Chemical Processes Do Better With Magne-Trac
Questtec Solutions provides engineered solutions for the power plant industry as well as many industries around the world. In this blog series, we share recent headlines from industry news and real examples of our products ‘in action.’
Chemical News
US to export more LLDPE to Asia after Saudi attacks
Source: Argus Media
Increased volumes of US-origin linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) are likely to head for Asia-Pacific amid an unexpected supply shortage from Saudi Arabia.
LLDPE supplies from Saudi Arabia are expected to tighten in the coming weeks, leading to reduced exports to Asia-Pacific.
Saudi-based petrochemical producers are coping with reduced feedstock in the aftermath of the attacks on two key oil installations in Saudi Arabia on 14 September. The attacks at the Abqaiq plant, the world’s largest crude processing facility, and the Khurais oil field infrastructure forced state-owned Saudi Aramco to shut in 5.7mn b/d of crude output.
Dow adds FCDh tech to produce propylene on cracker
Source: Argus Media
Dow will retrofit one of its two crackers in Plaquemine, Louisiana, with fluidised catalytic dehyrogenation (FCDh) technology to produce on-purpose propylene.
The move seeks to fill a gap in output as lighter cracking across the US Gulf coast has reduced propylene co-production and increased the need for more on-purpose propylene.
Enterprise to extend Houston terminal
Source: Argus Media
US midstream company Enterprise Products Partners plans to expand its crude, LPG and polymer-grade propylene (PGP) export capacity at its terminal in Houston, Texas, by the end of next year.
The proposal includes adding an eighth dock at the Enterprise Hydrocarbon Terminal (EHT) on the Houston Ship Channel with a capacity to load another 840,000 b/d of crude, 260,000 b/d of LPG and 67,200 b/d of PGP.
The dock will be able to accommodate a Suezmax tanker — the largest ship class that can navigate the channel — according to the company.
ExxonMobil begins Beaumont PE production
Source: Argus Media
ExxonMobil has begun production at a new 650,000 t/yr polyethylene (PE) unit in Beaumont, Texas, according to a letter sent to customers.
The new unit will produce linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) grades and will expand capacity at the site by 65pc to 1.7mn t/yr.
The company began flaring in late June as part of start-up activities, which will continue in the coming weeks as it works to reach commercial operating levels.
The new plant is just the latest in more than 8.8mn t/yr of new PE capacity that has come online or will come online in the US between 2017 and 2021.
New production will contribute to an already well-supplied US market.
Chemical Plants and Questtec Solutions
Questtec Solutions’ level instruments can be found throughout chemical plants as some of the most dependable level instrument products available.
Our magnetic gauges are particularly efficient in chemical processes, and our Glass-Trac products, in special alloys combined with Shields to protect glass from process, provide excellent liquid level measurement.
For more information on how Questtec Solutions can provide you with customized, engineered solutions, contact us today!
