- Email: [email protected]
DynaMotive sponsoring R&D on BioOil gasification
FOCUS programme that exceed the initial performance targets set by the US Department of Energy (DOE), which were established by comparison with the performance of existing commercial enzymes for biomass conversion. This achievement triggered two milestone payments to Diversa totalling over $500,000 – one for meeting the DOE requirements and a second for substantially exceeding the DOE requirements. The goal of the programme, which was initiated in 2003, is to develop a cost-effective process to convert corn and other biomass feedstocks to sugars for making fuels and chemicals. Based on Diversa’s successful enzyme development activities, the programme has advanced to the next phase, which is focused on achieving key economic objectives. This programme is part of a six-year alliance between Diversa and DuPont Bio-Based Materials to discover and develop novel biocatalysts for the production of fuel ethanol, DuPont Bio-PDO for textiles and other applications, and a range of value-added chemicals from renewable resources such as corn and biomass. As the leader of a $38 M consortium to develop a biorefinery, DuPont will receive $19 M in matching funds from the DOE over four years. In addition to Diversa, which offers enzyme development expertise, and DuPont, which offers chemical and engineering expertise. Diversa is receiving research funding from DuPont and is entitled to milestone payments and royalties on any new products developed under the collaboration. Diversa Corp is a leader in applying proprietary genomic technologies for the rapid discovery and optimization of novel proteinbased products. 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 (11 Jul 2005) & Chemical and Engineering News, 18 Jul 2005, 83 (29), 12-13
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Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. The research project involves the development of a process for gasification of BioOil by catalytic steam reforming to produce syngas and/or hydrogen. Syngas can be further converted into synthetic diesel, a renewable, greenhouse gas neutral fuel that can replace hydrocarbon diesel. The objective of the research programme will be to develop it into a practical process for BioOil gasification. The University will act as an independent contractor on this research programme, which will commence in Jul 2005 and will last up to 18 months. Any technology developed from the programme will belong to the University with DynaMotive having the option to obtain a non-exclusive licence to it. DynaMotive would ship BioOil to the FZK research institute in Freiberg, Germany. DynaMotive is an energy systems company focused on the development of innovative energy solutions based on its patented fast pyrolysis system. Press release from: DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp, Angus Corporate Centre, 1700, West 75th Avenue, Suite 105, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2, Canada. Tel: +1 604 267 6013. Fax: +1 604 267 6005. Website: http://www.dynamotive.com (5 Jul 2005)
Engelhard purchases Chinese catalyst plant On 8 Jun 2005 Engelhard Process Technology (Nanjing) Co Ltd was established. Ownership of Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industrial Co Ltd’s catalyst plant has been transferred to Engelhard, US. Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industrial’s annual capacity should reach 8500 tonne/y, with the annual sales volume about 5000 tonnes and the sales value about RMB 100 M. Engelhard is the world’s number one catalysts company, with annual sales revenue of almost $4 bn. China Chemical Reporter, 26 Jun 2005, 16 (18), 5
Johnson Matthey reports higher profits DynaMotive sponsoring R&D on BioOil gasification DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp (DynaMotive) has signed an agreement to initiate research on the gasification of BioOil at the University of Western Ontario, Department of
SEPTEMBER 2005
Johnson Matthey has reported results for the year ended 31 Mar 2005. Turnover increased by 3% to £4.6 bn, profits before tax increased by 4% to £204 M. Of this, catalyst profits increased by 2% to £111.5 M. The outlook for 2H 2005 is good, with income from autocats in Europe and
Asia exceeding losses from autocats in the USA. The catalytic diesel soot filter business is very promising. Chemistry and Industry, 4 July 2005, (13), 6 & European Chemical News, 25 July 2005, 83 (2157), 8
Johnson Matthey/TDG renew contract for catalysts The UK contract for TDG European Chemicals to distribute catalysts from Johnson Matthey has been renewed for a further three years. As part of the new contract, £100,000 has been invested in packaging facilities at Warrington, UK, by TDG European Chemicals. European Chemical News, 18 Jul 2005, 83 (2156), 16
