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Basell's new PP catalyst
FOCUS successfully tested by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc and Davy Process Technology Ltd. In the third phase of the process syncrude can be manufactured by standard hydrocracking. Since Jul 2003, when the operations started, BP has produced 4100 bbl of syncrude. Oil and Gas Journal, 12 Jan 2004, 102 (2), 8
New catalysts from Axens Axens has introduced its HR 500 hydrotreating catalyst series, which provide a dual activity for both strong desulfurization and denitrogenation. The new catalysts were formulated utilizing Axen`s Advanced Catalytic Engineering technology. The HR 500 series, compared with other catalysts, is claimed to have significantly lower reaction temperatures and major improvements in relative-volume activity when tested under ultra-low desulfurization conditions. Four catalysts are available with applications ranging from ULSD and cetane improvement to VGO hydrocracking and FCC pretreatment.
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Sumitomo mulls new polyethylene A new type of polyethylene has been developed by Sumitomo Chemical, using a new catalyst. No details have been released, but the company is considering production at an existing plant in Chiba which currently has an LLDPE capacity of 100,000 tonne/y. A decision is due before the end of fiscal 2006. The LLDPE plant is a jv with Tosoh Corp. Asian Chemical News, 19/26 Jan 2004, 10 (430), 4
Application of gaseous-phase polyethylene catalyst Tianjin Petrochemical Co Ltd has successfully trialed the use of an SLC-G gas-phase polyethylene catalyst developed by Shanghai Lide Catalyst Co Ltd at its ethylene plant in China. The catalyst has also been used by Jilin Chemical Industrial Co Ltd. Both companies have been able to achieve around 300% of design capacity.
LG Chem develops new acrylic acid process
An ultra-deep desulfurization catalysts, which can withstand 190° C (normal maximum is 120-150° C), has been developed by Nippon Ketjen. There is a detailed discussion of the product and its applications. Japan Chemical Week, 15 Jan 2004, 45 (2253), 7
Basell’s new PP catalyst Basell has introduced a new ZieglerNatta catalyst family for gas and liquid phase polypropylene production. The new catalyst, which forms resins with a more extensive molecular weight distribution compared with phthalate systems, uses ethyl benzoate on an improved magnesium chloride support. The internal donor is claimed to enhance polymer morphology and bulk density. Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 24I-244
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Following encouraging results of tests undertaken at its facilities in Ehime, Sumitomo Chemical has decided to switch its production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) to a direct oxidation process using a new proprietary isobutylene catalyst. In this process, isobutylene is first oxidised to methacrolein, and then to methacryllic acid, and this acid is then esterified with methanol. The new process combines the two oxidation steps with an increase in yield and catalyst life. The new catalyst is operational and effective for a longer time than the previous one developed by Nippon Shokubai and gives a higher yield. Capacity in Singapore is being expanded with a new train with a capacity of 80,000 tonne/y and this will employ the new catalyst. The first train will be changed to the new catalyst during scheduled maintenance. Japan Chemical Week, 22 Jan 2004, 45 (2254), 2
China Chemical Reporter, 6 Jan 2004, 15 (1), 14
Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 13 & Sulphur, Jan/Feb 2004, (290), 10
New ultra-deep desulfurization catalysts withstands 190° C
Sumitomo Chemical moves to fullscale use of proprietary MMA catalyst
LG Chem Ltd has developed a new process for making acrylic acid using its own technology. A new reacting structure and an innovative recovery and purification technique have improved the production efficiency and stability of the company’s new acrylic acid process. LG Chem is now only the fourth company to possess an entire process for producing acrylic acid. The company says it has gone further than its competitors by increasing the life span of catalysts, productivity, and energy savings. LG Chem expects the new process to create an incremental net profit in its acrylates business. There are also plans to export the new technology and to establish the company’s own new plant in the near future. The company says the global acrylic acid market is worth $4.2 bn and is growing at 5%/y. China is posting growth of over 15%/y. Chemical Market Reporter, 19 Jan 2004, (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chemical Week, 28 Jan 2004, 166 (3)
New catalyst may open the way for commercializing fluorous biphasic system Noguchi Institute is collaborating with Asahi Kasei Corp to develop ytterbium-bis (perfluoroalkanesulfonyl) amide complex, a new catalyst system used in a continuous fluorous biphasic system (FBS) process for the esterification of cyclohexanol with acetic anhydride. The FBS is a chemical synthesis process that utilizes two immiscible solvents, which generate a homogenous emulsion when combined at higher temperatures, yet stay separate when standing. Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 16
Biocatalysis in polymer science An extensive editorial review of latest developments, including a wetstrength additive for paper, chitosan conjugates, polysaccharides, block co-polymers, enzymes, and polymeric silicon-based molecules. Chemical & Engineering News, 9 Feb 2004, 82 (6), 2529
MARCH 2004
New catalysts from Axens Axens has introduced its HR 500 hydrotreating catalyst series, which provide a dual activity for both strong desulfurization and denitrogenation. The new catalysts were formulated utilizing Axen`s Advanced Catalytic Engineering technology. The HR 500 series, compared with other catalysts, is claimed to have significantly lower reaction temperatures and major improvements in relative-volume activity when tested under ultra-low desulfurization conditions. Four catalysts are available with applications ranging from ULSD and cetane improvement to VGO hydrocracking and FCC pretreatment.
