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Calgon Mitsubishi to up capability for flue-gas activated carbon in China
F O C U S
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Sasol Chevron publicizes GTL diesel
A new hydrogenation plant for China
On 6 Jun 2006 Sasol Chevron will open a major GTL (gas-to-liquids) plant, called Oryx, at Doha, Qatar. This is being publicized by an attempt by a 12-strong team to drive a Toyota Hilux Raider running on GTL diesel 11,000 km from Sasolburg, S Africa, to Doha in 46 days. Four other vehicles will also be involved. The rally is intended to show that GTL diesel is not only cleaner but also more reliable. GTL diesel is produced from natural gas or other hydrocarbons by a combination of gasification and the Fischer-Tropsch process. The new plant has cost $950 M and will have a starting capacity of 34,000 bpd which there are plans to triple.
Chinese firm Liaoning Beifang Jinhua PU Co has awarded a contract to Switzerland-based Biazzi SA for a hydrogenation facility with catalyst recycling in China. The unit will produce 46,000 tonne/y of toluene diamine from dinitrotoluene. Biazzi’s patented hydrogenation reactor features large heat-exchange capacity, allowing for sizeable output capacities in relatively small reactor quantities.
Chemisch2Weekblad, 20 Apr 2006 (Website: http://www.c2w.nl/) (in Dutch)
Arkema produces nanotubes in France Arkema has successfully produced its first 10 tonnes of nanotubes at its Lacq Research Centre in France. Arkema used its patented catalyst process to produce the nanotubes. The nanotubes will be used for various applications, including epoxy, elastomer, and coatings.
Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2006, 113 (4), 44I-24
Degussa to use new C4 process in China Degussa AG plans to use its new C4 technology at its planned 100,000 tonne/y methyl methacrylate plant in Shanghai, China. Start up is planned for the end of 2008. The isobutenebased technology has been licensed from an un-named Japanese company. The technology will complement Degussa’s current ACH (acetone cyanohydrin) process which is used in Europe and North America. Chemical Market Reporter, 3 Apr 2006, (Website: http://www.icis.com/publications) & China Chemical Reporter, 16 Apr 2006, 17 (11), 10
Calgon Mitsubishi Chemical intends raising capacity for special activated carbon used in fluegas desulfurization and denitration by Jun 2006. The company is constructing and expanding an existing line at a site in China. The move will boost capacity by 12,000 tonne/y to over 20,000 tonne/y. The expansion is driven by growing demand primarily from sintering facilities at steel firms. Calgon also wants to corner a worldwide market share of around 70% in 2009 concentrated on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Demand for activated carbon for desulfurization and denitration is projected to expand rapidly. Worldwide demand is presently at almost 20,000 tonnes and is forecast to reach 30,000 tonnes around 2009. Japan Chemical Week, 20 Apr 2006, 47 (2364), 1
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Dagbladet Borsen, 24 Apr 2006 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Ant power? BASF has collaborated with Tekion to study the further development of fuel cells based on formic acid. Tekion, a micro fuel cell specialist based in the USA, has already conducted significant research work to create formic acid-powered hybrid fuel cells for application in portable electronic devices, including notebook PCs and industrial handheld computers. The Formira fuel cell technology recharges a standard battery using formic acid micro fuel cells, and enhances the operating time and power of the battery. BASF will provide its applicable chemical expertise and knowledge of formic acid to aid Tekion in the commercialization of the Formira Power Pack, which is expected in 1Q 2007. TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Apr 2006, (778), 16 & Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2006, 113 (4), 24 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 3 Apr 2006, (335), 12 (in French)
Photocatalytic silica gel
European Paint and Resin News, Mar 2006, 44 (3), 10
Calgon Mitsubishi to up capability for flue-gas activated carbon in China
fuel cells in Denmark. Riso will have primary responsibility for research as well as responsibility for production and marketing.
NEW TECHNOLOGY Propylene from dimethyl ether JGC (Japan) is developing a process for making propylene from dimethyl ether. The process uses a novel catalyst and the target yield of propylene is 70%. Development is presently on the bench scale, but a 1 tonne/day pilot plant is envisaged. UOP and Lurgi are developing competing processes. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Mar 2006, 47 (2360), 4
Topsoe invests in collaborative fuel cell development Over the next 5 years Topsoe Fuel Cell, Riso, and international collaborative partners are to invest jointly in research, development, production, and sales in the area of
Honjo Chemical has revealed that a photocatalytic reaction causes oxidative degradation of acetaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and other VOCs when silica gel is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. Trials showed that oxidative degradation with the new technology may occur with light, resulting in simpler reproduction and continued activity even if water is adsorbed. The research opens new applications of silica gel using photocatalytic reactions. The company plans to utilize the technology by joint development, licensing, and introducing the business as an environmental catalyst business. Japan Chemical Week, 30 Mar 2006, 47 (2361), 1
Block copolymers made using two catalysts Chemists at Dow Chemical have made block copolymers from ethylene and longer chain α-olefins by using
JUNE 2006
O N
C ATA LY S T S
Sasol Chevron publicizes GTL diesel
A new hydrogenation plant for China
On 6 Jun 2006 Sasol Chevron will open a major GTL (gas-to-liquids) plant, called Oryx, at Doha, Qatar. This is being publicized by an attempt by a 12-strong team to drive a Toyota Hilux Raider running on GTL diesel 11,000 km from Sasolburg, S Africa, to Doha in 46 days. Four other vehicles will also be involved. The rally is intended to show that GTL diesel is not only cleaner but also more reliable. GTL diesel is produced from natural gas or other hydrocarbons by a combination of gasification and the Fischer-Tropsch process. The new plant has cost $950 M and will have a starting capacity of 34,000 bpd which there are plans to triple.
