their legacy of providing superior service to their customers," said Bill Gallagher, Offen's CEO. "This is a very special opportunity for us to be able to acquire such a high-quality portfolio of customers." About Offen Petroleum Headquartered in Commerce City, CO, Offen is a growing distributor of motor fuels, propane, and lubricants that dedicates itself to serving its customers with the highest level of service. In addition to organic growth, Offen is a leading acquiror of companies in this consolidating marketplace. Offen distributes over 2.2 billion gallons of motor fuel annually and will serve customers throughout 40 United States. In addition to branded and unbranded motor fuels, Offen sells propane, and lubricant products and solutions for the commercial, industrial, and passenger car segments, as well as diesel exhaust fluids used in emission controls. Offen is a portfolio company of Court Square Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm with $7 billion of assets under management.

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Chemical Management

KBC Releases Petro-SIM 7.3 Technology to Optimize Refinery and Petrochemical Operations

KBC | August 19, 2022

KBC announces the release of a new version of its award-winning Petro-SIM® process simulation software. Version 7.3 now has a more reliable and robust reactor for modeling bio-oils and an emission calculation model for gas turbines and burners. As operators transition to clean energy, they now have access to highly accurate methods to design, monitor, and streamline operations while improving margins. Petro-SIM 7.3 technology lays the foundation for AI-based automated model maintenance, supporting the first of a series of applications that will deploy later this year. Many countries are transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and optimizing energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions. The result is stringent environmental regulations that process industries must follow, which squeeze their already tight margins. The Petro-SIM 7.3 simulation tool has broadened its decarbonization simulation capabilities to accurately depict decarbonization processes, making it a scalable solution that helps operators overcome these challenges. "The Petro-SIM 7.3 process simulator is a versatile tool that can now better provide accurate information to multiple units along the supply chain. Operators can use this data to predict potential problems, minimize system downtime, and design efficient systems. Our technology integrates into daily work processes to deliver reliable predictions of combustion emissions, potential equipment failures, and operational risks. Engineers can now go beyond traditional model building to optimizing operations, advancing performance monitoring, automating production scheduling, analyzing, and reducing emissions from combustion sources." Rodolfo Tellez-Schmill, product champion for process simulation The petrochemical-polymer industry in particular is seeing a growing demand. However, the complexity of polymer processing makes it challenging for polymer manufacturers to develop and design process technologies to meet the necessary product quality. Petro-SIM 7.3 software with Predici-SIM technology can now simulate polymerization processes. This allows operators to evaluate and manage challenges so they develop and produce new polymer grades with desirable properties while optimizing key performance indicators and maintaining operating conditions in steady-state and dynamic modes for the entire petrochemical-polymer supply chain. Russell Byfield, global simulation business leader, further comments, "Throughout our 43-year history, KBC has created software applications to solve the most challenging problems across the process industry value chain from upstream, midstream to downstream, and petrochemicals. We take pride in offering one of the most comprehensive and advanced simulation software solutions in the industry. Its breadth and depth are unmatched, and its versatility enables our customers to efficiently and effectively address many challenges." About KBC KBC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, is all about excellence in the Energy and Chemical industry. We make excellence real for our customers through the actions of our people fused with our technology and best practices. We provide leading software and expert services, powered by the cloud, to assure process operations achieve their full potential. Our customers achieve operating performance that surpasses ordinary standards, now and into the future.

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Chemical Technology

Imperial advances renewable diesel plans, awards hydrogen contract to Air Products

Imperial Oil Limited | September 07, 2022

Imperial announced a long-term contract with Air Products to supply low-carbon hydrogen for Imperial’s proposed renewable diesel complex at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta. Air Products will provide pipeline supply from its hydrogen plant under construction in Edmonton. “Our agreement with Air Products is an important milestone as we progress plans to build the largest renewable diesel manufacturing facility in Canada. This project highlights Imperial’s commitment to investing in a lower carbon future. We continue to progress discussions with our business partners and governments as we work toward a final investment decision in the months ahead.” Jon Wetmore, Imperial’s vice president of downstream Imperial will use Air Products’ low-carbon hydrogen to produce renewable diesel at Strathcona that substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional production. The hydrogen and biofeedstock will be combined with a proprietary catalyst to produce premium low-carbon diesel fuel. Air Products is increasing overall investment in its Edmonton hydrogen facility to CAD $1.6 billion to support the Imperial contract. The additional investment by Air Products will be used to facilitate integration with Imperial’s proposed project that is expected to enable further significant emissions reductions at Air Products’ overall complex. Air Products will supply Strathcona with approximately 50 percent of the low-carbon hydrogen output from the 165 million standard cubic feet per day hydrogen production complex. “There is significant demand for low-carbon hydrogen, and as a first-mover, Air Products is ready to meet that demand from our Alberta Blue Hydrogen Hub,” said Dr. Samir J. Serhan, chief operating officer at Air Products. “Canada is rapidly implementing an energy transition that emphasizes the use of low-carbon hydrogen, and Air Products is demonstrating that world-scale hydrogen facilities can be net-zero for carbon emissions. We continue to set the stage for a competitive, low-carbon-intensity hydrogen network, which includes increasing liquid hydrogen production capacity at our site to 35 metric tonnes per day, to provide clean hydrogen for the growing industrial and mobility markets across Canada.” Imperial’s renewable diesel complex is expected to produce more than 1 billion litres per year of renewable diesel from locally sourced feedstocks. First announced in August 2021, the project is anticipated to realize about 3 million tonnes per year in emissions reductions in the Canadian transportation sector, which is estimated to be the equivalent to taking more than 650,000 vehicles off the road annually. The project is projected to create about 600 direct construction jobs, along with hundreds more through investments by business partners. Third-party studies have shown renewable diesel from various non-petroleum feedstocks can provide life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of approximately 40 to 80 percent as compared to petroleum-based diesel. About Imperial Oil Limited After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business. About Air Products Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the Company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the global leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment. The Company develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest industrial gas projects, including: gasification projects that sustainably convert abundant natural resources into syngas for the production of high-value power, fuels and chemicals; carbon capture projects; and world-scale low- and zero-carbon hydrogen projects supporting global transportation and the energy transition. The Company had fiscal 2021 sales of $10.3 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $55 billion. More than 20,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world.