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical refocusing R&D The main products of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical are natural gas, hydrogen peroxide, methanol, and xylene. Its R&D has focused on new product development for electronics and information technology, biotechnology, performance chemicals, and new environmental and energy products. A differentiation strategy has been adopted in Kyoso 2005, the company’s current mid-term business plan which includes the development of new opportunities for its current core products. Its long-term development strategy now focuses on maintaining and consolidating a leading market position for competitive products by making improvements in the technology. It also aims to create new business opportunities in sectors which are emerging. The structure of the R&D sector has been reorganised with stronger links between corporate research and company research. Four R&D centres are located in Tsukuba, Tokyo, Niigata, and Kiratsuka. Company-related research has been transferred from Tsukuba to the three other centres. New technologies developed include polycarbonate production by trans-esterification without the use of phosgene, methyl methacrylate production without generation of ammonium sulfate, and trimethylolpropane production with no by-production of sodium formate have also been developed. Dimethyl ether is being developed for use as an alternative clean fuel and the
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Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. The research project involves the development of a process for gasification of BioOil by catalytic steam reforming to produce syngas and/or hydrogen. Syngas can be further converted into synthetic diesel, a renewable, greenhouse gas neutral fuel that can replace hydrocarbon diesel. The objective of the research programme will be to develop it into a practical process for BioOil gasification. The University will act as an independent contractor on this research programme, which will commence in Jul 2005 and will last up to 18 months. Any technology developed from the programme will belong to the University with DynaMotive having the option to obtain a non-exclusive licence to it. DynaMotive would ship BioOil to the FZK research institute in Freiberg, Germany. DynaMotive is an energy systems company focused on the development of innovative energy solutions based on its patented fast pyrolysis system. Press release from: DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp, Angus Corporate Centre, 1700, West 75th Avenue, Suite 105, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2, Canada. Tel: +1 604 267 6013. Fax: +1 604 267 6005. Website: http://www.dynamotive.com (5 Jul 2005)
Engelhard purchases Chinese catalyst plant On 8 Jun 2005 Engelhard Process Technology (Nanjing) Co Ltd was established. Ownership of Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industrial Co Ltd’s catalyst plant has been transferred to Engelhard, US. Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industrial’s annual capacity should reach 8500 tonne/y, with the annual sales volume about 5000 tonnes and the sales value about RMB 100 M. Engelhard is the world’s number one catalysts company, with annual sales revenue of almost $4 bn. China Chemical Reporter, 26 Jun 2005, 16 (18), 5
Johnson Matthey reports higher profits DynaMotive sponsoring R&D on BioOil gasification DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp (DynaMotive) has signed an agreement to initiate research on the gasification of BioOil at the University of Western Ontario, Department of
SEPTEMBER 2005
Johnson Matthey has reported results for the year ended 31 Mar 2005. Turnover increased by 3% to £4.6 bn, profits before tax increased by 4% to £204 M. Of this, catalyst profits increased by 2% to £111.5 M. The outlook for 2H 2005 is good, with income from autocats in Europe and
Asia exceeding losses from autocats in the USA. The catalytic diesel soot filter business is very promising. Chemistry and Industry, 4 July 2005, (13), 6 & European Chemical News, 25 July 2005, 83 (2157), 8
Johnson Matthey/TDG renew contract for catalysts The UK contract for TDG European Chemicals to distribute catalysts from Johnson Matthey has been renewed for a further three years. As part of the new contract, £100,000 has been invested in packaging facilities at Warrington, UK, by TDG European Chemicals. European Chemical News, 18 Jul 2005, 83 (2156), 16
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical refocusing R&D The main products of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical are natural gas, hydrogen peroxide, methanol, and xylene. Its R&D has focused on new product development for electronics and information technology, biotechnology, performance chemicals, and new environmental and energy products. A differentiation strategy has been adopted in Kyoso 2005, the company’s current mid-term business plan which includes the development of new opportunities for its current core products. Its long-term development strategy now focuses on maintaining and consolidating a leading market position for competitive products by making improvements in the technology. It also aims to create new business opportunities in sectors which are emerging. The structure of the R&D sector has been reorganised with stronger links between corporate research and company research. Four R&D centres are located in Tsukuba, Tokyo, Niigata, and Kiratsuka. Company-related research has been transferred from Tsukuba to the three other centres. New technologies developed include polycarbonate production by trans-esterification without the use of phosgene, methyl methacrylate production without generation of ammonium sulfate, and trimethylolpropane production with no by-production of sodium formate have also been developed. Dimethyl ether is being developed for use as an alternative clean fuel and the
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