- Email: [email protected]
Ashland and Cargill form jv for renewables
FOCUS by 35% in 2006 to over Yen 400 bn from Yen 300 bn in 2005. Declines were observed in both production and shipment values of catalysts. Output for catalysts applied in environmental conservation, however, was strong in 2006, rising by more than 40% due to robust demand for auto-exhaust catalysts composed of precious metals. Oil-refining catalysts, which comprise the main sector of the catalyst market, saw a slowdown in demand due in part to a backlash against the boom experienced in 2005. Factors affecting demand for catalysts include the exploitation of markets abroad, environmental regulations, and advancements in technology in the field of new energy. Catalyst manufacturers are developing fuel-cell catalysts, many of which are being reviewed for commercialization. Japan Chemical Week, 14 Jun 2007, 48 (2420), 8
Defense Department awards synfuel contract The Defense Energy Support Centre awarded a contract on 6 Jun 2007 for 315,000 gallons of synthetic jet fuel to Shell Oil Products of Houston, TX, to be delivered by tank truck from Houston to several Air Force locations and a NASA facility in the US. The estimated contract value is approximately $1.1 M and the period of delivery is 1-31 Aug 2007. This purchase supports the US Air Force Synthetic Fuel Initiative, which is evaluating Fischer-Tropsch synthetic jet fuels for use in military aircraft. The F-T process converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that can be substituted for conventional petroleum based fuels. Press release from: Shell Oil Products, 7 Jun 2007
US military interested in synfuels Sasol has developed a synthetic fuel under the US Department of Defence’s (DOD) Fischer-Tropsch Battleship Use Fuel of the Future (FTBUFF) programme. The project is part of the DOD’s Assured Fuels Initiative to spur commercial development of cleaner-burning fuels from FischerTropsch fuels and other alternative
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sources. The company claims that it has produced a synthetic FT-BUFF fuel using the Sasol Slurry Phase Distillate low-temperature FT process and Chevron isocracking technology. Nitrogen + Syngas, May/Jun 2007, (287), 12
UOP to develop biofuel technology for military jets UOP LLC will accelerate R&D on renewable energy technology to convert vegetable and algal oils to military jet fuels. The goal of the project, which is backed by $6.7 M in funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is to develop and commercialize a process to produce Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) used by US and NATO militaries. UOP will work with Honeywell Aerospace, Cargill, Arizona State University, Sandia National Laboratories, and Southwest Research Institute on the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Press release from: UOP LLC, 25 East Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60017-5017, USA. Tel: +1 847 391 2000. Website: http://www.uop.com (28 Jun 2007)
COMPANY NEWS Albemarle and partners develop breakthrough catalyst for olefin alkylation Albemarle Corp and its partners ABB Lummus Global and Neste Oil have developed and tested a new higher performance solid acid catalyst for their leading-edge AlkyClean solid acid alkylation process, a low-risk process that can drastically improve the process safety of existing refinery processes and reduce hazards associated with transportation and handling of liquid acids used to produce alkylate. Albemarle’s AlkyStar catalyst, for use exclusively with the AlkyClean alkylation process, features 25% higher activity and 35% lower precious metal content than previous AlkyClean alkylation catalysts, and is based on an advanced new zeolite concept
developed by Albemarle’s R&D group to further improve the economics of the AlkyClean technology. Press release from: Albemarle Corp, 330, South Fourth Street, PO Box 1335, Richmond, VA 23210, USA. Tel: +1 804 788 6000. Fax: +1 804 388 7686. Website: http://www.albemarle.com, 20 Jun 2007 & Chemical Week, 27 Jun 2007, 169 (22), 11
