Invista to increase nylon 6,6 polymer capacity

Invista plans to add 40,000 tons of nylon 6,6 polymer capacity at its current 150,000-ton polymer plant at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP). Construction is targeted for mid-2019 and production would begin in 2020.

This project aligns with Invista’s other recent announcements regarding additional capacity in the nylon 6,6 value chain:

• New adiponitrile (ADN) plant announced for China by 2023

• Additional ADN capacity resulting from retrofits of Invista’s latest ADN technology at Butachimie, Invista’s joint venture with Solvay in France in 2019; and at Invista’s Victoria, Texas, site, targeted for 2020

Read more: Invista to increase nylon 6,6 polymer capacity

Oil up over 2 pc on concerns over Iran, slower US output growth

Oil prices rose more than 2 percent on Tuesday as US sanctions squeezed Iranian crude exports and after US crude oil production in 2019 was forecast to grow at a slower rate than previously expected, prompting supply concerns.

Since spring when the Trump Administration said it would impose sanctions on Iran, crude traders have priced in a risk premium reflecting the supply shortages that may occur when exports from the third-largest OPEC member are cut.

As the Nov. 4 date for imposing sanctions draws nearer, the premium has increased.

Brent crude futures rose $1.69, or 2.2 percent, to settle at $79.06 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled $1.71, or 2.5 percent, higher at $69.25 a barrel.

Prices extended gains in post-settlement trade after industry data from the American Petroleum Institute showed US crude inventories slumped 8.6 million barrels last week, versus analysts' forecasts of an 805,000-barrel decrease.

Official US government data is due to be released on Wednesday.

Washington has told its allies to reduce imports of Iranian oil and several Asian buyers, including South Korea, Japan and India appear to be falling in line.

Read more: Oil up over 2 pc on concerns over Iran, slower US output growth

Clariant to present new colour solutions for aluminium finishing

Clariant International Ltd to present its latest high-durability, sustainable colour solutions for aluminium finishing.

A new magenta shade with a unique level of light and weather fastness that is perfect for adding long-lasting vibrancy to indoor and outdoor applications. Adding to its appeal, the single dye formulation has a heavy metal-free dye structure, is non-bleeding and easy to handle. It shows good dye bath stability and enables a stable dyeing process.

Clariant will be joined by Omya (Schweiz) AG, the exclusive distribution partner for its aluminium finishing portfolio in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, to demonstrate the product enhancing capabilities offered by its complete portfolio of Swiss-engineered colourants, process chemicals and special printing inks for sub-eloxal printing.

Read more: Clariant to present new colour solutions for aluminium finishing

Fluor completes module fabrication for Huizhou oilfield project

Fluor Corporation (FLR) said that its joint venture COOEC-Fluor Heavy Industries Co Ltd (COOEC-Fluor) fabrication yard has safely completed fabrication of the topsides, living quarters and drilling modules for the CNOOC HZ32-5/33-1 oilfield joint development project.

The modules sailed away on schedule in July, destined for the Huizhou 32-5 oilfield development approximately 105 miles southeast of Hong Kong in the Pearl River Mouth basin of the South China Sea.

The fabrication yard delivered to the aggressive schedule and fabricated the 4,000-ton, 4-deck topsides in less than 12 months with no follow-on work. Safety, a core value of the COOEC-Fluor yard, was at the forefront of all activities and the team achieved 1.5 million work hours without a lost-time incident.

The platform is expected to continue to produce oil until after 2030.

Read more: Fluor completes module fabrication for Huizhou oilfield project

Quaker to present proven metalworking fluids

Quaker Chemical Corporation to present informative, technical solutions for the metalworking industry.

As the automotive industry continues to strive for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, new materials and processes are being utilized to achieve vehicle weight reduction, increased engine performance, and to maintain or increase the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. The current focus towards lightweight engine components is leading to the use of highly engineered materials that introduces new machining challenges.

To meet these challenges, Quaker will be highlighting field-proven, advanced product technology with the QUAKERCOOL 7450, 5035, and 8013 metal removal fluids:

• QUAKERCOOL 7450 - high-performance microemulsion ideally suited to all operations demanding premium surface finish quality and consistent lubrication.

Read more: Quaker to present proven metalworking fluids

Brenntag completes acquiring CCC's chemical distribution biz

Brenntag AG has completed the acquisition of the chemicals distribution business of Canada Colors and Chemicals Ltd (CCC). The acquisition agreement was signed in July 2018.

CCC offers a full-line portfolio with operations in the main industrial areas across all of Canada and serves a highly diversified customer base in industries such as life sciences, water treatment, coatings, construction, energy and mining.

Read more: Brenntag completes acquiring CCC's chemical distribution biz

Grace appoints Pentair exec as VP, strategy & growth

W R Grace & Co (GRA) has appointed Jag Reddy as vice president, strategy and growth, a new position within Grace.

He will lead grace’s strategy and growth process, with a focus on organic growth and innovation. He will address key growth priorities, including strengthening the company’s innovation, commercial and manufacturing capabilities, and will help further implement the Grace Value Model. Reddy reports to president and chief operating officer Hudson La Force, who will succeed Fred Festa as chief executive officer on November 2018.

Most recently, Reddy served as vice president and general manager, Water Technologies strategic business unit, and vice president, corporate strategy at Pentair PLC. Previously, he held strategy and business leadership roles at ITT Corporation and its spin-off, Xylem Inc.

Read more: Grace appoints Pentair exec as VP, strategy & growth