- Email: [email protected]
JM confirmed as CompactGTL catalyst partner
FOCUS DSM enzyme to be used in a cellulosic ethanol refinery DSM’s enzyme cocktail has been chosen for use in Inbicon’s demonstration refinery in Kalundborg, Denmark. The plant, with a capacity of 1.5 M gallon/y, will convert wheat straw into cellulosic ethanol. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 11 Jun 2012, 90 (24), 17 (Website: http://www.cenonline.org) © American Chemical Society 2012
Evonik developing the HPPO business Evonik has been active in the propylene oxide market since the 1990s. It developed a titanium silicate custom-designed catalyst (TS-1) for the selective oxidation required to convert propylene to propylene oxide. Evonik is a key manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide with a capacity of around 650,000 tonne/y. The S Korean firm SKC uses a hydrogen peroxide-to-propylene oxide (HPPO) process developed by Evonik and Uhde at a 100,000 tonne/y propylene oxide plant. This was the first plant to use the process worldwide. A second plant is planned. The Chinese company Jishen Chemical Industry has signed an agreement with Evonik and Uhde for an HPPO licence. Evonik will build a new hydrogen peroxide plant, which will supply hydrogen peroxide by pipeline to Jishen’s future propylene oxide plant. The 230,000 tonne/y hydrogen peroxide unit is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Original Source: PharmaChem, May-Jun 2012, 11 (5-6), 37-39 (Website: http://www.b5srl.com) © B5 Srl 2012
Evonik and LIKAT to build new catalyst laboratory in Rostock Evonik Industries and the Leibnitz Institut für Katalyse eV (LIKAT) are to strengthen their cooperation in the field of catalyst research. Evonik has erected a new laboratory in Rostock in which new catalysts are being developed and existing production processes optimized. The company is making around €1.5 M available. Original Source: Chemie Plus – Chemische Rundschau, Jun 2012, (6/7), 95 (Website: http://www.chemieplus.ch) (in German) © AZ Medien 2012
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EC funds Dyadic to develop enzymes Dyadic International’s R&D centre in The Netherlands has secured €400,000 from the European Community under Seventh Framework Programme to develop enzymes as part of the Bio-Mimetic Project. Dyadic will develop enzymes using its patented and proprietary C1 platform technology to degrade and modify lignin into adhesives, detergents, and cosmetics. The project entitled, ‘New Bio-Inspired Processes and Products from Renewable Feedstock’ will be initially for three years. Procter & Gamble Technical Centres (P&G UK) will be project coordinator of the Bio-Mimetic Project Consortium. Original Source: PBR Pharmaceutical Business Review, 3 Jul 2012, (Website: http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/) © PBR 2012
Grace and Braskem to produce green chemicals On 2 Jul 2012, WR Grace & Co announced that it had signed a multiyear agreement with Braskem to develop process technologies and catalyst solutions to produce green chemicals. The agreement is intended to advance the commercialization of a process to convert renewably sourced feedstocks into value-added products. Details and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The use of renewable feedstocks is a growing trend in the global chemical industry. The technology under development in the Grace-Braskem collaboration is based on carbon sources from renewable agricultural processes that contribute to lower carbon emissions than traditional feedstocks. Original Source: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, US, website: http://www.grace.com (2 Jul 2012) © WR Grace & Co – Conn 2012
NIB funds Topsoe’s catalysis research for efficient biofuels production The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has made a commitment of DKR 250 M to support Topsoe’s R&D into catalysts and catalytic technologies, aimed primarily at the efficient production of clean fuels and power generation. The research is focused
on direct conversion of cellulosic biomass into fuels and green framework chemicals. The NIB is a triple-A credit-rated financial institution that services the eight Nordic and Baltic countries with long-term access to capital. Topsoe has created the Topsoe Catalysis Forum to facilitate non-confidential, open dialogue on catalytic advancements. Investment will improve environment. Original Source: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com (29 Jun 2012) © Haldor Topsoe A/S 2012