ART to invest in Kuwait Catalyst Co Advanced Refining Technologies (ART) has taken an ownership position in Kuwait Catalyst Co (KCC), located in Shuaiba, Kuwait. This investment is part of an alliance that expands ART’s manufacturing and supply capacity for hydroprocessing catalysts in the Middle East and, along with ART’s ongoing investments in existing facilities, allows it to meet hydroprocessing catalyst capacity requirements in the near term. KCC, which serves the petroleum refining industry in the Arabian Gulf region, provides ART with a strategic position in one of the most high-growth oil refining sectors in the world. KCC has manufactured residuum hydroprocessing catalysts commercially since 2001 for its own market in the region, and has manufactured for ART since Jan 2006. The ART investment also strengthens the existing commercial relationship between ART, KCC, and the Japan Energy Corp, a supplier of fuel and gas, ART, and KCC’s current partner for HOP hydroprocessing catalysts in the Middle East and Asia. Advanced Refining Technologies, the hydroprocessing jv of Grace and Chevron, is a leading supplier of hydroprocessing catalysts to the worldwide petroleum refining industry. Press release from: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, USA. Tel: +1 410 531 4514. Website: http://www.grace.com (25 Jun 2007)
Ashland and Cargill form jv for renewables Ashland Inc and Cargill have formed a jv to speed up the development and manufacture of chemicals from renewable raw materials. The first project is a plant for the enzymatic production of propylene glycol from glycerine, which is produced in the manufacture of biodiesel. Initial laboratory results have yielded a highpurity product. A 65,000 tonne/y propylene glycol plant is planned for
AUGUST 2007
FOCUS Europe. The 50-50 venture will have an investment budget of $80-100 M. Chemische Rundschau, 5 Jun 2007, (6), 59 (in German) & The Chemical Engineer, Jun 2007, (792), 6
Carlyle Group to buy PQ Corp Carlyle Group is to buy PQ Corp from CCMP Capital for $1.5 bn. PQ is involved in speciality inorganic chemicals, catalysts, and engineered glass. PQ had trailing 12-months EBITDA of $151.2 M as of 1Q 2007 and sales of $909 M in 2006. ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 4 and 11 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.icbamericas.com) & ICIS Chemical Business, 11 Jun 2007 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) & Chemical Week, 6 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
Catalytica Energy Systems, 1Q 2007 On 8 May 2007, Catalytica Energy Systems announced the signing of a definitive agreement pursuant to which the renewable energy divisions of NZ Legacy LLC (a privately owned Arizona land and energy development company), which include Snowflake White Mountain Power LLC, Renegy LLC, and Renegy Trucking LLC, businesses engaged in creating and operating renewable energy power projects and harvesting biomass fuel, will combine with Catalytica Energy Systems in an all-stock transaction. The combined companies will operate under a holding company to be called Renegy Holdings Inc. There is detailed discussion of the deal which is expected to close during 3Q 2007. Catalytica Energy Systems Reports 1Q 2007 Financial results, 15 May 2007, 1 (Catalytica Energy Systems Inc, 430 Ferguson Drive, Bldg 3, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Tel: +1 650 960 3000. Website: http://www.catalyticaenergy.com)
Chiyoda licences titania catalyst for ultra deep HDS of diesel oil to Axens Chiyoda Corp is licensing titania catalyst for ultra deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of diesel oil to Axens. Chiyoda is aiming to supply the catalyst for diesel oil in order to meet sulfur content regulation which will be reinforced globally in future. Chiyoda joined a research project sponsored by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC), and has investigated titania
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catalyst for the HDS of diesel oil. The activity of titania catalyst per unit surface area has been known to be more active than that of alumina which is normally used for hydrodesulfurization of diesel oil; however, technical problems in preparing the titania catalyst with a large surface area have prevented its commercial application. Chiyoda has invented a proprietary method to overcome this difficulty Press release from: Chiyoda Corporation. Website: http://www.chiyoda-corp.com (20 Jun 2007)
Degussa plans plant for biodiesel catalysts Degussa plans to build a 60,000 tonne/y plant in Mobile, AL, USA, for making sodium and potassium methoxide, which have applications as catalysts in biodiesel manufacture. The company expects to reach a final decision on the venture in mid-2007. Degussa aims to supply the North American market in 2H 2008. Chemical and Engineering News, 26 Mar 2007, 85 (13), 27 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