ON
C ATA LY S T S
Sumitomo mulls new polyethylene A new type of polyethylene has been developed by Sumitomo Chemical, using a new catalyst. No details have been released, but the company is considering production at an existing plant in Chiba which currently has an LLDPE capacity of 100,000 tonne/y. A decision is due before the end of fiscal 2006. The LLDPE plant is a jv with Tosoh Corp. Asian Chemical News, 19/26 Jan 2004, 10 (430), 4
Application of gaseous-phase polyethylene catalyst Tianjin Petrochemical Co Ltd has successfully trialed the use of an SLC-G gas-phase polyethylene catalyst developed by Shanghai Lide Catalyst Co Ltd at its ethylene plant in China. The catalyst has also been used by Jilin Chemical Industrial Co Ltd. Both companies have been able to achieve around 300% of design capacity.
LG Chem develops new acrylic acid process
An ultra-deep desulfurization catalysts, which can withstand 190° C (normal maximum is 120-150° C), has been developed by Nippon Ketjen. There is a detailed discussion of the product and its applications. Japan Chemical Week, 15 Jan 2004, 45 (2253), 7
Basell’s new PP catalyst Basell has introduced a new ZieglerNatta catalyst family for gas and liquid phase polypropylene production. The new catalyst, which forms resins with a more extensive molecular weight distribution compared with phthalate systems, uses ethyl benzoate on an improved magnesium chloride support. The internal donor is claimed to enhance polymer morphology and bulk density. Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 24I-244
6
Following encouraging results of tests undertaken at its facilities in Ehime, Sumitomo Chemical has decided to switch its production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) to a direct oxidation process using a new proprietary isobutylene catalyst. In this process, isobutylene is first oxidised to methacrolein, and then to methacryllic acid, and this acid is then esterified with methanol. The new process combines the two oxidation steps with an increase in yield and catalyst life. The new catalyst is operational and effective for a longer time than the previous one developed by Nippon Shokubai and gives a higher yield. Capacity in Singapore is being expanded with a new train with a capacity of 80,000 tonne/y and this will employ the new catalyst. The first train will be changed to the new catalyst during scheduled maintenance. Japan Chemical Week, 22 Jan 2004, 45 (2254), 2
China Chemical Reporter, 6 Jan 2004, 15 (1), 14
Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 13 & Sulphur, Jan/Feb 2004, (290), 10
New ultra-deep desulfurization catalysts withstands 190° C
Sumitomo Chemical moves to fullscale use of proprietary MMA catalyst
LG Chem Ltd has developed a new process for making acrylic acid using its own technology. A new reacting structure and an innovative recovery and purification technique have improved the production efficiency and stability of the company’s new acrylic acid process. LG Chem is now only the fourth company to possess an entire process for producing acrylic acid. The company says it has gone further than its competitors by increasing the life span of catalysts, productivity, and energy savings. LG Chem expects the new process to create an incremental net profit in its acrylates business. There are also plans to export the new technology and to establish the company’s own new plant in the near future. The company says the global acrylic acid market is worth $4.2 bn and is growing at 5%/y. China is posting growth of over 15%/y. Chemical Market Reporter, 19 Jan 2004, (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chemical Week, 28 Jan 2004, 166 (3)
New catalyst may open the way for commercializing fluorous biphasic system Noguchi Institute is collaborating with Asahi Kasei Corp to develop ytterbium-bis (perfluoroalkanesulfonyl) amide complex, a new catalyst system used in a continuous fluorous biphasic system (FBS) process for the esterification of cyclohexanol with acetic anhydride. The FBS is a chemical synthesis process that utilizes two immiscible solvents, which generate a homogenous emulsion when combined at higher temperatures, yet stay separate when standing. Chemical Engineering (New York), Dec 2003, 10 (13), 16
Biocatalysis in polymer science An extensive editorial review of latest developments, including a wetstrength additive for paper, chitosan conjugates, polysaccharides, block co-polymers, enzymes, and polymeric silicon-based molecules. Chemical & Engineering News, 9 Feb 2004, 82 (6), 2529
MARCH 2004