Topsoe to purchase land in China On 15 Jun 2012 Haldor Topsoe A/S signed an agreement with TEDA to purchase land for a new catalyst plant in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Topsoe has been present in China for more than 50 years and the land purchase is in line with Topsoe’s strategy to strengthen and expand the cooperation between Denmark and China. Original Source: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com (15 Jun 2012) © HaldorTopsoe A/S 2012
InnovaTek wins DOE grant to study biofuel production, processing InnovaTek Inc has won a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to work on improving the economics of biofuel production by developing catalysts, enzymatic extraction, and microstructured processing technology. Wheat straw will be used as the raw material in the project. The company is one of 67 small companies in the USA to win the DOE energy innovation grant. The small businesses chosen are qualified to compete for phase II of the programme for awards amounting up to 1 M over two years. Original Source: Fuel Cells Bulletin, Jun 2012, 11 (Website: http://www.elsevierscitech.com/nl/fcb/home.asp) © Elsevier Ltd 2012
JM confirmed as CompactGTL catalyst partner CompactGTL, the pioneer of modular gas-to-liquid solutions, has
AUGUST 2012
FOCUS announced its strategic partnership with Johnson Matthey for the development, manufacture, and supply of catalysts for its modular GTL commercial scale plants. The ten year agreement, signed in 2011, extends a relationship Johnson Matthey has had with the company for a number of years; most recently supplying catalysts for the CompactGTL commercial demonstration plant in Brazil, supplied to Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras). CompactGTL recently confirmed that Petrobras had qualified and approved the technology for commercial deployment and is currently undertaking a number of project studies on behalf of international oil and gas industry clients for remote oilfields both onshore and offshore. Original Source: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, website: http://www.jmcatalysts.com (11 Jun 2012) © Johnson Matthey plc 2012
Lanxess, Evocatal partner on biocatalysts Lanxess and Evocatal are jointly developing biocatalysts for use in precursors for rubber manufacture. The research is part of the Thermoplastics and Rubber via Biotechnological Synthesis project, a research group comprising Lanxess, Evonik Industries, and the Technical University of Munich. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jun 2012, 12 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
LyondellBasell awarded US energy grant The US Department of Energy has awarded LyondellBasell Industries a $4.5 M (€3.6 M) grant for developing a catalyst-assisted ethane cracking technology that is more energyefficient and environmentally friendly. The Dutch company is collaborating with Quantiam Technologies and BASF Qtech to develop the new technology in a three-year, three-part programme. BASF Qtech’s existing ethane- and naphtha-fed catalytic coating technology for steam crackers will form the basis of the new system, extending the advantages to ethane and natural gas liquid-fed steam crackers. The new technology will
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reduce the cost of energy generation and greenhouse gas emissions. Original Source: European Plastics News, 13 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/) © Crain Communications Inc 2012. Original Source: Clean Technology Business Review, 13 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 25 Jun 2012, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) © Reed Business Information Limited 2012
Mixed 1Q 2012 performance: Novozymes Novozymes posted a 7% increase in EBIT to DKR 680 M and a 2% hike in sales to DKR 2.73 bn in 1Q 2012. The highest growth contributor was sales of enzymes for household care and feed applications. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jun 2012, 18 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
Novozymes supplies Shenquan with enzymes for bioethanol production On 15 Jun 2012 an agreement was entered into whereby Novozymes will supply Shenquan, China, with enzymes for making secondgeneration ethanol for use in chemicals and solvents. Shenquan is investing $100 M in the ethanol plant, which will be opened next month. Novozymes’ enzymes will be used to convert maize haulm to sugar and subsequently to ethanol. Original Source: Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, tel: +45 4446 0000, fax: +45 4446 9999, e-mail: [email protected], website: http://www.novozymes.com (15 Jun 2012) © Novozymes 2012. Original Source: NP Investor, 15 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.npinvestor.dk/) (in Danish) © NPinvestor A/S 2012
