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Better performing catalysts for refineries
F O C U S technology for synthesizing zeolites, using a structure directing agent which can be easily removed from the finished product. Existing zeolite production technology uses a structure-directing agent which remains in the product’s pores. The researchers synthesized a ZSM-5 zeolite using a cyclical acetal structure directing agent obtained from a cyclical ketone/ethylene glycol reaction. The agent can be converted into ketone and ethylene glycol by reducing pH levels. Chimie Hebdo, 15 Dec 2003, (238), 16 (in French)
Ethyl acetate from ethanol Davy Process Technology has developed an integrated process for making ethyl acetate from ethanol. Acetaldehyde is an intermediate and the product is purified by selective hydrogenation. The process was first demonstrated in May 2001.
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discussions with partners regarding market development. Sales of biobased chemicals, including ethanol, by Cargill exceed $100 M/y. Rapid growth is predicted. Improvements in enzymes and process technology are expected to reduce the cost of producing lactic acid from $1.00/lb to 25-30cts/lb within 3-5 years. Cargill’s integrated refinery at Blair processes 200,000 bushel/d corn. This is expected to rise to 500,000 bushel/d as demand increases. Over $1 bn has been invested in the site, which also produces lactic acid for a jv with Purac, lysene for sale to Degussa, and erythritol. The development of feedstock sugars from lower-grade biomass could reduce production costs even further. Cargill is to use Materia’s metathesis technology to convert unsaturated oils to olefins and other chemicals. Chemical Week, 10 Dec 2003, 165 (44) & Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Dec 2003, 81 (50), 17-18 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
Chemical Engineering (New York), Nov 2003, 110 (12), 44
Biorefinery projects awarded funding by DOE and USDA In a joint solicitation effort in fiscal year 2002, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a coordinated effort to support research that would advance the role of biomass in the US economy. The two departments awarded funding to eight innovative projects; DOE chose six awardees and USDA chose two. Shortly thereafter, the two departments began work on the FY 2003 joint solicitation, announcing the winning projects this past Sep. Biobased Fuels, Power and Products Newsletter, 6 Nov 2003 (US Dept of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Website: http://216.169.154.57/bio)
Cargill eyes new bio-based platform chemicals New crop-derived products are being developed by Cargill for use in the production of a range of chemicals. These include isosorbide from cornderived sugar, for use in polyesters, solvents, and surfactants, together with products based on soybean oil and 9-decanoic acid. Cargill is in
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Nippon Petchem to evaluate new polyisobutylene catalyst Following the exit of ExxonMobil from the global polyisobutylene business, Nippon petrochemicals plans to increase its polyisobutylene business and has developed a catalysts which facilitates simplified production. In 2001, the company doubled capacity to 10,000 tonne/y at its Kawasaki plant. The plant can also produce polybutene. Japan Chemical Week, 4 Dec 2003, 44 (2248), 2
First PP to be made from methanol derived from natural gas As a result of cooperation between Lurgi, Statoil, and Borealis, the first Borstar drinking glass has been manufactured from polypropylene made using Lurgi’s Methanol-toPropylene (MTP) process. Until now, propylene has been produced mainly as a co-product of ethylene. Lurgi’s methanol is produced from natural gas. Lurgi’s process has been demonstrated and operated by Statoil and Lurgi at Statoil’s Norwegian methanol plant. Revista de Plasticos Modernos, Nov 2003, 86 (569), 476 (in Spanish) & Plastics and Rubber Asia, Oct-Dec 2003, 18 (122), 10 & Chemische Rundschau, 7 Oct 2003, 56 (19), 43 (in German)
Better performing catalysts for refineries In Nov 2003 Axens announced the launch of its HR500 series of hydrotreating catalysts. Developed and manufactured using the new ACE (Advanced Catalytic Engineering technology) these products help remove both sulfur and nitrogen. ACE technology is the result of studies conducted by IFP. Deep diesel desulfurization tests have proved that HR500 catalysts are longer lasting and can be used at lower temperatures than standard catalysts. Pétrole et Gaz Informations, Dec 2003, (1767), 6 (in French)
New GTL process for small plants A new GTL process is being developed by Japan National Oil Corp which eliminates the need for a carbon dioxide removal unit, a hydroxide-purification unit, and an oxygen-separation unit in syngas processing. This process is being tested at a 7 bbl/day pilot plant at Yufutsu, Hokkaido, Japan. The new GTL process is also expected to reduce the overall investment cost for a 5,000-15,000 bbl/day plant by around 20% compared with a traditional GTL plant of similar capacity. Chemical Engineering (New York), Nov 2003, 110 (121), 17
Teijin Group develops PET bottle titanium catalyst Development of a new catalyst for use in the production of bottle-grade PET is nearing completion by the Teijin Group. The catalyst is based on titanium and is designed to substitute for one made from germanium. The new catalyst balances activity with safety and environmental compatibility. The catalyst will gradually be introduced at its facilities in Matsuyama, Japan, where PET capacity is 40,000 tonne/y. Production of germanium worldwide amounts to some 100 tonne/y, making it uncertain that supplies will continue for use in the catalysts. Japan Chemical Week, 11 Dec 2003, 44 (2249), 1
Titanium-containing catalyst for PET Mitsui Chemicals Inc of Japan has developed a process using a titanium
FEBRUARY 2004
Ethyl acetate from ethanol Davy Process Technology has developed an integrated process for making ethyl acetate from ethanol. Acetaldehyde is an intermediate and the product is purified by selective hydrogenation. The process was first demonstrated in May 2001.