Chinese firm Liaoning Beifang Jinhua PU Co has awarded a contract to Switzerland-based Biazzi SA for a hydrogenation facility with catalyst recycling in China. The unit will produce 46,000 tonne/y of toluene diamine from dinitrotoluene. Biazzi’s patented hydrogenation reactor features large heat-exchange capacity, allowing for sizeable output capacities in relatively small reactor quantities.
Chemisch2Weekblad, 20 Apr 2006 (Website: http://www.c2w.nl/) (in Dutch)
Arkema produces nanotubes in France Arkema has successfully produced its first 10 tonnes of nanotubes at its Lacq Research Centre in France. Arkema used its patented catalyst process to produce the nanotubes. The nanotubes will be used for various applications, including epoxy, elastomer, and coatings.
Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2006, 113 (4), 44I-24
Degussa to use new C4 process in China Degussa AG plans to use its new C4 technology at its planned 100,000 tonne/y methyl methacrylate plant in Shanghai, China. Start up is planned for the end of 2008. The isobutenebased technology has been licensed from an un-named Japanese company. The technology will complement Degussa’s current ACH (acetone cyanohydrin) process which is used in Europe and North America. Chemical Market Reporter, 3 Apr 2006, (Website: http://www.icis.com/publications) & China Chemical Reporter, 16 Apr 2006, 17 (11), 10
Calgon Mitsubishi Chemical intends raising capacity for special activated carbon used in fluegas desulfurization and denitration by Jun 2006. The company is constructing and expanding an existing line at a site in China. The move will boost capacity by 12,000 tonne/y to over 20,000 tonne/y. The expansion is driven by growing demand primarily from sintering facilities at steel firms. Calgon also wants to corner a worldwide market share of around 70% in 2009 concentrated on Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Demand for activated carbon for desulfurization and denitration is projected to expand rapidly. Worldwide demand is presently at almost 20,000 tonnes and is forecast to reach 30,000 tonnes around 2009. Japan Chemical Week, 20 Apr 2006, 47 (2364), 1
6
Dagbladet Borsen, 24 Apr 2006 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Ant power? BASF has collaborated with Tekion to study the further development of fuel cells based on formic acid. Tekion, a micro fuel cell specialist based in the USA, has already conducted significant research work to create formic acid-powered hybrid fuel cells for application in portable electronic devices, including notebook PCs and industrial handheld computers. The Formira fuel cell technology recharges a standard battery using formic acid micro fuel cells, and enhances the operating time and power of the battery. BASF will provide its applicable chemical expertise and knowledge of formic acid to aid Tekion in the commercialization of the Formira Power Pack, which is expected in 1Q 2007. TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Apr 2006, (778), 16 & Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2006, 113 (4), 24 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 3 Apr 2006, (335), 12 (in French)
Photocatalytic silica gel
European Paint and Resin News, Mar 2006, 44 (3), 10
Calgon Mitsubishi to up capability for flue-gas activated carbon in China
fuel cells in Denmark. Riso will have primary responsibility for research as well as responsibility for production and marketing.
NEW TECHNOLOGY Propylene from dimethyl ether JGC (Japan) is developing a process for making propylene from dimethyl ether. The process uses a novel catalyst and the target yield of propylene is 70%. Development is presently on the bench scale, but a 1 tonne/day pilot plant is envisaged. UOP and Lurgi are developing competing processes. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Mar 2006, 47 (2360), 4
Topsoe invests in collaborative fuel cell development Over the next 5 years Topsoe Fuel Cell, Riso, and international collaborative partners are to invest jointly in research, development, production, and sales in the area of
Honjo Chemical has revealed that a photocatalytic reaction causes oxidative degradation of acetaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and other VOCs when silica gel is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. Trials showed that oxidative degradation with the new technology may occur with light, resulting in simpler reproduction and continued activity even if water is adsorbed. The research opens new applications of silica gel using photocatalytic reactions. The company plans to utilize the technology by joint development, licensing, and introducing the business as an environmental catalyst business. Japan Chemical Week, 30 Mar 2006, 47 (2361), 1
Block copolymers made using two catalysts Chemists at Dow Chemical have made block copolymers from ethylene and longer chain α-olefins by using
JUNE 2006