Novozymes takes steps to accelerate biofuels production Novozymes is to introduce its latest multi-enzyme cocktail, Cellic CTec, in India to enable easier and more rapid biofuels production. The company is currently working with Praj to develop advanced biofuels using various agricultural residues. The advanced ethanol industry is still in its infancy in India and it may be 2-3 years before product is commercially available. The new enzyme will be cost-effective. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Mar 2012, 47 (3), 14 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Biofuels from the sea Novozymes and India’s Sea6 Energy have agreed to collaborate on the development of a technology to produce biofuels from seaweed. Seaweed-based carbohydrates will be converted into sugar using enzymes. The sugar can then be utilized to make ethanol, fine chemicals, proteins, and fertilizers. Sea6 Energy has already come up with oceanfarming structures and is leading the way in developing processes for fermenting the sugars extracted from seaweed to produce fuel in a method that entails the use of the smallest amount of fresh water resources. Original Source: Green Chemistry Network Newsletter, Apr 2012, (39), (Website: http://www.greenchemistrynetwork.org) © Green Chemistry Network 2012
Sundrop to use ExxonMobil MTG production technology Sundrop Fuels inks a new licensing deal with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co to utilize its methanolto-gasoline (MTG) technology in its first green gasoline production plant located near Alexandria, LA. ExxonMobil MTG technology uses a multi-phase process to convert sustainable forest waste into clean bio-based green gasoline, up to 50 M gallon/y. The intermediate product in the process is methanol, which is converted to the end product ultra-low benzene gasoline. According to Sundrop Fuels this plant will have the provision to test field integration of company’s proprietary RP Reactor radiant particle heat transfer gasification technology. In mid-2011 natural gas producer, Chesapeake Energy Corp invested $155 M in Sundrop Fuels. Sundrop Fuels is a US-based biofuel company. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 29 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012
Umicore and Nippon Shokubai set up jv for automotive catalysts In 3Q 2012 Umicore and the Japanese chemical company Nippon Shokubai will establish a new jv, Umicore Shokubai, for making
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Evonik developing the HPPO business Evonik has been active in the propylene oxide market since the 1990s. It developed a titanium silicate custom-designed catalyst (TS-1) for the selective oxidation required to convert propylene to propylene oxide. Evonik is a key manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide with a capacity of around 650,000 tonne/y. The S Korean firm SKC uses a hydrogen peroxide-to-propylene oxide (HPPO) process developed by Evonik and Uhde at a 100,000 tonne/y propylene oxide plant. This was the first plant to use the process worldwide. A second plant is planned. The Chinese company Jishen Chemical Industry has signed an agreement with Evonik and Uhde for an HPPO licence. Evonik will build a new hydrogen peroxide plant, which will supply hydrogen peroxide by pipeline to Jishen’s future propylene oxide plant. The 230,000 tonne/y hydrogen peroxide unit is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Original Source: PharmaChem, May-Jun 2012, 11 (5-6), 37-39 (Website: http://www.b5srl.com) © B5 Srl 2012
Evonik and LIKAT to build new catalyst laboratory in Rostock Evonik Industries and the Leibnitz Institut für Katalyse eV (LIKAT) are to strengthen their cooperation in the field of catalyst research. Evonik has erected a new laboratory in Rostock in which new catalysts are being developed and existing production processes optimized. The company is making around €1.5 M available. Original Source: Chemie Plus – Chemische Rundschau, Jun 2012, (6/7), 95 (Website: http://www.chemieplus.ch) (in German) © AZ Medien 2012
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EC funds Dyadic to develop enzymes Dyadic International’s R&D centre in The Netherlands has secured €400,000 from the European Community under Seventh Framework Programme to develop enzymes as part of the Bio-Mimetic Project. Dyadic will develop enzymes using its patented and proprietary C1 platform technology to degrade and modify lignin into adhesives, detergents, and cosmetics. The project entitled, ‘New Bio-Inspired Processes and Products from Renewable Feedstock’ will be initially for three years. Procter & Gamble Technical Centres (P&G UK) will be project coordinator of the Bio-Mimetic Project Consortium. Original Source: PBR Pharmaceutical Business Review, 3 Jul 2012, (Website: http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/) © PBR 2012
