Recycled products cause hazardous chemicals to appear in everyday items

Hazardous chemicals such as bromine, antimony and lead are finding their way into food-contact items and other everyday products because manufacturers are using recycled electrical equipment as a source of black plastic, according to a new study.

The substances are among those applied to devices, such as laptops and music systems, as flame retardants and pigments but remain within the products when they reach the end of their useful lives.

Now scientists at the University of Plymouth have shown that a combination of the growing demand for black plastic and the inefficient sorting of end-of-life electrical equipment is causing contaminated material to be introduced into the recyclate.

This is in part because despite black plastics constituting about 15 percent of the domestic waste stream, this waste material is not readily recycled owing to the low sensitivity of black pigments to near infrared radiation used in conventional plastic sorting facilities.

Read more: Recycled products cause hazardous chemicals to appear in everyday items

TechnipFMC bags subsea contract for Liuhua fields in China

TechnipFMC (FTI) has been awarded a subsea contract by CNOOC Limited for the Liuhua 16-2, 20-2 and 21-2 oilfield joint development project in the South China Sea.

The contract covers the engineering, procurement and construction of subsea equipment, including 26 units of Enhanced Horizontal Christmas Trees (EHXT) as well as Wellheads, Subsea Control Systems, Manifolds, Tie-In Systems and Intervention Workover Control Systems (IWOCS). This contract also covers support services for the installation and commissioning, as well as the provision of a local services support base in China.

Read more: TechnipFMC bags subsea contract for Liuhua fields in China

FMC appoints new general counsel for FMC lithium

FMC Corporation (FMC) has appointed Sara Ponessa as general counsel for FMC lithium, effective 1 June 2018. She was most recently senior business counsel for FMC lithium. 

She will report to Paul Graves, who previously was announced CEO of the new lithium business upon its planned IPO in October.

Read more: FMC appoints new general counsel for FMC lithium

Brenntag completes acquiring Iberian service provider Quimitecnica

Brenntag AG has completed the acquisition of Quimitecnica.com – Comercio e Industria Quimica SA, Portugal (Quimitecnica).

The company offers a wide range of chemical products, blends, logistics and storage services to various industrial business segments in Portugal, the North of Spain and several African countries.

Read more: Brenntag completes acquiring Iberian service provider Quimitecnica

BASF opens new electronic-grade sulfuric acid plant in China

BASF SE has started operations at a new electronic-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4) plant in Jiaxing, China, to serve the country’s growing semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Driven by strong demand from customers, the plant has simultaneously started its expansion phase to double the production capacity before the completion of the facility. The expansion phase is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Located at the seaport town of Zhapu, southwest of Shanghai, the new plant is equipped with the latest technology to produce the highest-quality sulfuric acid. This will primarily be used during hundreds of cleaning cycles that semiconductor wafers go through in the making of microchips designed in single-digit nodes measuring less than 10 nanometers. It houses advanced quality analysis equipment, and an analytics lab with a dedicated cleanroom, to accommodate the future needs of electronics customers in China.

Read more: BASF opens new electronic-grade sulfuric acid plant in China

Chemours, Arkema enter into distribution agreement for Opteon refrigerant

The Chemours Company (Chemours) has signed a distributor agreement with Arkema for the distribution of Opteon XP40 (R-449A) refrigerant in the European Union. To meet the growing demand for low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants under the F-Gas Regulation.

The 2018 F-Gas cap and phasedown reduction of 37 percent has generated significant demand for low GWP alternatives to replace legacy products such as R-404A/R-507A.

XP40 is currently the refrigerant of choice among leading supermarkets, retailers, contractors, distributors and end-users in the EU for retrofit and new equipment, delivering improved performance with a more sustainable environmental footprint and over 65 percent reduction in GWP vs. existing products.

Read more: Chemours, Arkema enter into distribution agreement for Opteon refrigerant

Petronas to buy equity stake in Shell-led LNG Canada project

Shell Canada Energy, PetroChina Kitimat LNG Partnership, Diamond LNG Canada Ltd and Kogas Canada LNG Ltd said that Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) will take an equity position in LNG Canada.

Located in Kitimat, British Columbia on the west coast of Canada, Petronas will take position through its wholly owned entity the North Montney LNG Limited Partnership (NMLLP).

As a result of this transaction, if approved and upon closing, ownership interests in LNG Canada would be Shell Canada Energy, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), (40 percent); Petronas (through NMLLP), (25 percent); PetroChina Kitimat LNG Partnership, a subsidiary of PetroChina Canada Ltd (15 percent); Diamond LNG Canada Ltd, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, (15 percent); and Kogas Canada LNG Ltd (5 percent).

Read more: Petronas to buy equity stake in Shell-led LNG Canada project

Sumitomo to start operations at research centre in Japan

Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd said that it will begin the operations of its chemistry research centre (CRC) starting on June 1.

