Process technologies for the production of nitrobenzene, aniline, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), have been reviewed. Regional costs of production for each of these have also been evaluated. Global supply for nitrobenzene and aniline, and supply/demand for MDI are also included.

Regional round-up of industry developments, regional pricing analysis and capacity expansions are provided for the first quarter 2012.

Commercial lubricant base oil production technologies (traditional refining, hydroprocessing, gas-to-liquids (GTL), and poly-alpha-olefin (PAO)) and developing biotechnologies have been reviewed. Process economics have been developed in the context of increasingly favorable natural gas prices and more stringent environmental regulations. Regional supply/demand balance for lube oils are included.

Ammonia and Urea SBA Program - The QBU report provides an analysis of key developments in the ammonia and urea industry, including capacity updates and profitability and pricing developments over the past quarter.