O N
C ATA LY S T S
discussions with partners regarding market development. Sales of biobased chemicals, including ethanol, by Cargill exceed $100 M/y. Rapid growth is predicted. Improvements in enzymes and process technology are expected to reduce the cost of producing lactic acid from $1.00/lb to 25-30cts/lb within 3-5 years. Cargill’s integrated refinery at Blair processes 200,000 bushel/d corn. This is expected to rise to 500,000 bushel/d as demand increases. Over $1 bn has been invested in the site, which also produces lactic acid for a jv with Purac, lysene for sale to Degussa, and erythritol. The development of feedstock sugars from lower-grade biomass could reduce production costs even further. Cargill is to use Materia’s metathesis technology to convert unsaturated oils to olefins and other chemicals. Chemical Week, 10 Dec 2003, 165 (44) & Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Dec 2003, 81 (50), 17-18 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)
Chemical Engineering (New York), Nov 2003, 110 (12), 44
Biorefinery projects awarded funding by DOE and USDA In a joint solicitation effort in fiscal year 2002, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a coordinated effort to support research that would advance the role of biomass in the US economy. The two departments awarded funding to eight innovative projects; DOE chose six awardees and USDA chose two. Shortly thereafter, the two departments began work on the FY 2003 joint solicitation, announcing the winning projects this past Sep. Biobased Fuels, Power and Products Newsletter, 6 Nov 2003 (US Dept of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Website: http://216.169.154.57/bio)
Cargill eyes new bio-based platform chemicals New crop-derived products are being developed by Cargill for use in the production of a range of chemicals. These include isosorbide from cornderived sugar, for use in polyesters, solvents, and surfactants, together with products based on soybean oil and 9-decanoic acid. Cargill is in
6
Nippon Petchem to evaluate new polyisobutylene catalyst Following the exit of ExxonMobil from the global polyisobutylene business, Nippon petrochemicals plans to increase its polyisobutylene business and has developed a catalysts which facilitates simplified production. In 2001, the company doubled capacity to 10,000 tonne/y at its Kawasaki plant. The plant can also produce polybutene. Japan Chemical Week, 4 Dec 2003, 44 (2248), 2
First PP to be made from methanol derived from natural gas As a result of cooperation between Lurgi, Statoil, and Borealis, the first Borstar drinking glass has been manufactured from polypropylene made using Lurgi’s Methanol-toPropylene (MTP) process. Until now, propylene has been produced mainly as a co-product of ethylene. Lurgi’s methanol is produced from natural gas. Lurgi’s process has been demonstrated and operated by Statoil and Lurgi at Statoil’s Norwegian methanol plant. Revista de Plasticos Modernos, Nov 2003, 86 (569), 476 (in Spanish) & Plastics and Rubber Asia, Oct-Dec 2003, 18 (122), 10 & Chemische Rundschau, 7 Oct 2003, 56 (19), 43 (in German)
Better performing catalysts for refineries In Nov 2003 Axens announced the launch of its HR500 series of hydrotreating catalysts. Developed and manufactured using the new ACE (Advanced Catalytic Engineering technology) these products help remove both sulfur and nitrogen. ACE technology is the result of studies conducted by IFP. Deep diesel desulfurization tests have proved that HR500 catalysts are longer lasting and can be used at lower temperatures than standard catalysts. Pétrole et Gaz Informations, Dec 2003, (1767), 6 (in French)
New GTL process for small plants A new GTL process is being developed by Japan National Oil Corp which eliminates the need for a carbon dioxide removal unit, a hydroxide-purification unit, and an oxygen-separation unit in syngas processing. This process is being tested at a 7 bbl/day pilot plant at Yufutsu, Hokkaido, Japan. The new GTL process is also expected to reduce the overall investment cost for a 5,000-15,000 bbl/day plant by around 20% compared with a traditional GTL plant of similar capacity. Chemical Engineering (New York), Nov 2003, 110 (121), 17
Teijin Group develops PET bottle titanium catalyst Development of a new catalyst for use in the production of bottle-grade PET is nearing completion by the Teijin Group. The catalyst is based on titanium and is designed to substitute for one made from germanium. The new catalyst balances activity with safety and environmental compatibility. The catalyst will gradually be introduced at its facilities in Matsuyama, Japan, where PET capacity is 40,000 tonne/y. Production of germanium worldwide amounts to some 100 tonne/y, making it uncertain that supplies will continue for use in the catalysts. Japan Chemical Week, 11 Dec 2003, 44 (2249), 1
Titanium-containing catalyst for PET Mitsui Chemicals Inc of Japan has developed a process using a titanium
FEBRUARY 2004