Researchers have developed a novel approach to optimizing soft material 3D printing. The researchers' Expert-Guided Optimization method combines expert judgment with an optimization algorithm that efficiently searches combinations of parameters relevant for 3D printing, enabling high-fidelity soft material products to be printed.

Malaysia’s Petronas reported it will take an equity position in LNG Canada, in Kitimat, BC, on Canada’s west coast, through its wholly owned entity North Montney LNG LP (NMLLP).

Gazprom-Neft has entered an agreement with DeGolyer & MacNaughton Corp., Dallas, on the selection and use of enhanced oil recovery methods for giant Priobskoye field in the Khanti-Mansi Autonomous District of West Siberia. 

Rustam Khalimov has been appointed first deputy general director for exploration and production of oil and gas at Tatneft Co., Almetyevsk, Tatarstan. 

The Santos Ltd.-led Gladstone LNG (GLNG) partners have announced a final investment decision for the $400-million (Aus.), 137-well Arcadia coal seam gas (CSG) project in the Bowen basin of southeast Queensland.

The Natural Gas Supply Association’s 2018 Summer Outlook for Natural Gas expects neutral or flat price pressure on the market this summer compared with last summer, as record production enables industry to easily match record demand.

 

OMV Petrom SA, Bucharest, has resumed operations on May 28 following the on-schedule completion of a major 6-week turnaround at its 4.5 million-tonne/year Petrobrazi refinery in the southeast region of Romania, near Ploiesti City. 

Shell Offshore started production from Phase 1 of the Kaikias deepwater project in the US Gulf of Mexico, a year ahead of schedule. Kaikias, in the Mars-Ursa basin 130 miles offshore Louisiana, is owned by Shell, as operator, and MOEX North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Oil Exploration. Estimated peak production is 40,000 boe/d.

US commercial crude oil inventories dropped 4.2 million bbl during the week ended May 25 compared with the previous week’s total, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. EIA released the Weekly Petroleum Status Report a day later than normal because of the Memorial Day holiday in the US. 

Jamaica is progressing with the long-planned and earlier delayed expansion and modernization of the Jamaican-Venezuelan joint venture Petrojam Ltd.’s 36,000-b/d hydroskimming refinery in Kingston.