Grace and Braskem to produce green chemicals On 2 Jul 2012, WR Grace & Co announced that it had signed a multiyear agreement with Braskem to develop process technologies and catalyst solutions to produce green chemicals. The agreement is intended to advance the commercialization of a process to convert renewably sourced feedstocks into value-added products. Details and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The use of renewable feedstocks is a growing trend in the global chemical industry. The technology under development in the Grace-Braskem collaboration is based on carbon sources from renewable agricultural processes that contribute to lower carbon emissions than traditional feedstocks. Original Source: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, US, website: http://www.grace.com (2 Jul 2012) © WR Grace & Co – Conn 2012
NIB funds Topsoe’s catalysis research for efficient biofuels production The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has made a commitment of DKR 250 M to support Topsoe’s R&D into catalysts and catalytic technologies, aimed primarily at the efficient production of clean fuels and power generation. The research is focused
on direct conversion of cellulosic biomass into fuels and green framework chemicals. The NIB is a triple-A credit-rated financial institution that services the eight Nordic and Baltic countries with long-term access to capital. Topsoe has created the Topsoe Catalysis Forum to facilitate non-confidential, open dialogue on catalytic advancements. Investment will improve environment. Original Source: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com (29 Jun 2012) © Haldor Topsoe A/S 2012
Topsoe to purchase land in China On 15 Jun 2012 Haldor Topsoe A/S signed an agreement with TEDA to purchase land for a new catalyst plant in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Topsoe has been present in China for more than 50 years and the land purchase is in line with Topsoe’s strategy to strengthen and expand the cooperation between Denmark and China. Original Source: Haldor Topsoe A/S, Nymollevej 55, PO Box 213, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark, tel: +45 4527 2000, fax: +45 4527 2999, website: http://www.haldortopsoe.com (15 Jun 2012) © HaldorTopsoe A/S 2012
InnovaTek wins DOE grant to study biofuel production, processing InnovaTek Inc has won a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to work on improving the economics of biofuel production by developing catalysts, enzymatic extraction, and microstructured processing technology. Wheat straw will be used as the raw material in the project. The company is one of 67 small companies in the USA to win the DOE energy innovation grant. The small businesses chosen are qualified to compete for phase II of the programme for awards amounting up to 1 M over two years. Original Source: Fuel Cells Bulletin, Jun 2012, 11 (Website: http://www.elsevierscitech.com/nl/fcb/home.asp) © Elsevier Ltd 2012
JM confirmed as CompactGTL catalyst partner CompactGTL, the pioneer of modular gas-to-liquid solutions, has
AUGUST 2012
FOCUS announced its strategic partnership with Johnson Matthey for the development, manufacture, and supply of catalysts for its modular GTL commercial scale plants. The ten year agreement, signed in 2011, extends a relationship Johnson Matthey has had with the company for a number of years; most recently supplying catalysts for the CompactGTL commercial demonstration plant in Brazil, supplied to Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras). CompactGTL recently confirmed that Petrobras had qualified and approved the technology for commercial deployment and is currently undertaking a number of project studies on behalf of international oil and gas industry clients for remote oilfields both onshore and offshore. Original Source: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, website: http://www.jmcatalysts.com (11 Jun 2012) © Johnson Matthey plc 2012
Lanxess, Evocatal partner on biocatalysts Lanxess and Evocatal are jointly developing biocatalysts for use in precursors for rubber manufacture. The research is part of the Thermoplastics and Rubber via Biotechnological Synthesis project, a research group comprising Lanxess, Evonik Industries, and the Technical University of Munich. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jun 2012, 12 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