Diversa and Celunol merge to create Verenium Corp Diversa Corp and Celunol Corp have completed their previously-announced merger transaction to create a new leader in the global biofuels industry. The combined company, which has been renamed Verenium Corp, possesses a growing portfolio of speciality enzyme products and unique technical and operational capabilities designed to enable the production of low-cost, biomassderived sugars for a multitude of major industrial applications. The most significant near-term commercial opportunity for Verenium will be the large-scale commercial production of cellulosic ethanol derived from multiple biomass feedstocks. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955, Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121 1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com (20 Jun 2007)
Enzyme sales up for Genencor in 20062007 Via its daughter company Genencor, Danisco achieved a substantial
growth in the sale of enzymes for bioethanol production in fiscal 20062007. The launch of Spezyme, which is replacing Spezyme Ethyl, has proved more difficult than expected because not all customers have found the product to be the optimal solution for their production technology. This has led to the loss of a number of customers. Nevertheless, Genencor achieved 19% organic growth in this area in 2006-2007. Bioethanol is a priority area for Genencor and R&D will therefore be intensified. Dagbladet Borsen, 20 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Genencor introduces a greener, more efficient enzyme for ethanol production Genencor announced a new enzyme product that significantly improves the process of converting corn to ethanol by increasing throughput and the value of its by-product, known as distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) used as a component in formulating animal feed. Called Maxaliq ONE, the new enzyme product offers the next generation technology that continues to advance the production of biofuels. Maxaliq ONE blend contains a novel thermostable enzyme that is used as a processing aid to efficiently reduce viscosity of the liquefact and break down phytic acid in grains to create a higher value by-product DDGS. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 146183916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (20 Jun 2007)
Idemitsu to use zeolite in ethylbenzene manufacture Idemitsu Kosan’s Chiba plant will switch from using aluminium chloride to a zeolite catalyst in manufacturing ethylbenzene. The change, slated for adoption by fiscal 2008 ending 31 Mar 2009, is aimed at improving production efficiency for styrene monomer at the site. The Japanese company estimates an energy saving effect of some 20% with the new production process. Idemitsu has an aggregate domestic output capacity of 550,000 tonne/y. Japan Chemical Week, 31 May 2007, 48 (2418), 4
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Defense Department awards synfuel contract The Defense Energy Support Centre awarded a contract on 6 Jun 2007 for 315,000 gallons of synthetic jet fuel to Shell Oil Products of Houston, TX, to be delivered by tank truck from Houston to several Air Force locations and a NASA facility in the US. The estimated contract value is approximately $1.1 M and the period of delivery is 1-31 Aug 2007. This purchase supports the US Air Force Synthetic Fuel Initiative, which is evaluating Fischer-Tropsch synthetic jet fuels for use in military aircraft. The F-T process converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that can be substituted for conventional petroleum based fuels. Press release from: Shell Oil Products, 7 Jun 2007
US military interested in synfuels Sasol has developed a synthetic fuel under the US Department of Defence’s (DOD) Fischer-Tropsch Battleship Use Fuel of the Future (FTBUFF) programme. The project is part of the DOD’s Assured Fuels Initiative to spur commercial development of cleaner-burning fuels from FischerTropsch fuels and other alternative
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sources. The company claims that it has produced a synthetic FT-BUFF fuel using the Sasol Slurry Phase Distillate low-temperature FT process and Chevron isocracking technology. Nitrogen + Syngas, May/Jun 2007, (287), 12
UOP to develop biofuel technology for military jets UOP LLC will accelerate R&D on renewable energy technology to convert vegetable and algal oils to military jet fuels. The goal of the project, which is backed by $6.7 M in funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is to develop and commercialize a process to produce Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) used by US and NATO militaries. UOP will work with Honeywell Aerospace, Cargill, Arizona State University, Sandia National Laboratories, and Southwest Research Institute on the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Press release from: UOP LLC, 25 East Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60017-5017, USA. Tel: +1 847 391 2000. Website: http://www.uop.com (28 Jun 2007)
