#petrochemicals

[alhumbatli]

[reasonsforhope]

"Environmental groups are claiming victory after Mitsubishi Chemical Group dropped plans for a $1.3 billion plant in the heart of Louisiana’s industrial corridor. 

In the works for more than a decade, the chemical manufacturing complex would have been the largest of its kind in the world, stretching across 77 acres in Geismar, a small community about 60 miles west of New Orleans. Tokyo-based Mitsubishi cited only economic factors when announcing the cancellation last week, but a recent report on the plant’s feasibility noted that growing community concern about air pollution could also hamper the project’s success. 

“The frontline communities are fighting back, causing delays, and that amounts to money being lost,” said Gail LeBoeuf with Inclusive Louisiana, an environmental group focused on the industrial corridor along the Mississippi River known as Cancer Alley.

The nonprofit group Beyond Petrochemical declared the project’s failure a “major victory for the health and safety of Louisianans.”

According to Mitsubishi, the plant could have produced up to 350,000 tons per year of methyl methacrylate, or MMA, a colorless liquid used in the manufacture of plastics and a host of consumer products, including TVs, paint, and nail polish.

The plant was expected to be a major polluter, releasing hundreds of tons per year of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and other harmful chemicals, according to its permit information...

In July, a report on the plant’s viability warned that a global oversupply of MMA and fierce local opposition made the project a “bad bet.” 

Conducted by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, the report said that credit agencies are paying more attention to “community sentiment” about petrochemical projects, particularly in Louisiana. In Geismar and other parts of Cancer Alley, there’s a “disproportionately heavy concentration of polluting industrial facilities” and Mitsubishi could become “entangled in a decades-long dispute involving issues of racial inequality and environmental justice,” the IEEFA report said. 

Geismar residents are surrounded by about a half-dozen large chemical facilities that emit harmful levels of air pollution. Of the more than 6,000 people who live within the 3 miles of the planned project site, about 40 percent are Black or Hispanic, and 20 percent are considered low-income, according to federal data. 

“The air here is already so dirty that the kids can’t play outside anymore,” said Pamela Ambeau, Ascension Parish resident and member of the group Rural Roots Louisiana.

The proposed plant is the latest in a string of failed industrial projects in Cancer Alley. Since 2019, local activism was instrumental in halting the development of two large plastics complexes in St. James Parish and a grain export terminal in St. John the Baptist Parish. All three projects would have been built in historically Black and rural communities."

-via Grist, January 16, 2025

[stone-cold-groove]

An assortment of vintage plastic bottles and containers.

[thoughtlessarse]

Thousands of sites potentially contaminated with toxic chemicals in Britain have never been checked by councils, a BBC investigation has found. Nine out of 10 "high-risk" areas have not been tested by councils responding to a BBC Freedom of Information request and scientists fear they could pose a health risk as they are thought to contain substances such as lead or arsenic. The BBC Shared Data Unit found of 13,093 potentially toxic sites that councils have identified as high risk, only 1,465 have been inspected. The UK government said local unitary authorities had a statutory duty to inspect potentially contaminated sites but councils claim they do not have the money to do it. The Environmental Protection Act requires councils to list all potential contaminated sites, and inspect the high-risk ones to make sure people and property are not at risk. But after contacting all 122 unitary authorities in Wales, Scotland and England about their contaminated land, 73 responded to the BBC's Shared Data Unit Freedom of Information request which revealed there were 430,000 potential sites identified in the early 2000s. Of those, 13,093 were considered to be potentially high risk, which experts said should have then been subject to physical testing. Yet, more than 11,000 of them remain unchecked to this day. Half of Wales' 22 councils told the BBC they could not or would not give us figures - but those that did, identified 698 high-risk sites of which 586 have not been inspected. The research comes after the release of new Netflix drama Toxic Town which tells the story of families fighting for justice following one of the UK's biggest environmental scandals.

continue reading

Our children are paying the price of industrialisation, and will be paying long into the future.