Read More

Chemical Technology

Offen Petroleum Acquires the Wholesale Division of G&S Oil Products

Offen Petroleum | August 24, 2022

Offen Petroleum announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the wholesale division of G&S Oil Products, headquartered in Centennial, CO. Offen is a leading independent distributor of motor fuels, propane, and lubricants, and offers petroleum logistics services in 40 U.S. states. The acquisition continues to strengthen Offen's ability to distribute major oil company branded motor fuel to independent retailers. G&S has been owned and operated by the Sussman family for over 50 years. G&S is a full-service wholesale and retail marketer of branded motor fuels under the Conoco, Phillips 66, Sinclair, and Shell brands as well as a supplier of unbranded fuels, with a footprint covering the greater Front Range of Colorado. In addition to providing wholesale motor fuel services to third-party retailers, G&S has developed a reputation of operational excellence in their own network of gas stations and convenience stores. After the transaction, G&S will continue to operate their portfolio of convenience stores and automotive service centers. "We've had a long relationship with Bill Gallagher, and we knew that if we were going to sell our wholesale business, Offen would be the best partner for not only our wholesale customers, but also for our company operated stores, who will be a fuel customer of Offen's. The Offen team has a reputation of providing the highest level of customer care and they have a full breadth of resources that will benefit our customers." Meyer Sussman, Founder and President of G&S This acquisition will add 40 new customers that operate gas stations under the Conoco, Phillips, and Sinclair brands along with five un-branded motor fuel customers. The addition of G&S's customers deepens Offen's operations in Colorado, further enhances Offen's position as one of the leading fuel distributors in the United States and grows Offen's commitment to the branded dealer business. "Meyer and Jeff Sussman and their team of dedicated, long-term employees, are long-standing, highly respected operators in the motor fuel/convenience retail industry, and I am very honored that the Sussman's are entrusting Offen to carry on their legacy of providing superior service to their customers," said Bill Gallagher, Offen's CEO. "This is a very special opportunity for us to be able to acquire such a high-quality portfolio of customers." About Offen Petroleum Headquartered in Commerce City, CO, Offen is a growing distributor of motor fuels, propane, and lubricants that dedicates itself to serving its customers with the highest level of service. In addition to organic growth, Offen is a leading acquiror of companies in this consolidating marketplace. Offen distributes over 2.2 billion gallons of motor fuel annually and will serve customers throughout 40 United States. In addition to branded and unbranded motor fuels, Offen sells propane, and lubricant products and solutions for the commercial, industrial, and passenger car segments, as well as diesel exhaust fluids used in emission controls. Offen is a portfolio company of Court Square Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm with $7 billion of assets under management.

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Chemical Management

KBC Releases Petro-SIM 7.3 Technology to Optimize Refinery and Petrochemical Operations

KBC | August 19, 2022

KBC announces the release of a new version of its award-winning Petro-SIM® process simulation software. Version 7.3 now has a more reliable and robust reactor for modeling bio-oils and an emission calculation model for gas turbines and burners. As operators transition to clean energy, they now have access to highly accurate methods to design, monitor, and streamline operations while improving margins. Petro-SIM 7.3 technology lays the foundation for AI-based automated model maintenance, supporting the first of a series of applications that will deploy later this year. Many countries are transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and optimizing energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions. The result is stringent environmental regulations that process industries must follow, which squeeze their already tight margins. The Petro-SIM 7.3 simulation tool has broadened its decarbonization simulation capabilities to accurately depict decarbonization processes, making it a scalable solution that helps operators overcome these challenges. "The Petro-SIM 7.3 process simulator is a versatile tool that can now better provide accurate information to multiple units along the supply chain. Operators can use this data to predict potential problems, minimize system downtime, and design efficient systems. Our technology integrates into daily work processes to deliver reliable predictions of combustion emissions, potential equipment failures, and operational risks. Engineers can now go beyond traditional model building to optimizing operations, advancing performance monitoring, automating production scheduling, analyzing, and reducing emissions from combustion sources." Rodolfo Tellez-Schmill, product champion for process simulation The petrochemical-polymer industry in particular is seeing a growing demand. However, the complexity of polymer processing makes it challenging for polymer manufacturers to develop and design process technologies to meet the necessary product quality. Petro-SIM 7.3 software with Predici-SIM technology can now simulate polymerization processes. This allows operators to evaluate and manage challenges so they develop and produce new polymer grades with desirable properties while optimizing key performance indicators and maintaining operating conditions in steady-state and dynamic modes for the entire petrochemical-polymer supply chain. Russell Byfield, global simulation business leader, further comments, "Throughout our 43-year history, KBC has created software applications to solve the most challenging problems across the process industry value chain from upstream, midstream to downstream, and petrochemicals. We take pride in offering one of the most comprehensive and advanced simulation software solutions in the industry. Its breadth and depth are unmatched, and its versatility enables our customers to efficiently and effectively address many challenges." About KBC KBC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, is all about excellence in the Energy and Chemical industry. We make excellence real for our customers through the actions of our people fused with our technology and best practices. We provide leading software and expert services, powered by the cloud, to assure process operations achieve their full potential. Our customers achieve operating performance that surpasses ordinary standards, now and into the future.

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