COMPANY NEWS Albemarle and partners develop breakthrough catalyst for olefin alkylation Albemarle Corp and its partners ABB Lummus Global and Neste Oil have developed and tested a new higher performance solid acid catalyst for their leading-edge AlkyClean solid acid alkylation process, a low-risk process that can drastically improve the process safety of existing refinery processes and reduce hazards associated with transportation and handling of liquid acids used to produce alkylate. Albemarle’s AlkyStar catalyst, for use exclusively with the AlkyClean alkylation process, features 25% higher activity and 35% lower precious metal content than previous AlkyClean alkylation catalysts, and is based on an advanced new zeolite concept
developed by Albemarle’s R&D group to further improve the economics of the AlkyClean technology. Press release from: Albemarle Corp, 330, South Fourth Street, PO Box 1335, Richmond, VA 23210, USA. Tel: +1 804 788 6000. Fax: +1 804 388 7686. Website: http://www.albemarle.com, 20 Jun 2007 & Chemical Week, 27 Jun 2007, 169 (22), 11
ART to invest in Kuwait Catalyst Co Advanced Refining Technologies (ART) has taken an ownership position in Kuwait Catalyst Co (KCC), located in Shuaiba, Kuwait. This investment is part of an alliance that expands ART’s manufacturing and supply capacity for hydroprocessing catalysts in the Middle East and, along with ART’s ongoing investments in existing facilities, allows it to meet hydroprocessing catalyst capacity requirements in the near term. KCC, which serves the petroleum refining industry in the Arabian Gulf region, provides ART with a strategic position in one of the most high-growth oil refining sectors in the world. KCC has manufactured residuum hydroprocessing catalysts commercially since 2001 for its own market in the region, and has manufactured for ART since Jan 2006. The ART investment also strengthens the existing commercial relationship between ART, KCC, and the Japan Energy Corp, a supplier of fuel and gas, ART, and KCC’s current partner for HOP hydroprocessing catalysts in the Middle East and Asia. Advanced Refining Technologies, the hydroprocessing jv of Grace and Chevron, is a leading supplier of hydroprocessing catalysts to the worldwide petroleum refining industry. Press release from: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, USA. Tel: +1 410 531 4514. Website: http://www.grace.com (25 Jun 2007)
Ashland and Cargill form jv for renewables Ashland Inc and Cargill have formed a jv to speed up the development and manufacture of chemicals from renewable raw materials. The first project is a plant for the enzymatic production of propylene glycol from glycerine, which is produced in the manufacture of biodiesel. Initial laboratory results have yielded a highpurity product. A 65,000 tonne/y propylene glycol plant is planned for
AUGUST 2007
FOCUS Europe. The 50-50 venture will have an investment budget of $80-100 M. Chemische Rundschau, 5 Jun 2007, (6), 59 (in German) & The Chemical Engineer, Jun 2007, (792), 6
Carlyle Group to buy PQ Corp Carlyle Group is to buy PQ Corp from CCMP Capital for $1.5 bn. PQ is involved in speciality inorganic chemicals, catalysts, and engineered glass. PQ had trailing 12-months EBITDA of $151.2 M as of 1Q 2007 and sales of $909 M in 2006. ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 4 and 11 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.icbamericas.com) & ICIS Chemical Business, 11 Jun 2007 (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com) & Chemical Week, 6 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
Catalytica Energy Systems, 1Q 2007 On 8 May 2007, Catalytica Energy Systems announced the signing of a definitive agreement pursuant to which the renewable energy divisions of NZ Legacy LLC (a privately owned Arizona land and energy development company), which include Snowflake White Mountain Power LLC, Renegy LLC, and Renegy Trucking LLC, businesses engaged in creating and operating renewable energy power projects and harvesting biomass fuel, will combine with Catalytica Energy Systems in an all-stock transaction. The combined companies will operate under a holding company to be called Renegy Holdings Inc. There is detailed discussion of the deal which is expected to close during 3Q 2007. Catalytica Energy Systems Reports 1Q 2007 Financial results, 15 May 2007, 1 (Catalytica Energy Systems Inc, 430 Ferguson Drive, Bldg 3, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Tel: +1 650 960 3000. Website: http://www.catalyticaenergy.com)