[grainelevator]

Phillips 66 Oil Refinery - Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, USA

[bigenderrevert]

HOT TAKE!

Oil is Haram

[davidaugust]

Well, well, well…

[ko-mo-re-bii]

Life is a meme/La vida es un meme

[internutter]

Challenge #04180-K162: Innocent Mistake

A: Human, we found an abandoned mineshaft! (cracks flare)

B: Dumb question, what were they mining down there?

A: (pulls out data pad) umm records says... they were harvesting a resource called petroleum. Why?

B: No reason. Imma go fire up the ship... -- Anon Guest

[AN: This seems very erroneous. On multiple levels]

There are reasons why graveworlds are graveworlds, and many of them do not leave the infrastructure intact. Well. Intact except for a fine layer of carbon. Everything organic was long gone, but all of the buildings and machines were still in near-perfect condition.

And every city had a mineshaft.

They were able to decant the records into the main system, but translating from the local dialect took time. That was why Barb was extra skittish about investigating anything dark and deep. She held the flare given to her by Aude, but waited for more data.

[Check the source for the rest of the story]

[nando161mando]

A cancer hospital built next to a petrochemical plant, Pittsburgh, PA

[alhumbatli]

[tradersfindb2bportal]

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[jamesartifice]

The destruction is ongoing in the Human Anatomy.

Have we sacrificed are bodies by ingesting the fossilized remains of previously living animals and plants?

With microplastics now permeating our food and our bodies, researchers are keen to assess the potential damage these tiny fragments could be doing. A new study shows how plastics may lead to dangerous blood flow blockages in the brain. The study, led by a team from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences in Beijing, involved tracking microplastics in blood vessels moving through mouse brains in real time – the first time microplastic movement has been tracked in this way.

Continue Reading.

[jamesmilleer2407]

Sasol Limited (NYSE:SSL) Balancing Innovation and Market Challenges

Sasol Limited (NYSE:SSL) is a global integrated energy and chemical company with operations spanning multiple continents. The company focuses on producing liquid fuels, chemicals, and related products using advanced technologies. With expertise in synthetic fuel production, Sasol continues to play a role in meeting global energy and industrial needs while navigating changing market conditions.

Financial Performance and Strategic Adjustments

(NYSE:SSL) has experienced shifts in financial performance due to factors such as fluctuating oil prices, refining margins, and demand for chemicals. In response, the company has implemented cost-management initiatives, optimized production efficiency, and adjusted its asset portfolio to align with market conditions. These strategic measures aim to support financial stability while maintaining operational strength across key segments.

Technological Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives

Sasol is known for utilizing advanced processes to produce synthetic fuels and high-performance chemicals. The company continues to invest in technology-driven solutions that enhance production efficiency while aligning with sustainability objectives. By focusing on responsible resource utilization and lower-emission alternatives, (NYSE:SSL) is adapting to industry trends that emphasize environmental responsibility.

Market Presence and Industry Position

With a presence in multiple global markets, (NYSE:SSL) serves diverse industries, including energy, manufacturing, and consumer goods. The company continues to refine its operational strategies to maintain competitiveness amid evolving regulatory frameworks and economic shifts. By leveraging its expertise in chemical production and energy solutions, Sasol remains engaged in addressing industrial demands while exploring long-term growth opportunities.

Sasol Limited (NYSE:SSL) continues to navigate the evolving energy and chemical landscape through strategic financial planning, technological advancements, and sustainability efforts. By adapting to industry challenges and focusing on operational efficiency, the company remains positioned to contribute to the global market while adjusting to economic and environmental factors.

[deafmangoes]

This is coming back around again - I wrote about it a few days ago, and here's the link to that post, but the summary is: The article is fearmongering and selectively reporting the data. The risk assessment produced by the EPA based on these products actually says that yes, these products are dangerous - if you stood next to the exhaust and breathed them in constantly. They're also exactly as dangerous as the ones we already use.

