In The News
Ethanol and other chemicals from biomass
The ethanol yield from biomass has been increased by about 50% over conventional yields in a process developed by ZeaChem Inc. (Lakewood, Colo.; www.zeachem.com). ZeaChem has tested the process (diagram) in a 3,500-gal fermenter and will activate a demonstration plant…
Evonik acquires catalyst business from H.C. Starck
On February 26, 2010 Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) acquired the catalyst business of H.C. Starck GmbH (Goslar, Germany). The know-how and technology relating to the production and use of Amperkat catalysts have therefore been transferred to Evonik. Following…
Furnace tube coatings reduce carbon formation and increase efficiency in olefins plants
Coating technology that essentially eliminates carbon buildup on the interior of steam cracker tubes will be commercialized by Quantiam Technologies Inc. (Edmonton, Alta; www.quantiam.com). Commercial-scale tests in five ethylene crackers indicate that the coating can extend the time between furnace…
Evonik developing the world’s largest Li-ceramic battery
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) and its partners are developing the world's largest lithium ceramic battery. This has been made possible by CERIO technology, a special combination of ceramic materials and high-molecular ionic conductors, which ensures greatly increased safety combined…
The cost of producing bioethanol takes a nosedive
Last month at the National Ethanol Conference at Orlando, Fla., Novozymes’ A/S (Bagsvaerd, Denmark; www.novozymes.com) president and CEO, Steen Riisgaard, launched Cellic CTec2, a new enzyme product enabling the biofuel industry to produce cellulosic ethanol at a price below $2/gal…
March Chementator briefs
A new Kraft pulp Weyerhaeuser Co. (Federal Way, Wash.; www.weyerhaeuser.com) says it has begun commercial production of a new grade of Kraft pulp for the cellulose derivatives market. Cellulose derivatives are used in various products, including lacquers, paints,…
Abbott completes acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals and more business news
KBR to provide licensing of its Purifer Ammonia technology February 19, 2010 — KBR (Houston; http://www.kbr.com) has been awarded a contract by Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd. (MFCL) — a Matix Group Co. owned by the Kanoria family in India…
Study highlights sustainable footprint of chemical companies
Global chemical companies could release at least €1 billion in cash flow if they increase their sustainability performance. The claim has been made following an international study which assessed the sustainability performance of nine global chemical companies in monetary terms.…
Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik BTS to exclusively manufacture and market Lonza microreactors
Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik BTS (EMB; Wendelsheim; www.ehrfeld.com), a Bayer Technology Services company (BTS; Leverkusen, both Germany; www.bayertechnology.com), and Lonza (Basel, Switzerland; www.lonza.com) signed a worldwide manufacturing and distribution license agreement together with a cooperation and development agreement on the Lonza microreactor…
KBR to provide licensing of its Purifer Ammonia technology
KBR (Houston; www.kbr.com) has been awarded a contract by Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (MFCL) — a Matix Group Co. owned by Kanoria family in India — to provide licensing and engineering services for MFCL’s grassroots 2,200 metric tons per day…