CRC is a synthesis research building newly built on the premises of its health & crop sciences research laboratory in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

The CRC is intended to serve as Sumitomo Chemical's new global R&D base principally for discovery and innovation of crop protection chemicals and household & public hygiene insecticides. The CRC building was completed in April 2018 and has been in preparation for the start of its operation.

Read more: Sumitomo to start operations at research centre in Japan

8,400 - 10,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke!

How many chemicals could possibly be packed in one tiny cigarette that you so casually smoke every hour?

Its 8,400 -10,000 chemicals present in cigarettes

Cigarettes look deceptively simple, consisting of paper tubes containing chopped up tobacco leaf and it will deliver a steady dose of nicotine. In addition to nicotine the following components also present

• Tobacco blend
• Paper
• PVA glue and
• Cellulose acetate-based filter

Additives are used to make tobacco products more acceptable to the consumer.

• Humectants [glycol or glycerol]
• Cocoa solids
• Licorice
• Tobacco extracts

Some of the above components are harmless, but along with that 600 permitted additives are burned in cigarettes.

Every smoker should see the following list of chemicals that are present in smoke

Read more: 8,400 - 10,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke!

Lanxess to build new prepolymers facility in Brazil

Lanxess said that it is building a new, state-of-the-art facility for the production of prepolymers at its site in Porto Feliz, Brazil. The urethane systems business unit is investing a single-digit million Euro amount to expand its prepolymer production capacity, which is scheduled to come on stream in the first half of 2019. Current production at the Rio Claro site, about 200 kilometres away, will be terminated.

Lanxess will thus be managing its entire polyurethane business for South America from Porto Feliz. Lanxess urethane systems business unit is a systems provider to the global PU industry with expertise in cast elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants. The portfolio includes conventional and low free isocyanate prepolymers, and special aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PUDs).

Read more: Lanxess to build new prepolymers facility in Brazil

Bayer gets US Justice Department approval for acquiring Monsanto

Bayer AG has obtained conditional approval from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for the proposed acquisition of Monsanto.

Bayer will become the sole shareholder of Monsanto Company following the receipt of outstanding approvals. According to the DOJ’s conditional approval, the integration of Monsanto into Bayer can take place as soon as the divestment to BASF has been accomplished. This is expected to be in approximately two months.

Read more: Bayer gets US Justice Department approval for acquiring Monsanto

Enterprise, Navigator starts construction of ethylene export terminal

Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) and Navigator Holdings Ltd (NVGS) said that the construction is underway on their 50:50 joint venture ethylene export terminal.

To be located at Enterprise’s Morgan’s Point, Texas facility on the Houston Ship Channel, the terminal will have the capacity to export approximately 2.2 billion pounds of ethylene per year.

Refrigerated storage for 66 million pounds of ethylene is being constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 2.2 million pounds per hour. Commercial operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2019.

By providing access to international markets, the new export terminal will facilitate continued growth of domestic ethylene production, which is expected to reach 90 billion pounds per year by 2021. In addition, the terminal being constructed by Enterprise and Navigator will promote supply diversification for expanding markets like Asia, which rely on cost-advantaged US feedstocks.

Read more: Enterprise, Navigator starts construction of ethylene export terminal

Synalloy to buy Marcegaglia's galvanized tube biz, property in Munhall

Synalloy Corporation (SYNL) has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to purchase Marcegaglia’s real property in Munhall, Pennsylvania for $10.0 million.

Marcegaglia is an Italian leading player and the largest independent global operator in the steel processing industry.

At or prior to closing, Synalloy intends to designate title to the property to Store Capital who will fund the acquisition and own the property, and subsequently, Synalloy’s subsidiary, Bristol Metals, will lease the property back from Store Capital, on terms and conditions consistent with the Synalloy’s current master lease arrangement with Store Capital.

Upon closing of the purchase-leaseback, Synalloy will enter into an absolute triple net lease with the Store Capital pursuant to which it will lease the Munhall location for an initial term of 20 years, with two renewal options of 10 years each.

The closing of the transaction is scheduled for the end of June 2018.

Additionally, Synalloy and Marcegaglia have agreed to simultaneously sign and close an asset purchase and sale, whereby Bristol Metals will acquire Marcegaglia’s galvanized tube operations at the Munhall location for $10.0 million.

The transaction is expected to close simultaneously with the Synalloy's purchase-leaseback of the Munhall property, with an effective date of July 1, 2018.

Read more: Synalloy to buy Marcegaglia's galvanized tube biz, property in Munhall

Showa Denko sells stake in Indonesia Chemical Alumina to Antam

Showa Denko K K (SDK) has reached a basic agreement with PT Antam Tbk (Antam) on the transfer of its shares in PT Indonesia Chemical Alumina (ICA) to Antam.

Shareholders of Indonesia Chemical Alumina are PT Antam Tbk (80 percent); Showa Denko (20 percent).

SDK has resolved to sell its entire shareholding in ICA to Antam. Currently, SDK applies equity method to ICA, while Antam is the parent company of ICA and the majority shareholder.