Chiyoda licences titania catalyst for ultra deep HDS of diesel oil to Axens Chiyoda Corp is licensing titania catalyst for ultra deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of diesel oil to Axens. Chiyoda is aiming to supply the catalyst for diesel oil in order to meet sulfur content regulation which will be reinforced globally in future. Chiyoda joined a research project sponsored by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and Japan Petroleum Energy Center (JPEC), and has investigated titania
AUGUST 2007
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catalyst for the HDS of diesel oil. The activity of titania catalyst per unit surface area has been known to be more active than that of alumina which is normally used for hydrodesulfurization of diesel oil; however, technical problems in preparing the titania catalyst with a large surface area have prevented its commercial application. Chiyoda has invented a proprietary method to overcome this difficulty Press release from: Chiyoda Corporation. Website: http://www.chiyoda-corp.com (20 Jun 2007)
Degussa plans plant for biodiesel catalysts Degussa plans to build a 60,000 tonne/y plant in Mobile, AL, USA, for making sodium and potassium methoxide, which have applications as catalysts in biodiesel manufacture. The company expects to reach a final decision on the venture in mid-2007. Degussa aims to supply the North American market in 2H 2008. Chemical and Engineering News, 26 Mar 2007, 85 (13), 27 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
Diversa and Celunol merge to create Verenium Corp Diversa Corp and Celunol Corp have completed their previously-announced merger transaction to create a new leader in the global biofuels industry. The combined company, which has been renamed Verenium Corp, possesses a growing portfolio of speciality enzyme products and unique technical and operational capabilities designed to enable the production of low-cost, biomassderived sugars for a multitude of major industrial applications. The most significant near-term commercial opportunity for Verenium will be the large-scale commercial production of cellulosic ethanol derived from multiple biomass feedstocks. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955, Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121 1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com (20 Jun 2007)
Enzyme sales up for Genencor in 20062007 Via its daughter company Genencor, Danisco achieved a substantial
growth in the sale of enzymes for bioethanol production in fiscal 20062007. The launch of Spezyme, which is replacing Spezyme Ethyl, has proved more difficult than expected because not all customers have found the product to be the optimal solution for their production technology. This has led to the loss of a number of customers. Nevertheless, Genencor achieved 19% organic growth in this area in 2006-2007. Bioethanol is a priority area for Genencor and R&D will therefore be intensified. Dagbladet Borsen, 20 Jun 2007 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Genencor introduces a greener, more efficient enzyme for ethanol production Genencor announced a new enzyme product that significantly improves the process of converting corn to ethanol by increasing throughput and the value of its by-product, known as distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) used as a component in formulating animal feed. Called Maxaliq ONE, the new enzyme product offers the next generation technology that continues to advance the production of biofuels. Maxaliq ONE blend contains a novel thermostable enzyme that is used as a processing aid to efficiently reduce viscosity of the liquefact and break down phytic acid in grains to create a higher value by-product DDGS. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 146183916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (20 Jun 2007)
Idemitsu to use zeolite in ethylbenzene manufacture Idemitsu Kosan’s Chiba plant will switch from using aluminium chloride to a zeolite catalyst in manufacturing ethylbenzene. The change, slated for adoption by fiscal 2008 ending 31 Mar 2009, is aimed at improving production efficiency for styrene monomer at the site. The Japanese company estimates an energy saving effect of some 20% with the new production process. Idemitsu has an aggregate domestic output capacity of 550,000 tonne/y. Japan Chemical Week, 31 May 2007, 48 (2418), 4
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