LyondellBasell awarded US energy grant The US Department of Energy has awarded LyondellBasell Industries a $4.5 M (€3.6 M) grant for developing a catalyst-assisted ethane cracking technology that is more energyefficient and environmentally friendly. The Dutch company is collaborating with Quantiam Technologies and BASF Qtech to develop the new technology in a three-year, three-part programme. BASF Qtech’s existing ethane- and naphtha-fed catalytic coating technology for steam crackers will form the basis of the new system, extending the advantages to ethane and natural gas liquid-fed steam crackers. The new technology will
AUGUST 2012
ON
C ATA LY S T S
reduce the cost of energy generation and greenhouse gas emissions. Original Source: European Plastics News, 13 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/) © Crain Communications Inc 2012. Original Source: Clean Technology Business Review, 13 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, 25 Jun 2012, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) © Reed Business Information Limited 2012
Mixed 1Q 2012 performance: Novozymes Novozymes posted a 7% increase in EBIT to DKR 680 M and a 2% hike in sales to DKR 2.73 bn in 1Q 2012. The highest growth contributor was sales of enzymes for household care and feed applications. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jun 2012, 18 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
Novozymes supplies Shenquan with enzymes for bioethanol production On 15 Jun 2012 an agreement was entered into whereby Novozymes will supply Shenquan, China, with enzymes for making secondgeneration ethanol for use in chemicals and solvents. Shenquan is investing $100 M in the ethanol plant, which will be opened next month. Novozymes’ enzymes will be used to convert maize haulm to sugar and subsequently to ethanol. Original Source: Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, tel: +45 4446 0000, fax: +45 4446 9999, e-mail: [email protected], website: http://www.novozymes.com (15 Jun 2012) © Novozymes 2012. Original Source: NP Investor, 15 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.npinvestor.dk/) (in Danish) © NPinvestor A/S 2012
Novozymes takes steps to accelerate biofuels production Novozymes is to introduce its latest multi-enzyme cocktail, Cellic CTec, in India to enable easier and more rapid biofuels production. The company is currently working with Praj to develop advanced biofuels using various agricultural residues. The advanced ethanol industry is still in its infancy in India and it may be 2-3 years before product is commercially available. The new enzyme will be cost-effective. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Mar 2012, 47 (3), 14 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Biofuels from the sea Novozymes and India’s Sea6 Energy have agreed to collaborate on the development of a technology to produce biofuels from seaweed. Seaweed-based carbohydrates will be converted into sugar using enzymes. The sugar can then be utilized to make ethanol, fine chemicals, proteins, and fertilizers. Sea6 Energy has already come up with oceanfarming structures and is leading the way in developing processes for fermenting the sugars extracted from seaweed to produce fuel in a method that entails the use of the smallest amount of fresh water resources. Original Source: Green Chemistry Network Newsletter, Apr 2012, (39), (Website: http://www.greenchemistrynetwork.org) © Green Chemistry Network 2012
Sundrop to use ExxonMobil MTG production technology Sundrop Fuels inks a new licensing deal with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co to utilize its methanolto-gasoline (MTG) technology in its first green gasoline production plant located near Alexandria, LA. ExxonMobil MTG technology uses a multi-phase process to convert sustainable forest waste into clean bio-based green gasoline, up to 50 M gallon/y. The intermediate product in the process is methanol, which is converted to the end product ultra-low benzene gasoline. According to Sundrop Fuels this plant will have the provision to test field integration of company’s proprietary RP Reactor radiant particle heat transfer gasification technology. In mid-2011 natural gas producer, Chesapeake Energy Corp invested $155 M in Sundrop Fuels. Sundrop Fuels is a US-based biofuel company. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 29 Jun 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012
Umicore and Nippon Shokubai set up jv for automotive catalysts In 3Q 2012 Umicore and the Japanese chemical company Nippon Shokubai will establish a new jv, Umicore Shokubai, for making
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