Read more: Showa Denko sells stake in Indonesia Chemical Alumina to Antam

Huntsman plans new polyurethane systems house in Dubai

Huntsman Corporation (HUN) plans to build a new polyurethanes systems house in Dubai. Located within the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone (JAFZA), the new facility will strengthen Huntsman’s differentiated downstream capabilities in the heart of the Middle East.

Targeted for completion by the second half of 2019, Huntsman’s investment will increase the company’s systems production capacity in the region and add a new dimension to its polyester polyol capabilities. The Dubai systems house will complement the company’s two existing systems houses in the Middle East, in Turkey (Huntsman EMA) and Saudi Arabia (HAPC - a joint venture with the BCI Group of Companies), forming three strong pillars for growth.

Gulum Kabil, general manager of Huntsman polyurethanes’ business activities in the Middle East and Turkey, will manage the new systems house.

“This is a bold and timely investment, which will serve as a strategic platform to expand our business in the Middle East and North Africa and build our market-leading position. It represents the next step in our plan to strengthen our downstream network. We now have 30 facilities worldwide, which provide innovative solutions in close proximity to our customers,” said Tony Hankins, president Huntsman’s polyurethanes division.

Read more: Huntsman plans new polyurethane systems house in Dubai

Corrosion Technology Forum 2018

Corrosion Technology Forum 2018 will be addressing about the Corrosion issues associated with the Chemicals and Process Industry, Chemical Refineries, Petrochemical plants, Automobiles, Aerospace and infrastructure. A panel of national and international experts will be joining to address about corrosion prevention methodologies for various industries for increasing the productivity of chemical plants. Be a part of the event to be aware of various trends to fight against corrosion. Get connected with industry stalwarts to discuss corrosion prevention opportunities in various industries across geographies.

Get more information about the speakers here: Corrosion Technology Forum 2018

BASF presents high-performance insulation for construction

BASF SE said that it will present a broad portfolio of polyurethanes systems, basic products and intermediate, focusing on an intensive exchange on the current market situation.

With numerous innovations and further developments in the field of polyurethanes, the company will present:

SLENTITE: high-performance insulation for future-oriented construction

Scarce and expensive living space, high demand for renovation of old buildings and the urgent task of conserving resources make it necessary to search for new solutions and materials. SLENTITE, the organic aerogel, which is produced as a robust panel, offers possible solutions. It is space-saving and 25-50 percent slimmer than conventional products. Due to its open-pored structure, it provides good moisture regulation and can be used for internal insulation in particular.

The innovative product is now being used in the first pilot projects. BASF it will be presented in a “Deep Frame” animation. Visitors get a vivid impression of the impressive possibilities of the product in the latest film technology.

Elastospray LWP: A strong contribution to energy-efficient construction

There are considerable developments in the field of spray foam. Long before the new European guidelines will come into force, BASF launched a new generation of closed-cell spray foams: Elastospray LWP systems are HFO-foamed and already take into account the European Union's goal of drastically reducing fluorinated gases (F-gases) with a high global warming potential. BASF uses environmentally friendly alternatives such as Honeywell's Solstice LBA, an ultra-low GWP blowing agent.

Read more: BASF presents high-performance insulation for construction

KWS makes offer for Bayer’s vegetable seed business

KWS Saat SE, one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies has issued a non-binding offer to Bayer AG for its global vegetable seed business, operating under the global trademark Nunhem.

KWS is thus renewing a non-binding bid it made in January 2018 and is offering Bayer and its shareholders' attractive terms and conditions for the sale of the vegetable seed business. In order to complete the transaction with Monsanto, Bayer AG had assured the antitrust authorities that it would sell crop science businesses, including its vegetable seed business.

If Nunhems were acquired by KWS, the agricultural sector, farmers and consumers alike would benefit from the sale to an independent seed company without an agrochemicals division.

Read more: KWS makes offer for Bayer’s vegetable seed business

Total makes final investment decision on Zinia 2 development

Total SA and its partners have taken the final investment decision to launch the Zinia 2 deep offshore development in Block 17, 150 kilometres offshore Angola.

The Zinia 2 project will have a production capacity of 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), sustaining Pazflor field production, on stream since 2011.

Zinia 2 is the first of several possible short-cycle developments on Block 17 that will unlock its full potential by connecting satellite reservoirs to the existing floating storage, production and offloading (FPSO) units.

Zinia 2 comprises nine wells in water depths ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters, tied back to the Pazflor FPSO with a budget of US$1.2 billion.

Total operates the Block 17 with a 40 percent interest, alongside affiliates of Equinor (23.33 percent), ExxonMobil (20 percent), and BP (16.67 percent). Sonangol is concessionaire. It has four FPSOs — Girassol, Dalia, Pazflor and CLOV. In 2017, its production averaged 600,000 b/d.

Read more: Total makes final investment decision on Zinia 2 development