Don't go "rar Chevron evil" for this - they're attempting to make the already bad stuff we use more environmentally friendly by using recycled plastics, and it's not increasing the dangers according to the work done by the EPA so far.

What we really need is alternate fuels. This is a step in that direction.

Horrible fact of the day: Chevron just released a new boat fuel that WILL give you cancer.

Not "might", not "could", WILL. It has a cancer ratio of 1:1, as in, in a group of 10 people, ALL 10 would contract CANCER.

The EPA's safety limit is 1:1,000,000 as in 1 in a million people get cancer.

The EPA approved it anyways. I am not joking. The EPA approved a boat fuel that has a near 100% chance of giving someone cancer. It has such a good chance of giving someone cancer that if you DIDN'T get cancer YOU WOULD BE AN OUTLIER.

Fuck the oil industries.

[elixirsposts]

Odour Control in Petrochemical Industries

The petrochemical industry plays a crucial role in producing essential products, but it also generates strong and often unpleasant odours. These odours arise from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur compounds, and other airborne pollutants. Effective odour control is vital for environmental compliance, workplace safety, and community well-being. In this blog, we explore the sources of odour, its impact, and the best techniques for odour management in the petrochemical sector.

Why Odour Control Matters in Petrochemical Industries

Odour emissions are more than just a nuisance—they can have serious consequences for the environment, worker safety, and community relations. Uncontrolled odours can lead to:

Environmental Degradation: VOCs and sulfur compounds contribute to air pollution.

Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to odorous compounds can cause respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, and other health problems.

Community Discontent: Persistent odour problems often result in public complaints, legal challenges, and reputational damage for companies.

Sources of Odour in Petrochemical Industries

Petrochemical plants process crude oil, natural gas, and other raw materials to produce fuels, plastics, and chemicals. The key sources of odour emissions include:

Storage Tanks: Crude oil, gasoline, and chemical storage tanks release VOCs through evaporation.

Refining Processes: Units like catalytic crackers and hydro-treaters produce sulphur-based odours.

Wastewater Treatment: Industrial effluent contains organic matter and sulfur compounds that emit foul smells.

Venting: Process venting can release strong odours into the air.

Leaks and Spills: Accidental leaks from pipelines and equipment contribute to odour pollution.

Strategies for Effective Odour Control

Several advanced techniques can be implemented to mitigate odour emissions in petrochemical industries:

1. Activated Carbon Filters

Carbon adsorption effectively captures VOCs and sulfur-based compounds from air streams, reducing odour intensity.

2. Biofiltration Systems

Biological treatment systems use microorganisms to break down odour-causing compounds into harmless substances.

3. Chemical Scrubbers

Wet and dry scrubbers neutralize odorous gases using chemical reactions, especially for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia.

4. Enclosed Storage and Vapour Recovery Units

Using enclosed storage tanks with vapour recovery systems minimizes VOC emissions and reduces odour dispersion.

5. Leak Detection and Repair Programs

Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent leaks, ensuring that fugitive emissions are minimized.

6. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

These include ozone treatment and photocatalytic oxidation, which help break down complex odorous compounds efficiently.

Elixir Enviro Systems’ Odour Control Services

At Elixir Enviro Systems, we specialize in providing comprehensive odour control solutions for petrochemical industries. Our services include:

Customized Odour Control Systems: Tailored solutions based on specific industrial requirements.

Advanced Air Purification Technologies: Integration of cutting-edge filtration and scrubbing techniques.

Emission Monitoring and Compliance Support: Ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.

Ongoing Maintenance and Optimization: Regular inspections and improvements for continuous performance.

Conclusion

Effective odour control in petrochemical industries is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and community well-being. By adopting modern odour management strategies, companies can significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and maintain a positive relationship with surrounding communities. Investing in sustainable odour control technologies ensures a healthier and safer industrial environment.

At Elixir Enviro Systems, we are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable odour control solutions. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing systems or implement new technologies, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your odour control needs and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.